"Hey," the girl called out. "You alright? You're tearing up."

I rubbed my eyes with my long coat sleeves.

She was right.

Her brow furrowed.

"Sorry, for bring up something painful."

I shook my head even as tears continued to fall.

"It's fine. I got to get over it one day."

She put a hand on my shoulder.

"Let it all out."

If only she were here.

My sister... I wondered what she was doing at the time.

***

[A few weeks ago]

"Elliot!"  a pink-haired girl yelled.

Her ruby eyes glittered in the morning sunlight as she shook me awake.

"What is it?" I asked, rubbing my eyes.

"Sorry," she said.

I gave her a big smile.

"Setting off now?" I asked.

She nodded.

"I'm going to go see him."

I gave her a smug grin.

"Going to confess, aren't ya?"

Her face flushed.

"I'm not! He's only a friend. He might not even remember me."

"With that personality he probably won't."

She pinched my face.

"So snarky! When did you grow up to be like this?"

I stuck out my tongue.

"You aren't one to talk."

She smiled and bear hugged me.

"I'll miss you. Please be a good boy."

I nodded.

"I will. I will! Now let me go!"

Slowly she uncurled her arms from me and giggled.

"Bye. I'll call you when I arrive in Wahkan!"

With those words she turned around and grabbed her stuff.

"I'll miss you too!" I shouted before she left.