Faraway isn't that remarkable of a town. If anything, it's kinda dull. The houses all look the same, there's only like four stores, and it's hours away from anywhere less boring. I guess it's easy to get around town by just walking, but is that really saying much? Beats me.
The only thing that made Faraway worthwhile to me were the friends I spent everyday with. There was a treehouse we built together during our summer break, which became our new humble base after we abandoned our old hangout spot. Grabbing a bite to eat at Gino's with Hero, playing video games at Hobbeez with Kel, or buying garden soil at Fix-It with Basil, it was always fun if it was with them. Nothing will compare to when I first spent the night and cuddled amongst Sunny's stuffed animals though. I'll never forget how soft his bed felt, how warm everyone around me was, and how safe I felt under their roof. I wish I could've laid there forever…
Sigh. I really miss those days…
"I'm sure you do too."
Aubrey glanced at the granite gravestone to her left, barely illuminated by the dwindling moonlight above, hugging her knees whilst sitting on the grass below.
Mari Suzuki
March 1 1980 - October 23 1995
Our Dearest Mari; The Sun Shined Brighter When She Was Here
The pink-haired teen let out a sigh, fighting back the urge to tear up like she used to when visiting the sister she always wanted.
"A lot has changed since you… parted ways with us. I've gotten taller, maybe even more than you. I also got my hair dyed pink like we talked about too. I wish you could see it. You would've looked good with purple hair y'know."
Aubrey scooted Mari, careful not to knock over the white pot in front of both her and the gravestone.
A flower? That wasn't there before. Damn it Basil…
"As for the friend group… well, I guess that's the one thing I'm glad you didn't have to see change… I'd say more but, I think it's better if you remember them all the way you last knew them."
"We… We really did all love you, Mari. I hope you knew that before you…"
The delinquent was on the verge of tears, but she didn't want to appear weak like this. Not in front of Mari. She wiped her eyes and took a deep breath, taking notice of the potted flower once more as she opened her eyes.
Lily of the valley.
Aubrey finally stood up from off the ground, slapping the bottom of jean skirt for any possible blades of grass. The sun seemed to finally be rising on the small town of Faraway. Daybreak at last.
"Sorry again for visiting you unexpectedly like this, especially this early in the day. I… just needed someone to vent to, and you always listened to me no matter how silly or trivial it was. God, I was such a brat back then… I guess I still am, huh."
Before the pink-haired teen left the cemetery grounds, she gave one last look back at the grave of the sister she never had. A ray of light was cast upon where Mari peacefully rested, a feeling of melancholy washing over the delinquent.
"Thanks for spending some time with me on my 16th birthday. Thanks for… just being in my life at all, Mari." Aubrey gave a faint smile before turning away and leaving the cemetery grounds.
See you tomorrow.
