Once upon a time, I raised a small hope to the sky that was riding through that night.

'I want to have an ability, talking is fine too, as long as I don't embarrass my parents.'

It said if we pray earnestly then it will be answered. Then if you add it to telling the stars, they will listen to it and grant all requests.

What do you expect from a five-year-old at that time? About him speaking facts and the bitter sour of the world as he saw it for himself? For God's sake, he's just a kid, who still stares at the candy with that gleam of treasure, who knows his day will be full of games like bedtime stories!

But that's okay. Children must grow, right? They will keep up with time even if it speeds up. Forcing them to know that there is something more bitter than medicine, and something more upsetting than burying themselves with schoolwork. But do you know if with that difficulty they still wish to turn into a child again even if only for a moment? Even adults often act like children, don't they?

So it's fair that those who are still teenagers also hope so, right?

"Hey!"

End of P.O.V

Suddenly the ruby beads glared sharply, glancing annoyed at the person who tapped his shoulder carelessly.

Pomegranate meets autumn, such a beautiful mix.

"If you keep daydreaming, you'll be possessed by a wandering spirit," he said trying to scare him.

Of course, that sort of thing never worked on a figure who slowly propped up his chin, lazily. "You know that never scares me. Stop being a fool and take your seat. The teacher will be here in a minute."

"Says people who daydream during recess," he pouted even though he also obeyed his friend's words by sitting in his chair, right to his left.

The other person's focus returned to the front, staring blankly at a blackboard with many scribbles from the previous class. His mind wandered uncertainly where it would end. Maybe he should stop this habit.

"You have a lot on your mind," was no longer a question but a shot on target, and it caught his attention.

"I think that curious spirit's psychic ability got to you, John."

Instantly, just for one second, a pale face appeared in his vision. "Your joking isn't funny, Louis! Forget it, you said 'it worked'? Tell me the problem this instant!?"

Unfortunately, John's curiosity had to be held until after school.

***

Lesson that day was boring. Nothing new as usual. When he greets the teacher, when he cleans up, when he walks out of the classroom, through the corridor and the field, then towards the gate, then to the bus stop. Looking empty and normal, as usual.

There was no sigh, his hands were placed in his pockets, and his gaze was straight even though his friend's chatter continued.

"You really think I'm a breeze, don't you, Louis!? How dare!"

"John shut up. Don't you realize you've been stared at by so many people?"

He, himself was astonished to be able to put up with such a person in his life.

'Life, huh? Do you mean by 'breathing'? Or lessons at school? Eating and drinking at home?' The question didn't bother entering his mind. The pomegranate bead stared silently at his friend, a bead the color of autumn. The two of them were silent, ignoring the commotion around them. There was a head full of questions, and nothing left the part of his lips. Emerging? Only in his mind is asking,

'What is 'life'?'

A soft pat for the second time brought him out of his reverie. Seems like he's been fantasizing too much about weird things lately. "Your bus is about to arrive. How about tomorrow? We can discuss the thing that's bothering you?"

Wanted to nod, but since when did he like to talk about his thoughts to other people, even though it was his best friend? People always thought it strange, and with them staying near him, others might think the same, right?

'Life is either difficult or you made it like that because you don't have anything to do.'

"Sorry, but I won't be here tomorrow."

As long as the maple leaves fall, they will not fall into nothingness. It will always appear cool even though it is piercing because winter is approaching. And now, autumn was rounded in surprise, frozen in silence, unable to give a reply until the sound of horns and distant footsteps echoed in his eardrums.

"See you later, John."

***

It wasn't the first time he'd gone through this trip. Take the car then head to the airport, later by plane. Arriving in the new city, he will use the bus, because his new house is a bit far. Only then did he meet their moving agent, ready with all the equipment and escorting his family to the new residence.

The size is not much different from before. There are two levels with a front garden which is not too big. Beside it is a garage and the entrance is made of good quality wood. The first time you set foot on the terrace, an unfamiliar atmosphere surrounds you, but that's normal in a new place so far away. The rooms are on the second floor, all of them, on the first floor more in the common area, living room, kitchen, toilet, don't forget the back is used for drying clothes.

Footsteps echoed down the stairs to his room. Just not far from the end of the stairs was a simple wooden door without any display visible. There was no squeak when opening it, maybe because it was new, then he entered to find nothingness, only a mattress, table, and cupboard. It was clear that they just moved in, and even so, he wasn't the type to pile up things either. According to him, it will only feel cramped and also wasteful of money.

The backpack he was carrying fell off, he placed it carelessly on the wooden table before lying on the bed, raising his hand and covering his eyes with it. His breath sounded tired, really heavy. There was a tingling feeling he couldn't explain. His performance in school didn't help at all on this matter. His intelligence, even though he didn't think anything, was too stupid to give any clues.

His mind wandered again, away and adventuring alone, trying to dig out what could not be seen in his eyes. He doesn't know, but he still wants to find it.

Now that the past is filling, one by one the events are reflected like an old-school film reel showing the story.

Once a time there lived a child who lived with his family, Father, Mother, and an older brother who was a year apart from him. A normal family without any flaws, not too rich but not poor, friendly with their neighbors, and of course they love each other. A good environment was around them so that the two children grew up comfortably. They learn and become smart children, and have school achievements, especially the brother who is so good at math.

The little brother, even though their looks are similar, people still find their older brother to be more attractive, smarter, and more friendly; this one was a reality, deeper in all than him. His brother loves his only sibling, he never let his little brother get hurt. Even though his younger brother has poor health, with the patience and perseverance of his family, he can now recover and play.

Their development did not stop there, the time that passed did not only rust but had other plans without anyone knowing. The chaos of thoughts in the youngest body's small body cannot be reached by anyone.

'Am I that smart?'

'I'm not a burden to everyone, am I? But they look troubled by my presence?'

'They said when I presented my work or assignment in front of the class, it was amazing, managed to answer all the questions without any difficulty or nervousness. They said, not me.'

'I was included in many competitions, some I could win, but most of them lost. I've always known that I'm unlucky, but why do they look like they don't care? Don't they regret choosing me?'

'I don't think I'm good at getting out of my cage. On the inside, I can boast, but if I go out I'm just a chick who hasn't learned to fly, and will never be able to fly.'

And believe me, those words resonate louder and more than you might think. No one knows his thoughts. People; neither his family nor his friends, only knowing he had no burden whatsoever. Even if he quipped jokingly they would reply, "No way. Your life is perfect. I'm want to be you honestly, hahaha!"

Did they know that he was fed up with himself too?

His passion is just things that will not be seen, so he can't speak about it. Causing his silence to develop unnaturally.

He who thought he could adapt easily and had many friends, in fact only had acquaintances. Evidence that his mouth is good at speeches is useless, proof that being a presenter and good at speaking is not important, proof that the mask he uses is perfect.

When will he find what he is looking for, which he is confused about? Friend? Talent? Or what?

"Louis! It's dinner time, come down and we'll go eat out!"

"Yeah, wait a minute!"

I'll just look for it tomorrow, his thoughts have been repeating since no-one-know time.

***

It was a rainy day, unlike the usual sunny one. The class had ended a while ago, and with the excuse of not bringing an umbrella, he choose to stay longer in his seat.

His ears have been plugged with earphones, playing his favorite classic songs while closing his eyes, maybe he can take a break at the same time.

TING!

Reluctantly his hand reached for the square object again, to see if there was a new notification coming in. He wanted to ignore it, but seeing the sender would only make things worse.

'Don't tell me you've forgotten me!?'

'And where does that conclusion come from?'

'Ah? Hehehe, I think so. How's your new school? Surely many people are surprised to see your striking appearance. Hah! I'm sure right?'

Somehow Louis found this eccentric. 'As expected a spirit has helped you, John.'

'Don't say that! Alright, now have you found what you were looking for?'

He thought it was easy to solve math problems, then he didn't have to work as hard as he does now.

'Hey, Louis. I don't know exactly because your mouth looks like it's clogged with glue, but look around you. I can't be of much help but you may have missed something important.'

In the end, he also didn't understand what he was missing. Maybe what his friend said was true, slowly observing while accepting this new place. He didn't know everything yet, maybe what he was looking for had actually been found, only he was too blind to know it.

'Louis?'

'Tomorrow there will be a party. And your favorite meat will also there. Eleven o'clock, don't be late.'

'You're so mean to tell that just now!'

Maybe he still need time to find out that thing. New journey of him in this new place is juts begin, and he doesn't want to ruin his first day like the others. Either way, what should he doing, what shouldn't, everything has their time. At least for now, he should be grateful that he was eating and drinking well, with his breath still running until now.

To search what you want, and to find what the passion while you breathing the fresh air. 

That is the most beautiful things to have in life, right?