Eleven
The sound of a piano fills my head, pulling me into a dream.Light filters through a dusty window, revealing the empty tables of Uncle Wong’s Palace. I’m sitting at a booth in the corner, wondering where this music is coming from. I look around the restaurant, my vision a little blurry. Someone reaches across the table, touching my hand.
“I have to go soon.”
Jasmine’s voice echoes through me. I blink until her face comes into focus. She’s wearing the jacket she borrowed; her long hair is tucked behind one ear. The pineapple fried rice sits on the table, untouched. It’s her favorite dish. We order it every time we’re here.
“Eric, did you hear me?”
I blink at her. “What was that?”
“I said I’m leaving.”
My mind goes back to our last conversation. She’s moving out of the country to tour with her band. But I don’t want her leaving me behind this time. “Why can’t you just come back home?” I ask.
Jasmine shakes her head. “I have to go.”
“No, you don’t.”
“I’m sorry.”
Sunlight fades from the window, painting a shadow along the table. The piano music keeps playing. But I still don’t know where it’s coming from. Jasmine glances outside, a distant look in her eyes. Then she rises from the booth.
I grab her hand. “Jaz, wait—”
“Please don’t make this harder.”
“Then don’t go.”
“I have to—”
Jasmine pulls her hand away and heads off. I get up from the booth, following after her. For some reason, I can’t seem to catch up. The floor keeps stretching between us, making it impossible to reach the door. The faster I run, the farther she moves away. The piano music continues, drowning out my voice as I call after her. It’s the same song I’ve been hearing everywhere. Why does it follow me in my dreams?
I keep calling after her, hoping she turns around. But she vanishes through the door without even saying goodbye. The moment I finally touch the door handle, the music fades as I’m swallowed by complete darkness.
I wake up in bed alone again.My eyes slowly adjust to the light as I take in the emptiness of the room. For some reason, I thought things might be different this time. That I might wake up with his head against me, our arms tangled together. But all that’s left is the scent of him, along with the memory of the night before. I run my hand over the sheet, wishing hewas still here. Maybe it’s my fault for falling asleep. At least he promised he’ll find me again. I keep his words with me as I push myself out of bed.
I grab my phone from the side table and check the time. There’s a new message from Jasmine. I haven’t heard from her in a while. Maybe she had a dream about me, too. We’ve always been somehow connected this way. I’m sure she knows I’m a little mad at her.
Haven’t heard from you in a few days. Hope everything’s alright
Will try to see you before I leave
I send her a quick response and stretch my arms. That’s when I notice something on my desk. I get out of bed to pick it up. It’s a paper rose, folded from light blue paper. I turn it in the window light. Haru left this here for me. Another reminder that we’ll see each other again. I stare at it for a long moment.I hope I don’t have to wait too long.
I take a shower and head to the kitchen.I usually skip breakfast in the morning. But there’s this emptiness in my stomach. I decide to fill it with a bowl of cereal. As I head to the kitchen, I find Dad sitting at the dinner table, mail spread out in front of him. He usually works weekday mornings, so I’m surprised he’s home.
Dad looks up at me. “Going to work?”
“In a little bit.”
He nods.
I open the fridge. There’s a plastic bowl, wrapped with foil.
“Your mom made mi?n,” he says, leaning back in his chair.
“I’ll have some later.”
