My old life

Warm.

This is all I can feel as the warm water runs all over my skin and body. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, letting go of all my worries and stress. I feel my energy slowly returning and my mind calms down. I am in the moment, present, and at peace.

Taking a shower early in the morning is always rejuvenating and refreshing. It helps me start my day with a clear head and a positive outlook. As my phone plays my favorite song, I hum along and feel energized.

I've always loved singing. Singing has always made me feel positive, and it's a great way to express myself. I have always had a passion for music. I've been singing in choirs and musicals all throughout my life and I'm currently a part of a local a cappella group. Music is a big part of my life and I can't imagine my life without it.

However, I've never been brave enough to sing in front of an audience. Even though I practice a lot, I still get very nervous when I'm performing. I wish I had the courage to step up to the microphone and sing without fear. I know I can do it, I just need to find the confidence within myself.

As I enjoyed myself, I heard a knock on the bathroom door interrupting my thoughts.

???: "Aimi".

I ignore it and sang along to the music playing in the background. I felt the lyrics of the song were speaking directly to me. I closed my eyes and let the melody carry me away, feeling the emotion of the song. I felt so alive and connected to the world around me.

???: "Aimi? Aimi, are you in there?"

My singing talents are only used privately - like singing in the shower. I shook my head and sighed. I was too embarrassed to let anyone hear me sing, not even my best friend. I guess I just wasn't brave enough to-

???: "AIMI!"

"WHAT, MOM?" I yelled out of my shower. "Can't you shout? I'm showering!"

"Well, you're taking too long!" My mom yelled. "It's been twenty minutes already and you're going to be late for school! I want you to get out of the shower, put on your uniform, and grab a snack before you head out the door. Hurry up! You don't have much time!"

I rolled my eyes and sighed. "Just give me a few more minutes, okay?" I said.

I heard my Mom sigh and say, "Fine, but you need to be done in five minutes. No more delays."

In a nod, I got up from the shower, dried myself, and put on my uniform. Jeez, why does my mom have to be so bossy? Anyway, that was my mother, she's a nurse at the local hospital. She works long hours and takes on extra shifts to help out, so I try to help out around the house when she's away.

Oh? What about my siblings you ask? None. I've never got the chance to have any. But I'm ok with that, I love my life the way it is. I know my mom loves me, and I'm grateful for all that she's done for me.

As for my Dad, well, he passed away when I was 10 years old from a serious illness. But it's fine, I have my memories of him and that's enough for me.

Oh yeah! I haven't even introduced myself yet. I'm Aimi Sasuki. I just turned 16 this month and I'm a high school student at Sakuragaoka Academy. I'm a bit of a loner and I don't have many friends, but I'm content with that.

After glancing through the bathroom mirror, I got out of the bathroom and headed for the kitchen where my mother was cooking breakfast.

"I put your bento in the fridge," she said, as I entered. "Now, pack it in your bag before you'll miss the train."

I quickly grabbed my bento from the fridge and packed it in my bag. I then gave my mother a hug and quickly ran out the door. As I left, I could hear my mother calling out "Have a nice day at school!"

I gave her a wave and hurried to the train station. I arrived just in time to catch the train and settled in for the ride. As I looked out the window, the train stopped and a girl with blonde curly locks walked up to me.

'Good morning, Aimi, did you finish your math homework this weekend'?' she smiled and we hugged tightly together.

That's Fuyuko Chan, my best friend since childhood and a classmate in the upper class. She always knows how to make me feel better, no matter how hard the situation is. She's really popular and pretty, but she's never let that go to her head. She's always been there for me and I know I can count on her for anything.

However, truth be told, she has completed her school year and will graduate this week. I'm really going to miss her. We've been friends for years and I'm sad to see her go. From now on, I'll cherish our memories together.

"Yeah, I did but the equation was a bit hard." I laughed.

Fuyuko stared at me with an odd expression on her face. "Really? Can I examine it?"

I handed her the equation, which she quickly scanned with her eyes. "This isn't that hard," she said. "I think I can solve it."

"Can you please tell me where I went wrong?"I bagged her.

She paused for a moment, then began to explain how my calculations were incorrect. She showed me where I had made mistakes and how to correct them. When she finished, I thanked her and began to make the necessary corrections.

But by that time, the train had already stopped and we were arriving at our destination. We quickly gathered our belongings and made our way out of the station heading for school only a few minutes away.

We were running late, but relieved to know that we would make it in time for our classes. As we reached the school building, we quickly said goodbye and parted ways.

The day was normal as any other; I picked last at dough ball in physical education, ate my lunch alone, and went about the rest of my classes. Yeah, I'm not so popular in my class. My reputation was low because of what I did in kindergarten.

In kindergarten, I had a habit of not following the rules. I was always getting into trouble, and my classmates never forgot it. Even though I've changed since then, they still think of me as an outcast.

When school ended, I walked to the school gate and saw Fuyuko Senpai waiting for me. I wish I could be in the same class as her only then on I won't feel less lonely for a whole day.

"Ready to go home?" Fuyuko asked.

I nodded and we started walking together. We talked about our classes and shared some stories. Today, her classmates gave her goodbye cards and one of them baked a cake for her. We laughed and enjoyed the moment. I was disappointed that she was leaving, but I knew she was ready for the next adventure.

For a moment, I pose a question. "Hey, Fuyuko? Can you tell me about your plans for your future? I mean, you're going to graduate soon, so what do you want to do afterward?"

She smiled and said, "I'm thinking of going to university and studying international relations. I'm excited to explore the world and learn more about different cultures."

Explore the world? Huh? I thought to myself, why would she want to travel the world when she can just stay here and learn about different countries and cultures online?

"I don't know why but I just felt like I should do it," she answered. "What about you, Aimi? What are your future plans?"

I sighed and said, "I don't know yet. I'm just trying to figure out what I want to do next."

She said, "What about your dream of becoming Japan's next pop star?"

I laughed and said, "That's a nice thought, but I don't think it's realistic. It's a lot of hard work and I'm not sure I'm ready for it."

She nodded and said, "Well, I'm here to support you no matter what you decide."

Becoming Japan's next pop star. It's such a pleasant dream. I will often imagine myself standing on the stage, feeling the crowd's energy calling my name. But at the same time, I'm scared that I'll fail and disappoint everyone.

This reminds me of the present I wanted to give her. But I can't do it in the open where everyone is around.

"Hey, Fuyuko, let's go here in the alley," I said pointing at a building next to the rumen shop. "I want to show you something."

She looked at me curiously, then nodded. We walked into the alley and I put on some music on my phone. I had been preparing for her for weeks. I hope she loves it.

"What is it, Aimi?" Fuyuko asked.

I smiled and said, "It's a surprise. Just close your eyes and listen."

She did. I took a deep breath and began to sing.

"When I first met you,

I forgot all my troubles and pain.

I felt like I could do anything.

I felt like I was alive again."

When the music kicks in, I begin dancing to all the steps I've been practicing. Even though her eyes are closed, I feel the energy of the room and the joy of the moment. I let go of all my worries and just enjoy the music. I feel free.

"I was lonely before I met you. I thought I could never find happiness." I sang. "Gracing through the stars, I flew, I flew, I flew, thinking about what I've got in this mess."

I smiled as I closed my eyes and felt the music in my heart. "But then I met you, and I knew that I was no longer alone. You changed my life, and now I'm filled with joy. I'm so glad I found you."

I can see her smile lighten up as she listens to my song. I could feel the love I had for her, and I knew our bond was strong. As the music kicked in my lyrics began.

"You are my best friend and best of all best friends!

Was I your best friend too?

I really hope so, really, really, really hope so,

I can't think of a better person than you!"

Suddenly, I accidentally kicked my phone to the ground, turning off the music that was playing. The moment I stopped singing, I picked up my phone embarrassedly. I looked at my friend and smiled, hoping that the interruption didn't ruin the moment.

But then I saw a teardrop on her chin. She's... crying? I stared at her in shock, not knowing what to do.

"Fuyuko? Are you crying? "I'm sorry did I do something wrong?" I ask before she wraps her long arms around me embracing her warmth.

She shook her head and squeezed me tight. I could feel her tears warming my shoulder. "Aimi san, that was beautiful!"

I smiled, relieved that I hadn't done anything wrong. She pulled back and wiped her tears away. I reached out and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, giving her a gentle smile.

"I was touched by that song. I was so moved by it." She pleaded.

I took her hand out of mine and gave it a squeeze. "Come on, Fuyuko," I said. "It's just a song I wrote. No need to cry."

She wiped away her tears and looked up at me with a small smile. "Thank you, Aimi," she said, her voice still shaking. "It was beautiful."

I smiled back, relieved. "I'm glad you liked it. Since you're leaving and everything, I was planning to give you a present, but I've got no money and my Mom said I can't borrow any either." I shrugged. "So I decided to make a song for you instead."

She smiled, a real one this time. "That's the best present."

She pulled a small box from her bag and opened it. Inside was a necklace with a pendant that said 'Roxanne'. She put it around my neck and said, "This is for you, so you never forget me."

"Roxanne?" I looked at the necklace and then at her.

She smiled. "It's a reminder of my love for you, no matter where we are. Always remember, I'm here for you."

"Oh my god, you got this for me?" I said.

She nodded and smiled, her eyes twinkling with joy. I hugged her tightly, not wanting to let go. We both knew this was a goodbye.

"Thank you so much!" I said, squeezing her tightly. She nodded, tears flowing down her cheeks. We held each other for a few more moments before finally saying goodbye.

"Will we meet each other again?" I asked.

She looked up and smiled, her eyes still wet. "Yes, I'm sure we will," she said, before turning and walking away.

I watched her until she disappeared into the crowd. I can't believe my only friend is leaving school. I wonder what my life would be like tomorrow when I had no one to talk to. I felt a sudden wave of loneliness wash over me. I stood there for a few moments, lost in my thoughts, and then I sighed and walked away.

.

.

.

"I'M HOME!" I yelled as I entered my apartment removing my shoes. With no one to talk to, my apartment felt unusually quiet. Mom is a busy woman, so I didn't expect her to be home. I felt a bit relieved, as I didn't feel like talking to anyone. I decided to take a shower and go to bed early, hoping tomorrow would be a better day.

After showering, I lay down in bed and closed my eyes. I felt a wave of loneliness wash over me. I wished that I could have someone to talk to and share my feelings with.

Then I looked at my new necklace and read the pendant: 'Roxanne'. I smiled, thinking of my best friend.

I looked up at my old poster of my favorite singer on my wall. Fuyuko introduced me to that singer's song one day and I was completely hooked on it.

Honestly, those songs were the main reason why I love performing music. I was so inspired by music that I started playing the guitar and singing as a hobby.

I wonder if Fuyuko never introduced me to the singer's music, would I be a musician today?

"I'm thinking of going to university and studying international relations. I'm excited to explore the world and learn more about different cultures."

I remember her words before saying goodbye.

"What about you, Aimi? What are your future plans?"

I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep.

My future plans? All I want... is for the whole world to know my name.

.

.

.

???: "Hello?"

A voice came out of the darkness. My head buzzes as I drifted into my dream. I felt my feet moving, though I was still swimming in darkness. I heard the voice again, this time a bit louder.

???: "Hello? Little girl, can you hear me?"

"Five more minutes, Mom." I yawn half awake.

I groan as she rolls over, snuggling deeper into the blankets - blankets? Where are my blankets? Suddenly, I'm wide awake. I sit bolt upright and realize I'm not in my bed.

I'm in a completely different room. No, I wasn't in a room. I was in a cold cave! I slowly stood up, my eyes darting around the cave. I heard the sound of dripping water and felt a chill down my spine.

"What the hell? Where am I?" I stumbled forward, feeling the slimy walls and the cold stones beneath my feet.

My heart raced as I searched for a way out, but all I could see was darkness. Suddenly, I heard a loud noise and realized I wasn't alone.

???: "Ah! She's finally awake! Good, the summoning spell worked!"

I spun around to see an old draft man with a cackle, his eyes twinkling with excitement. He gestured for me to come closer and I felt a chill run down my spine. "You're in my chamber, child. Welcome to my realm."

With shock, I screamed stepping back but tripping after stepping on a rock. "WHO ARE YOU?! WHAT IS THIS PLACE? GET ME OUT OF HERE!"

The midget steps closer allowing me to calm down. "Calm down little girl, you have been chosen by the mighty gods -"

As soon as I screamed for assistance, I refused to let him finish. "Someone! Please help me! I've been kidnapped by a creepy man!"

That's when I heard a sound coming from behind me. I looked over my shoulder and saw a large golden mirror almost as large as my room. I saw a reflection of me then suddenly a man appeared. I turned behind me but to my surprise, no one was there.

I stepped back in shock, not sure what to make of the situation. I cautiously walked towards the mirror, and as I got closer, I noticed how handsome he was. He had a strong jaw and bright eyes, and he looked right back at me. He looked 10 years older than me. I stood in disbelief, unable to comprehend that this stranger was my reflection. I reached out to touch the mirror but my hand only met glass. I stepped away and the figure still stood, unmoving, in the mirror.

"You summon a child?" The man spoke to the midget.

The Midget man nodded, "I'm sorry, your gratefulness, It's all I got. I don't know who to summon."

The man smiled and said, "It's alright. I'll take what I can get. You'll be rewarded for your service." The midget man nodded in gratitude.

My hands tremble as I look in the mirror at the man. "What do you mean by summoning me?" I ask. "How the hell am I talking to a man in a mirror? Is this a prank? Where am I? What's going on? What did you do to my mom?"

The man replied, "You have been chosen to fulfill a great destiny. You must accept the challenge before you and embrace the power given to you."

Holding his hands against his chest, the man took a deep breath. "I want you to free me."