Emma

Furrowing my eyebrows, I shade the long, wavy hair. I sketch her big, shining eyes, small nose and her lips that are pulled up in a genuine smile.

It's picture perfect.

'I'll never forget you, Oneesan, nor will I ever let anyone else forget you.' I smile, remembering the reason why we started calling each other in Japanese terms. Writing a little note at the bottom, I fold up the drawing and leave it at the desk.

'Emma, Darling, come to eat,' Mom says, standing by the door.

'I'm not hungry.'

'Darling, you need to eat. Come on, one mouthful, please.'

'I'm not... okay.'

I follow her downstairs to the table but stop, staring at Oneesan's place, which is empty.

'I'm not hungry,' I start, retreating upstairs.

'Shall I bring the food up then, Darling?'

I shake my head. 'I'm not hungry.'

'I made your favourite, Emma. It's grilled cheese.'

I hesitate before yelling, 'I'm not hungry!' Running to my room, I jump to the bed and hide under the blankets. Tears fall and my body shudders while I lie in the comfort of the blankets. 'I want you back,' I sniff, 'come back, Oneesan. I need you.' I cry, and cry until I fall asleep, drained.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Tick.

Tock.

Tick.

Tock.

Tick.

I dive into the memories I have with my Oneesan, from my very first memory to the very last I had with her. The very first one with her that I remember, is when I was five. I had come with Mom to the piano-shaped Art studio that Oneesan incessantly spoke of to pick her up. With her her hair pulled up in a bun, she was holding a brush, painting a canvas that was bathed with golden rays of sunlight; she was biting the insides of her cheeks, a habit I acquired as well, in concentration, unaware of her surroundings, focusing solely on her canvas. That memory is stamped in my mind and so, I can imagine that moment exactly.

The last one I have with my Oneesan is the day before she died. It's a memory I will always treasure because it's a memory where we were both practicing our art. Oneesan was the one who encouraged me to draw, helped me paint and fixed my paintings, and trained me to become the artist I am. This gift or talent every one tells I have, is something I excel at only because of Oneesan. It's something I will never let go – something I will always remember and be grateful to her for.

I draw every time of the day, whenever I'm free and with... Oneesan. And although Oneesan isn't here anymore, I have to keep drawing, for me, because it makes me feel alive and for Oneesan, because it'll make me feel like she's alive.

My vision becomes hazy and my eyes keep closing as I lie on my bed. I try to fight the exhaustion because I want to keep seeing Oneesan but it pulls me, until I can't do it anymore... until I give up.

Oneesan...

Tick.

Tock.

Tick.

Tock.

Tick.

Tock.

Tick.

Tock.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

I'm sorry this chapter took time to come out :/ I was a little busy, that's why. 

By the way, I need to address this. Although my MC's name is Hayley and my name is also Hayley, there is no connection between us in any regards how we feel, etc. To those who asked this, thank you for your sweet, concerned messages but rest assured that I don't feel this way :)