Zeiru’s POV

“I SAID, I'M FINE!”

That was the third time Rina shouted at her older sister, Rin. She’s definitely not like that. She’s very kind and obedient  

“Rina, you don’t have to shout at me like that. I’m just worried about you. And getting a check-up isn’t that bad. So that we’ll know how to help you and-!”

“Why do you think I’m not fine? I’m functioning as a normal human, wouldn't that be enough?” she once again talked back to her. 

Rina runs toward her room, and I know she’s crying already.

“Rina,” 

I know she only wanted to help her. She’s worried about her younger sister. 

As per Rina, it’s like crying is her routine every night. She will cover herself with her blanket and cry until she falls asleep.
I’m always sitting on her bed, and wishing if only I can comfort her or even tap her shoulder and tell her it will be okay. This is frustrating.

Marik told me that I should avoid feeling frustrated, it doesn’t end well for a spirit like me. It’s negative energy that pushes the soul to feel greed. Ugh, I don’t want to talk about it.

I just know, it’s depressing. 

I walk inside her room. The familiar place didn’t change a bit. It’s the same as I remember. 

I saw her sitting on her bed, crying. It pains me to see her crying face every time. In her right hand, she’s holding a photo. 

Photo of us happily smiling together.

Elliot’s POV

A knock wakes me up one morning.

“Elliot, do you want to come with me to the grocery store? Help me today, okay?”

“Sure mom,”

Not really a fan of shopping, but most of my things were left at my apartment abroad. I have to buy some, now that I will be staying here for a while.

Plus, I need to at least hide my face in public. I’m not really that famous, but the clothing brand I’m modeling is really a popular shop here.

“So you’re saying, you didn’t get a girlfriend even while abroad?”

“Mom, just don’t comment about it.” 

“Aww, I’m just excited for you to find the woman you’ll really like. Remember Dahlia, her daughter is the same age as you, you might want to meet her,” she asked, smiling.

“Come on mom,” 

She sighed. “Right, It’s your decision to make. I won’t talk about it then.” She jokingly slapped my shoulder and continued browsing from the shop.

I can’t help but hear how disappointed mom is. She really wanted me to have a girlfriend and then settle down. But I know I’m still not ready.

Well not financially. I already have good savings, and I have a decent job.

A 26 years old man like me can marry any girl I want.

Or so I said.

But I really wanted to finish college. I haven’t talked about it with mom, but I know she’ll agree to my plans. 

We eat lunch outside. Mom is very excited to try this new restaurant she saw on the internet. And I’m just glad we got some time for a mother-and-son date and to catch up with our lives.

“Oh, there’s a new open museum downtown. Do you want to go and check it? I actually have some plans after this?”

A new museum?

“You should go out and be familiar with the neighborhood. It’s been years.”

I guess I have to go check it.

Museums are like my second home. I find it peaceful and meeting several people is kind of inspiring. When I say people, I mean those people on a canvas. They sometimes drag you to the past or tell you a story about it. 

The Museum isn’t bad. Some pieces here are known and I’m happy that there is a place like this near our place.

I already found my favorite piece here. It’s a large painting of a woman holding a single iris flower. The woman’s expression is smiling, but you can see in her eyes how she's suffering. That's why the title of this piece is “Unseen”.

Arts have been my safe place. And probably I can always go back and hide what I feel.

Been years and I still haven’t completed that painting. 

Did my passion leave me, or did I leave it behind?

I need to find inspiration.

After thinking that word, a miracle happened.

She’s here.

She walks like she’s the most beautiful painting that you can’t avert your eyes from.

Or I guess that’s only me.

For years, I longed to see her once again. For years, I tried moving on from her.

For years, I tried to stop my feelings and I know it didn’t work despite going away.

Rina Azalea.

I miss you.