Do you still remember me?

“It has been four years since I was sent to the mental rehabilitation facility, locked away to cure something I never even had. A year has passed since my release. I left the country soon after, putting as much distance as I could between myself and the place I once called home—between myself and the eyes that still remember me.
Sora lives with Aiko aunty's family now. She wanted me to stay with her… but I refused.
Isn’t it better this way? Better for her to live with people who can still smile at her, rather than with someone the world brands a murderer and a rapist?
The pain is too heavy for me to carry. Even if she loves me, the world only sees me as a lunatic. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I stopped going to school. I stopped talking to people altogether.
Now I simply drift through life, picking up meaningless distractions, doing anything to keep myself from sinking back into the past. But the tragedy that struck never released its fangs, leaving nothing behind but a scar. I can’t face it. I can’t move on. I am not as strong as others might have been.
This past year, I have done nothing but wander the world, pretending to bury my memories, pretending to escape. But not everyone can do that. Not everyone is the protagonist of some grand epic odyssey.
I am just a broken soul, forgotten by the world, searching for a little peace. In solitude—where I am least alone.”

I closed my diary as the fire from the campfire crackled, sending a few sparks toward me. I took a deep breath and lifted my eyes to the sky above the Pyramids of Giza. A sky filled with stars stretched endlessly over me—yet it felt hollow.

Eastside District, Legacy High School

“So, students, it’s decided. We are going to explore the Pyramids this Friday. It’s part of our annual study tour, as Legacy High is one of the leading archaeology-focused high schools in the country. Our education board has very strong ties with the Egyptian government, and this year they are allowing only three branches of Legacy High to participate. Out of the fourteen branches, our school was selected for its high reputation.” said the homeroom teacher to the class.

Everyone in the class applauded and murmured excitedly. The teacher raised his hand to calm them down.

“Okay, okay, class. We know you’re excited, but before you celebrate too much, remember — this trip isn’t just for fun. You’ll also have an assignment on the pyramid exploration: presenting your own thoughts and the mysteries behind it. It will count for 30% of your final marks. This is part of learning by seeing things practically. Any questions?”

A student raised her hand.

“Yes, Nora, you want to ask something?”

Nora stood up. “Sir, are we going there alone, or will our parents be coming with us too?”

The teacher waved her down. “Good question. If your parents want to come, they can, but they’ll stay in separate buildings. You’ll mostly have to stick with your teams during the project. They can see you occasionally, but interactions will be limited.”

Another student raised her hand. “Sir, how long is our trip?”

The teacher smiled. “Important question. Our annual study tours usually last 4–7 days, but this year we’ll be there for 20 days — the longest trip Legacy High has ever organized. The education board emphasizes the Pyramids because they are among the most mysterious and thought-provoking of the Seven Wonders.”

He sat back down. “Okay, that’s enough for today. We still have a week before departure. Any further questions can wait.”

During lunch break, a girl with glasses asked Sora, “Are you going with your parents, Sora?”

“No, of course not, Yuri,” Sora replied, expression straight.

“Yeah, you’re right. We’re not little kids anymore. Parents coming would just limit what we can do,” said the other girl sitting with Sora and Yuri on the lunch bench, eating together.

Yuri took a bite of her roll and said, “Yeah. But my elder brother is also in this school, and we’re not on the best of terms. I just hope we don’t cross paths too much.”

“Brother… huh?” Sora mumbled to herself.

“Sora?… SORA?”

“Yes, yes! What’s wrong?”

“Are you okay?” Yuri asked, concern written on her face.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Why?”

“No… I mean, tears are sliding down your cheeks,” said Yuri.

“Tears…?” Sora touched her cheeks and, in shock, realized she was crying. She immediately stood up. “I’m fine. I think something just got into my eyes. I’m going to the washroom.”

And without another word, she hurried away.

Sora splashed water on her face a few times and stared at the mirror.
“Why am I crying? What’s wrong with me?” she whispered. But deep down, she already knew she wouldn’t find the answer. It was the same question she had been asking herself for the past year, and it never gave her peace.

After that, she stayed quiet in class, barely listening, just waiting for the day to end.

“I’m home,” Sora called as she opened the door. No response. She stepped into the living room and found Aiko aunty watching TV.

“Oh, Sora, when did you come? Aren’t you home earlier today?”

“I wasn’t feeling well, so I skipped prep school.”

“Oh? Do you have a fever?” Aiko aunty leaned forward and placed a hand on her forehead.

Sora pulled away gently. “No, I’m fine. Just a little stomachache. But I feel better now.”

“That’s good. Go upstairs and rest, then.”

“Okay.”

Just as she was about to leave, Aiko aunty added, “Oh, I forgot—there was a letter for you this morning.”

Sora blinked. “A… letter? Who even writes letter these days? Who’s it from?”

“I’m not sure, but the name on it is… Shams.”

Sora picked up the envelope, reading the name carefully. “Shams? The full name is ‘Shams Nahr’…? Shams… who could this be…?”

Her heart suddenly skipped a beat, as if a buried memory had struck her. Without another word, she rushed upstairs, clutching the letter tightly, and shut her door behind her. She sank slowly to the floor, letting her back rest against the door, her legs drawn close.
It seemed like she already knew who it was from. Her hands trembled as she tore the envelope open and slid the letter out.

“It’s been a while since I last told you something, hasn’t it… Sora? Do you still remember me...?"