Episode 11: Precious Reminiscences
" We're here! " Mito-san announced, stopping just in front of the entrance to the Whale Island's Festival. " We have to pair off since there are six of us here. That way, you are all free to go anywhere you please but we have to agree that everyone has to meet up here after three hours. How's that sound? "
All of us agreed.
Gon and Killua immediately paired off together, leaving Kurapica, Leorio, Mito-san and me to be grouped.
" Well, the two of you can run along now, " Mito-san told them. " And please be careful. "
Both of them nodded and ran off, disappearing amongst the crowds.
" Now then, " Mito-san began, turning to the rest of us. " How are we going to pair us
up? "
" I'll pair up with Mito-san! " Leorio declared.
The older woman glanced at him, looking slightly irritated. Then, she turned back to me and Kurapica.
" Well then, that leaves the two of you on your own. Do you mind? "
I smiled and shook my head, no.
She returned my smile and ruffled my hair.
" Okay, remember that you are only given three hours to do whatever you want and then meet back here, " Mito-san reminded us and left.
Before long, I felt Kurapica's eyes on me.
" Uh, K-Kurapica-san? I don't mind if you leave me on my own, it's not a problem. I know you…well…kind of hate me being here – "
" Don't tell me what to do…Hikari. You heard Mito-san, " Kurapica interrupted before I could finish.
I felt a twinge of annoyance but I did not retort.
Soon, I forgot about Kurapica, who seemed to be lagging behind and began to enjoy the festival.
It is so amazing…!
So many people around…
They all look so happy…!
I smiled as I took everything in, with deep fascination and interest.
There are so many stores all set up all around…!
I wonder what they all are selling…
I went nearer to take a closer look at their merchandise. I inspected them inquisitively.
It was then I saw them.
Candy apples…!
My favourite…!
I marched over to the store that was selling them. I stared at them, longingly. I wanted to buy one but then, I had no money to buy it with.
" Hey, you! Leave my cart alone! "
Instantaneously, I looked up and was face to face with the storekeeper.
" You came here to steal again, didn't you? " he demanded, glaring down at me.
" N-No, I…I- " I stammered, feeling mortified.
" Get lost, you stupid robber! " he spat out fiercely.
Attracted by the fuss that the storekeeper was causing, people stopped by to look over at me.
Some had the nerve to whisper when I was within ear-shot.
" Would you look at that, a pretty thief! "
" I think she uses her face to distract people and when they aren't looking, she'll just steal anything of the rack! "
" Do her parents teach her any good intrinsic worth? "
" Shame on whoever her parents are! "
I was close to tears when I heard all those mean remarks aimed at me.
" Please sir, " I begged. " I was just looking at them…that was all. "
The storekeeper smirked at me.
" Oh, really? Maybe, you have it all mixed up. For you, looking means stealing. It's all the same, isn't it? " he sneered.
" No! " I whispered, the tears blurring my vision. " I'm not that kind of person that you may think I am! "
" You little thief, just go back the way you came! " he continued. " I'm not interested with whatever your reasons are! "
My eyes widened at this.
Why is everyone being so cruel to me…?
Honestly, I just came over to look at them…
I didn't mean to steal them…
I never even thought about stealing one of them…!
Without another word, I ran off, without looking back at any of them.
In the end…
Everyone is the same…
It's no use trying…
Trying to be friends with anyone…
They'll just make use of me…
Either that or just scorn me…
I kept on running. I ran as hard as I could to get away from everyone. I knew that I did not belong anywhere, no matter how hard I tried.
Why…?
I used to be surrounded by people…
I was much loved…
I was cared and looked after by everyone in the Kuruta tribe…
But now…
Now, my people were all gone…
And my once cherished love and warmth went along with them…
All of which were lost…
Leaving me here…
Alone, to face the society who shuns me away…
It was like I stood out and carried a vile disease…
Sadness and hurt washed over me in strong waves.
Where…?
Is there any place that I belong…?
I know that it was wrong of me to steal things…
But, I did it for a purpose…
And, it was to survive…!
I didn't do it simply because I wanted to…
But I had to…
It wasn't done on a whim…
It was a need…
Finally, I stopped. I found myself near a lake. It was desolate, just the way I was used to. I lived in such surroundings, all deserted and abandoned.
I had suffered much…
But…
But, who could I turn to…?
All these, I carried within me…
Like a burden, heavy upon my shoulders…
I sank to the ground, gasping for air. Unable to control any longer, I wept.