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Who am I ? Her imaginary friend. Born in her dreams, I was there, watching her grow.

I woke up in a child's room, surrounded by toys. Everything was messy, not arranged. A little girl, who was approximately 6 years old, was in front of me, sparkles in her eyes. It was like she had waited a long time for me to open my eyes.

"You awake ? Yay !", said the little girl.

"It finally happened ! Let me present myself, I'm Atsuko. "

I couldn't figure out what was happening yet. My memory was not very clear. Maybe was I in a coma ? Or I just had a memory loss ? I must have missed something. I was there, reincarnated in the body of a 6 years old, in a room I've never seen before, with a little girl I've never met.

"I knew it was going to be realized" she declared with excitement.

"What are you talking about ?", I finally asked her. 

She smiled, and softly said :

"You are my imaginary friend !"

An imaginary friend ? What happened to me ? Am I no longer alive ? Something must have take place in my past life, but I can't remember it. My memory has been suppressed. My memory is like a desert, nothing nowhere. 

"How should I name you ?", asked Atsuko.

A new name ? I wanted to pick my own past name but I couldn't remember it, even if I tried hard to. The only name I knew at that time was Ako.

"Maybe... Ako ?", I whispered.

Her eyes lightened up.

"That's a super great idea ! I like it.", answered Atsuko. "Ako, thank you for being there with me."

That's how I become an "Imaginary Friend". I still haven't regained my memory back, but I learned some things that are important. First, I can't leave the space I have been "summoned" in. So, I can't leave Atsuko's bedroom. Second, only her can see me, or interact with me. And finally, I can come in Atsuko's dreams to be with her. I founded this a little bit weird but if she decided this, I'll be okay with it.

Today, I'm all alone in her room for a long time for the first time. She had to go to school. And, I can't come with her obviously. The time passed like an eternity, I had nothing to do beside waiting. 

When she finally come home, she was surexcited, wanting to expose her day to me.

"I don't like school, that's super boring !", complained Atsuko. "I don't want to go anymore"

It's strange, I feel like I've already been in this situation. Being frustrated by something, and knowing there's nothing I can do to stop it.

"What happened ? You can tell me everything."

"The others... They are so mean !", admitted Atsuko.

She was on the verge of letting tears fall. The other kids were that evil with her ? I can't stand to see someone crying...

"I don't have any friends ! I just want a friend..."

"I'm here for you, Atsuko."

I was trying to reassure her. 

"Even if I'm not real, I'll be there for you."

Even if all this is not real, if it's only a fever dream, I'll try to be her friend. I will try to make her happy, to be the best friend she'll ever had. 

She bursted into tears. She's young after all, she can't retain all her feelings, she have to express it.

"It's gonna be okay... Don't cry... Some people don't deserve you... Don't cry for them.", I said, while hugging her. "You said it yourself, I'm your friend, it'll be okay."

That day, I discovered the reality of her life. She was bullied, had no friends, no one to talk with. It was clear now. The reason why she wanted to have an imaginary friend was because she didn't have a real friend... I feel bad for her. Why was she bullied ? I didn't know. By who ? I didn't know either. Even if I knew everything, there's nothing I can do. I can't act, but I can be her emotional support, whenever she needs.

I made a promise, I will take care of her. I will make her days more sweet.

I will be her imaginary (best) friend.