—September, 2012

       
       Life is life when you have all spices in your platter, right? The sun beams are tickling Elan's face. She tries to shut her eyes to adjust with the radiant glow. Only two months are left for their finals.

       She remembers the discussion which is more likely to be precision in the dining table this morning—

       "I guess, it's better if Elan goes to the city or better—another country for further education," Her grandma mused.

      "You know, darling. It's not in our hands. Let Nathan come! We shall see what's he having," Her grandpa closed the matter right there as if Elan wasn't present and didn't hear their bickering.

       Elan always wanted to be a doctor. But she never knew where? Perhaps fate has already planned out her destiny. A sigh escapes from her lips while she's reminiscing about the recent event.

       She's sauntering on the school gate now, and going forth and back until she sees a figure is walking towards the opposite building of their school. What's Evan doing there? She thought.

      She avoids the part of shouting since it's of no use, he's already out of her sight. She walks in the same direction. It's an old building, hardly finished with construction. Years of dust and gore smells, filling in the air. Elan scrunched her nose and walked forward.

      Finally she finds Evan, sitting on the edge of the railing. She hurries her steps there. "Are you crazy? Step back, you will fall Evan," She says while pulling his hands.

       Evan was surprised for a moment, but later indifferent. He didn't make any move to step down, after a few futile attempts— Elan sits back beside him while stretching out her legs.

       "What happened? Why are you being so dull? Ever since the last music festival, you'd been so distant."

       She continues, "You're not coming to school."

      "I don't want to do it anymore. I'm tired! I'm freaking tired, Elan!" Evan bursts out.

      This is a rare side of Evan, she's seeing for the first time or maybe he's being truthful for ever. She lets him to continue—

      "You know, my parents want me to always act perfect. Perfect grades, perfect school! Everything! I'm having everything, you know yet I'm not supposed to be sad and sulking over here," Evan says, hanging his head down.

      "It's okay to not be okay, Evan. We all have our moments," She says, patting his back.

      He jerks back, "No! It's not easy, Elan! You don't understand! Last year, I almost killed myself, getting hospitalised! Yet, I got saved! I don't know why! I don't know the reason."

     Hearing this, Elan got a bolted shock. Why is life like this? Why can't we appreciate life? Why can't life appreciate us?

    
     Elan takes a deep breath and says, "I am sorry to hear that, Evan. Life doesn't end right there."

     "Just stop it! I can't think properly. Everytime, it's been aching whenever I have forced myself too. I have been pleasing everyone yet couldn't plead for my happiness?" He seethes back.

      How can she make him understand? She knows all the barriers. When the piercing glasses broke right through the poles, there's only hollow blood left.

      "You have to talk with your parents, Evan!" She says sternly this time.

      "Yeah! Just like it would solve anything! You know, the last time the boy had fallen unexpectedly, it should have been me. I shouldn't be here if not Orion, would see me as a broken person who can tattered and fall apart at any time!" Evan covers his face with both hands.

      "Then learn to live, Evan. For you, for everyone. Life doesn't give many chances."

      "You don't understand, whereas you're not seeking for yourself!" Evan spats out angrily. Something flashed across Elan's face. Evan realises his mistake—

      "I'm sorry, Elan—

       "Yeah! You're right, I don't understand. I should better seek out for myself first. I apologise for carding up your sleeves. Take care of yourself!" Elan rushes with her backpack.

     Evan sits back helpless until her shadow disappears in the moonlight. Time passes by! He didn't realise, withering leaves fall too before a new sprouting!

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