Just one look, one glance can make a difference. Acknowledging someone you know when you see them—a small action—causes a reaction, a feeling, whether big or small. Don't let your fear trap you. Don't stop at just acknowledging someone's existence; that's not enough. It may make a person feel not worth greeting or looking at—a person who could have been your future friend, a person you could have relied on.
You don't have to believe in a destined friend or soulmate. You are you; there is no need to change yourself for anyone. But never forget to make an effort. An effort to be better than you were yesterday. An effort to lift your head, because you are worthy. You are not someone worth passing by, and neither is the person you pass by.
Go ahead. Feel everything, see everything, then make an observation. Is your world, your surroundings, really that horrible? The world within your reach. The world you only have to lift your eyes to see. A place you can make your own and call home.
"Adah, I still have my shirt—" His eyes freeze and avert mine. "Okay, okay. I won't bother you anymore."
"You're not bothering me, Joel. It's just that I can't wear your clothes in front of your parents."
"I don't think they would care," he mumbles under his breath.
He grabs my hand tighter as we walk down the stairs.
"Adah, it's cold today, so we made soup. I hope that's okay with you? I know that you aren't very keen on soup—Sarai told me."
"Mom did?" Mrs. Sali nods. "She told me about it when you were about eight years old."
"It's okay, Aunty. I'll eat."
"You will? We can make you something else to eat if you want. I can make you—Ouch!"
I slightly pinch his back. With my brows furrowed, I shake my head, looking up at him as if saying no. "I'll eat anything you give me."
"Are you sure, Adah?" Mr. Sali walks into the dining room holding the stew.
"Yes, I'm okay. I'm really sure."
"Just let me bring the bread from the kitchen and then we'll eat." Mr. Sali quickly walks back into the kitchen.
As time passes, the air around the dining table fills with warmth. Spoons make clinking sounds, and laughter echoes through the dining room. It's snowing outside. It all feels magical.
As I look out through the giant windows, I feel myself slip into my thoughts. The snow and the view of the fountain covered in white is beautiful. The sound of Mr. Sali's chair shifting wakes me up.
"So, how are you two?" Joel stops eating. The atmosphere turns tense, yet calm. "Mom, what do you mean?"
"I mean your relationship." I almost choked on my soup. "Oh dear, was I too straightforward?"
"No, it's okay, Aunty." I quickly wipe my mouth.
"Mom, we're doing fine. It's just as you've seen—I'm taking care of Adah properly."
"You are?" Mr. Sali looks at Joel with stern eyes.
"Yes, Dad, I am." He puts down his spoon. "I haven't done anything you would disapprove of, I promise. I don't cross any boundaries without asking her first."
Mr. Sali looks at me.
I quickly clear my throat and answer. "It's true. We don't cross each other's boundaries."
"Then that's okay. How is Joel?"
"Mom! Why are you asking her?"
"Joel is doing well. He takes care of me well, he listens—" A smile slowly spreads across my face. "He buys me my favorite things, and most of all, he's very cute."
I can feel him fidgeting beside me. "Oh, you're cute?" Mr. Sali says, intrigued.
"He is. It's very comforting being around him. It's like a breath of fresh air. Being in love with him is—"
"Adah, stop!" He covers my mouth with his hand, clearly flustered.
"Why? I'm only—" As I turn my face toward his parents, I see their surprised expressions.
"Ah, no, I didn't mean it like that."
"Yes, you did," Joel says adamantly, his flustered face turning slightly downcast.
"I mean, I did mean it! I didn't want to imply that I don't care. I just forgot your parents were here for a second."
"I know you did. Your eyes lit up—they usually do that when you talk about me."
My cheeks heat up. We're softly startled by his parents' laughter.
"Joel is much more vocal about you now. A lot more, compared to two years back."
"He is?" I ask, intrigued. Seeing Joel flustered makes me smile even more brightly.
"Yes. He first started talking about you when you met at the party when you were kids, but he became much more expressive about you two years ago."
That must have been when we started high school.
"He kept rambling on about how beautiful you became with each passing year, and how you were finally becoming closer—but just as friends."
"Mom!" He quietly sends her a look, silently asking her to stop.
"What's wrong?" Mr. Sali asks, chuckling. "Can I clear the table and take Adah home? It's only the first day of school, after all."
"Alright, I'll stop laughing. You can take her home after you clear the table."
We go back to his room to take my school bag.
"Have you checked when the bus arrives?"
"No, I'm driving you home."
"You're driving me home?"
"Yeah, it will be much faster than taking the bus. And here, take this."
He hands me a grey sweatshirt.
"Why are you giving me this?"
"We're seniors this year, so we probably won't have time to hang out around each other's houses during school days."
"Yes?"
"Wear it when we can't be together after school. That way, you'll feel my warmth."
I shyly smile as I walk closer toward him, playfully nudging him. "Come on, let's go. I really have to go home." I pull him toward me, leaving his room.
Downstairs, the sound of the crackling fireplace and its warmth flows through the living room. In the midst of it, Mrs. Sali and Mr. Sali sit together, wrapped under a blanket.
"Doesn't Adah feel more comfortable with us, honey?"
"She does, and so does Joel. He can finally stop worrying." Mrs. Sali wraps her arm around Mr. Sali's arm. "We told him to stop worrying, but he wouldn't listen." Mrs.Sali sighs.
"I know. That boy is a stubborn one."
"I have to tell Sarai about this! Adah is calling me Aunty! I've waited for this day for a long time."
Joel quickly peeks his head into the living room.
"Mom, I'm driving Adah home."
"Okay, drive safely. It's snowing a lot."
We enter the garage and sit in the car. The drive passes by quickly—too fast, as though time wants to run away. Before I can think, we're parked outside my apartment villa.
I take my bag, ready to jump out of his car.
"Wait, you're forgetting something."
"Forgetting what?" I look at him, bewildered. "What did I forget?"
"Can I get a kiss?" He smiles softly.
"Where do you want me to kiss you?"
His face quickly changes from surprised to ecstatic.
"Wherever you want."
Be aware.
Do not be frozen.
Lift your eyes—
See the horizon.
Let your heart fight.
Your feelings are true.
Hear how you speak.
It's a joy to love.
Live without worry, care, and be proud.
Your life is meaningful.
Someone has always been waiting.
Be bold and courageous.
Take the leap forward.