The Girl in the Rain

I remember the first day of high school like it was yesterday. Or more like the day before yesterday. Those frilly sakura petals fell on top of my face like droplets, clouding up my free-moving mind and making me acknowledge their presence. New students were coming in, running around, and greeting each other, trying to make friends that would last them these grueling three years. As I looked around to find mine, I caught a glimpse of a certain someone standing near the gate, looking like she was waiting for someone, awkwardly glancing left and right. Weirdly it felt all too familiar to me, but I just can't place my finger on it.

I went up to this girl and peered straight into her eyes before asking the question that was on my mind right from the start.

"Are you looking for someone?"

"Oh, yeah, I was looking for my middle school friend, but I guess they joined up with their other friends."

I could feel the sadness in her eyes as she said that, invoking my maternal instincts on demand. I cannot just leave this hatchling without a mama here; the scene just looked too sad to me.

"I see, you will definitely meet them soon. Name's Natsuki. Let's go in together."

"My name is Saya. Nice to meet you. But I think I will wait for them. Thanks for the invite, though."

Her reply was firm and oozed confidence. I could tell she had good character and thought dearly of her friends, although this friend was looking kind of like a bummer to me. I gave her a quick nod and waved goodbye as I walked through the gate. I could still feel that she might end up waiting a long time, but I wanted to respect her decision. This was the moment that I always regretted, even now.

As the day ended and I walked out the school door, I kept wondering if her friend met with her or if she had been left waiting. The rain had started pouring into the school garden, falling relentlessly as if it didn't care for the ones it graced upon. I had to look for my pocket umbrella stashed away in my bag, but was able to find it rather quickly.

As I opened my umbrella, and I start walking in the general direction of the gate, my eyes darted forwards. I could not believe my eyes. She was still standing there, waiting for that ungrateful friend, as the rain kept falling on her head. I ran straight up to her and covered her head with that tiny umbrella as I looked at her sulky face, completely wet.

"I...I waited for her. But ..."

I wondered if it was the rain at play or...? Seeing that, I couldn't control my feelings and gave her a huge hug and a small pat on her head. I could hear a squeak as she finally let her emotions run, but I didn't turn to see her face. I just didn't have the heart.

I decided I would never leave this girl alone, whatever may come.