Childlike Wonder

*CHRIS*

I won’t hold you; the festival was actually quite enjoyable. If I had known Jamira was participating in such activities, I would have joined her a long time ago.

It was the first time in a long time, my inner child was free to roam, and I was thoroughly enjoying it. The food was delicious, the games top-notch, and it was perfect to reconnect with her. It felt like we had traveled back in time to when we first met.

What’s going on? I’m not usually this nostalgic. I guess I genuinely missed her. Throughout the entire time we were playing, all I could think of was winning her something, even if it was just a goody bag. She kept smiling and laughing, and I had forgotten how that sounded or looked. Has it really been that long we’d been on bad terms?

This is sad when you think about it.

We played for about an hour before she wanted to break off and do her own thing. I didn’t resist, even though I wanted to continue playing together. Then, I noticed the carving table. And I got excited all over again. I was quite skilled at this in school, so I knew I had this in the bag.

I clearly won the contest with my joker pumpkin, but they informed me that it didn’t count because I wasn’t a student. They were clearly hating on me. I was a bit disappointed that Mira left before the judging. I knew we would both end up laughing at what the kids had done with their fruits.

I vaguely remembered her mentioning something about winning a fish. I don’t think she ever received it, so before I left, I won her a blue and black betta fish.

I went to the pet store and bought some fish food and a small tank with a filter for her fish. I figured we could go get the other supplies she needed to decorate it as she liked later.

When I got back home, I was so focused on surprising her that I didn’t even think to check if her car was in the driveway. It wasn’t.

I saw a note she had left on the refrigerator saying she had gone to Ayana’s house and not to wait up.

Damn! I missed her.

I wonder why she didn’t text or call…

Just to make sure I checked my phone to see if she really hadn’t called or texted and sure enough I was right. Not a single call or text from her.

I transferred the fish into the tank and placed it on the living room table.

After that I took a shower and turned on the tv. I got bored and like the saying goes: old habits die hard. I rolled up and planned my next move to get things back on track, but for now I’m going to enjoy myself one last time.