Remember Me Aliyah

The uncertainty of the world always makes me think about how I can find real happiness. Is happiness still relevant in this cruel world? Or greediness makes the people feel the satisfaction they are wanting to feel.

When the pandemic started to blow, I readied myself for the possible event will happen in the future. I always think about what will happen tomorrow, but I forgot to look back on the past to reminisce some lessons.

After the 14-day quarantine period, I was able to go home after 5 months of being on duty. I am a nurse, and the pandemic tested my ability. I am not so sure if I fulfill my duty very well. Every time I see people suffer; I think what I am doing is not enough.

"I missed you so much, darling. No days I was not worried about you." My mom hugged me so tight. Her warm made me feel so safe after being alone for a long time.

"I missed you too, Mama. Where's Papa?" I asked then roamed my eyes around our old-fashioned house that was originally from her great-great-grandfather.

"He's outside buying some goods. He will cook something for you later. Why don't say 'hello' to your grandpa in the backyard first? I'm sure he will be thrilled to see you. He misses you a lot," my mother said then helped me to organize my things in my room.

I sighed as I remember the days when I was a child, this room was originally for my father. Then passes to me when I was 8, I was terrified back then. You know, sleeping alone in this old house was freaking my 8-year-old mind. But nothing happens, it's just my wild imagination.

After cleaning myself and getting enough rest, I decided to meet my grandpa who's still in the backyard. It is nearing dawn and the cold breeze of September started to touch my skin. My grandfather was a retired army, he slowly losing his eyesight because of his age. He is old but quite stronger for his age. He didn't notice me at first, I watched him looking at his old photos when he was a young man. I bet he missed those days.

"It was a long time I can still clearly remember how that young lady saved my wife's life."

I thought he was talking to himself until he looked up at me. I was surprised at first but later, I smiled at him. I sat beside him then also examined the photos. They were very old, and some are almost fading.

"Who's that lady, grandpa? Is she grandma?" I asked him.

He shakes his head. "I don't remember her name anymore, but she is pretty and she's amazing. She was different from other girls in our time. I remember that my best friend was so whipped at her. She got my friend's eyes and heart. But then, she was gone when we came back after surviving a bloody war."

I suddenly felt an unfamiliar pain in my chest when I heard his story. "Why is she suddenly disappeared? Is she dead or went to another place or something like that?"

"We don't know, but I know one thing, my friend was truly devastated at that time. He will cry every night and you know what was weird?" He paused then looked at me. "He would go to a certain dark place and gazed at the night sky."

He handed me an old picture. It was a man holding a guitar. I bit my lips and suddenly, I feel like crying. I caught my breath then gave back the photo to my grandpa.

"This is Henry, my childhood best friend. When we returned home after the war, he decided to quit the military. The last time I heard the news about them was he's getting married. I was so relieved that time, I thought he will be a wreck all of his life. I am glad that he has Sonia." My grandfather started to put the photos in the old box.

He stopped then look at me again. His forehead creased. I was confused about his reaction to me.

"Who are you, young miss?" he suddenly asks.