Hold it in a sweet embrace

A classmate asked me “Have you ever fallen in love?” I didn't answer, more like I couldn't. I don't know if I ever did. Classes finished, I walked on the way home but I just couldn't get this question out of my head. I kept wondering why I couldn't. Was it because I never had or I’m just not familiar with love? When I'm curious about something, I don't go home right away instead I visit the sea close to our place. The sunset there always looked lovely, and most of the time I was the only one who got to admire it. Once again, it’s me who gets to watch it. There aren't people who visit often except me. Such a shame. I looked around, the purplish sky and the bright sunset were beautiful. The sound of waves and birds chirping is so calm. I walked and walked and still couldn't get that question out of my head “Ugh! This is so frustrating! It doesn't matter if I don't know. It’s not my fault.” but why am I so bothered by it? “Two hours have passed, and I should go back home.” On the way home, I saw a bird lying on the road and it was injured. It was bleeding. I ran to check on it. “Oh, you poor bird, you're bleeding. I should take you home with me. And let’s take you to the vet tomorrow because it’s late hehe.” I took the bird and held it softly. Embracing it with so much care even when no one has held me this way, I always put so much care into everything I do. Is this love? Probably not. It’s just basic human decency.

I just got home. “Is aunt not home yet? All the lights are still off.” I'm hungry it’s late. I should just cook some Instant ramen and head to bed. I need to take this poor bird to the vet tomorrow so it means I should wake up early.

— The following day.

“Hey! Wake up! You’ll be late for school.” is my aunt home already? I can hear her shouting so early in the morning, on a Saturday too! “Oh shoot! It’s already 10:00 am! I still have to go to the vet.” I rushed and went out to take a shower. “Finally, our princess is awake.” My aunt said sarcastically. “Come on pls, it’s a Saturday I don't have class,” I replied. “Right, I forgot I'm sorry,” she stated. “I’ll leave first because I need to take this sick bird to the vet.” I left immediately because I didn’t want to hear her nagging especially when my head hurt from that random question my classmate asked. If I hadn’t run right away after I told her about this bird, she would probably go “Aya! Who told you to bring an injured bird home?” Or “You little girl! How many times have I told not to bring animals home?” I respect my aunt a lot but I can’t help it. I always feel bad when I see poor things needing help. They are probably just waiting for people to help them, only for people to keep passing by. No one cares. Every day is hard for everyone already, they can’t make time for other things anymore. Especially for unimportant matters. But to me, these stray animals matter because they also have a life to live. We all do. Nobody wants to live a life in despair, even me.

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