Seven Years

The first year.

A young man in his early twenties strolled around the park. He was full of smiles. Coming across an empty bench, he sat down on the right side, watching the wide open park in front of him. There were only a few people.

Someone sat beside him. He took a glance at her. She was a woman a couple of years older than him. She had long pale golden hair, fair complexion, and golden eyes. She was a beautiful woman overall.

“You look happy,” she suddenly said with a curious smile.

“... It is a happy day.”

“Mind telling me why?”

“Actually, yesterday was a happy day, but today’s happy too.” He leaned back. “I just graduated from college.”

“Wow. The path to the end must not have been easy.”

“Heh, of course. I might have experienced a couple of nervous breakdowns along the way.”

“And now look at you, you’ve succeeded.”

“Indeed. I couldn’t be happier. To see my mom happy was the best of it all.”

“What’s your course?”

“Multimedia Arts, making films.”

“That’s a good career. Although demanding on the creative side, perhaps.”

“Yeah. But I’m pretty good.”

“What’s your plan now?”

“To find a job.”

“... I’m sure you’ll find one not too long.”

“I hope so.”

“... I have to go. Until next time.”

“Y-Yeah…” he waved.

Next time?

***

Second year.

The same man took a stroll in the same park, feeling elated. Not too different from last year. He sat down on the bench, taking a deep breath as he closed his eyes. Just like last year, he was smiling.

“Do you always come here every year?”

A familiar voice spoke from beside him. “It’s you again.” He remembered her, despite their last brief interaction. “But yes, I do. At least once a year.”

“Why?”

“My mom used to bring me here when I was young. This place brings me calm. Like going into my world.”

“I see.”

“You?”

“I like watching people’s happiness.”

The man looked around. Everyone looked happy.

“So, did you land a job?” she asked.

“Yes. Associate producer.”

“Incredible. So that’s why you’re happy.”

“Yeah, I got lucky. Was not easy to get though. Job hunting is terrible.”

“Looks like a job is not the new thing you have. New necklace?”

“Oh,” he touched the necklace, smiling fondly. “My girlfriend gave me this.”

“You found love. How sweet.”

“She’s the most beautiful person I have ever met. I know we’ll be standing by an altar pretty soon.”

“I’m happy for you.”

“What about you?”

“Me? Well, I met more people. But… I also lost many.”

“What do you mean?”

“Some people stay, while others go. And it’s always sad.”

“You had a pretty terrible year?”

“Not terrible… Nothing too great either.”

“I see.”

She looked at her watch. “I have to go. See you next time.”

“Alright, next time.”

***

Third year.

He sat down on the bench with a long, frustrated sigh. He placed a hand on his forehead, down to his eyes. It was sunset. The darkening sky and the red horizon did nothing to improve his mood.

He sensed someone sitting beside him.

“A terrible day?” she asked.

“You again…” he looked at her. She looked the same except for the clothes. “Terrible days.”

“What happened?”

“I lost my job.”

“Oh, why?”

“I got laid off... I don’t understand. I was doing a pretty good job.”

“How terrible. Going job hunting again, then?”

“Guess so. But in today’s market, won’t be easy.”

“Will you do well without a job?”

“My girlfriend’s got work. But won’t be enough to pay the bills. I still have plenty saved up, should keep me up for a few months.”

“That’s good. So you’re here to have peace of mind?”

“Yes. I need to think what’s next. What have you been up to?”

“More or less the same. But I see many I know struggling right now. Just like you.”

“Oh.”

“I hope you’ll land another job.”

“I hope so too. But being laid off doesn't show a good sign to employers. They’ll think I’m incompetent.”

“You won’t know until you try.”

“...”

“See you next time.”

And with that, she left.

***

Fourth year.

The sun had set; the world had darkened. He lowered his head, eyes bloodshot. Dark circles under his eyes. His hair was unruly, his clothes wrinkled. He sniffed and rubbed his eyes.

“What happened to you?” the woman asked, sitting beside him.

“All’s gone to hell.”

“What happened?”

He kept his head down. “Mom’s dead.”

“...”

“She got sick a couple of months after we last met. We brought her to the hospital and maintained her there. I haven’t found a job yet then. In a few months, I’ve burned through my savings. My mom’s money dried up not long after.”

“That’s terrible.”

“No way to pay, I brought her home. But… just last week, she died.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m broke. And then…” he opened his palm, showing a necklace. “She left me.”

“Your girlfriend?”

“I guess she couldn’t stand me anymore. It’s just, I don’t understand. I thought we’ll get through hardships together. Still, she left me. I don’t know what to do anymore…”

“... You’ll get through this. I know it. Perhaps find something that you like doing for now.”

“I can’t enjoy anything…. I’m all alone.”

“Try getting some rest and some sleep. Perhaps you’ll feel better tomorrow. And tomorrow is a new beginning.”

With that, she left. He watched her go.

***

Fifth year.

It was afternoon. The man unsteadily walked, almost stumbling, as he headed for the bench. His hair was longer. A bottle of liquor in his hand. He drank from it as he sat down. He has not showered in days.

He heaved a long sigh.

“You’re drunk,” the woman spoke beside him.

“Duh. But you’re here as expected, hehe.”

“Since when were you last sober?”

“Hmmm, a couple of days ago? Or five? Can’t tell.”

“What happened to you?” she frowned.

“Turns out a tomorrow isn’t a new beginning. But a continuation.”

“...”

“My life’s crap! Can’t land a job! Can’t even think of anything creative. I’m useless!”

“So you just gave up?”

“Yeah! I actually feel better now! Especially with this thing with me.” He patted the bottle.

“Are you truly satisfied with this?”

“Of course!”

“You could have been so much more. Your mother would not want to see you this way.”

“That’s the point. She’s not here. In fact, it’s better she won’t see me like this. A hopeless man like me… My life is worthless. I could end it anytime I want…”

“There is still a future for you.”

“Trying to comfort me now? Heh.” he eyed the woman from top to bottom. “You’re so pretty. If you want to comfort me… there is one way to make me feel better.” he slowly reached out for her thigh with a lecherous smile. “I’m sure we’ll enjoy each other’s company.”

“No.” She mildly slapped his hand. “Listen. Look over there.” She pointed at a man. “That man there lived a life of poverty and abusive parents. But he worked hard and now he can eat anything he wants.”

She pointed to another. “That woman there, she wanted to be a writer. But life didn’t go well at first. It took her until mid-thirties to publish her first book. Wasn’t even successful at first. But she wrote more. And now, she’s famous.”

She faced him. “Many people struggle just like you. But look at them, they live well. Why? Because they persevered and held hope. Perhaps you could do the same.”

She rose and left, leaving the man only to stare.

***

Sixth year.

He didn’t come to the park.

***

Seventh year.

The man wore fine clothes, smiling. He sat down on the bench, waiting. He turned his head, seeing a woman coming before sitting down beside him.

“You look better.”

“And you haven’t changed a bit.”

“Things gone for the better?”

“... I’m sorry for what I did two years ago.”

“All is forgiven.”

“After what you said, and the guilt, I tried making a change. I searched for work, got a grunt one. But better than nothing. I saved money to start a little business. Wanted to meet you last year, but I was embarrassed after what I did.”

“I see.”

“Now, my business is doing well.”

“I’m happy for you.” She smiled. “You also have a ring.”

He held out his hand. “I’m engaged. She helped me with my business. I actually have a baby daughter now. I wish you could see her, but she’s still too young to go out here casually.”

“Truly, I’m glad you didn’t give up.”

“All because of you, I’m still alive. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She stood up.

“Will I see you again?”

“You don’t need me anymore.”

“... Then this is goodbye?”

“Yes, it is. Goodbye, take care of yourself.”

“... You too.”

My angel of life.