• User Image You were walking along the park's promenade, a tree colonnaded pathway, as the lake took on September's golden hue. You could not see me, but the trees ruffled their leaves as you walked. It was just another autumn afternoon.

    As I walked beside you, you were completely oblivious to me. Most people were anyway, except those who could feel the breeze. I walked ahead and waved in vain hope to get your attention. Maybe I was finally mad, you know. I'd already known you couldn't see me, but I still tried anyway. I waved manically, intrepidly... I'd bet even China would've seen my waves. Yet as you usual, you just went right through me.

    I guess I should have learnt by now... You flicked your fringe and looked away.

    Maybe I was doing it wrong? You'd always been able to see me, even though I was one among a thousand bodies... Even when I was far away. Why couldn't you see me now? I tried to whisper, and a gentle breeze blew softly. I yelled at the top of my lungs and a strong gust blew through your dress as you held onto your panama hat before it flew away. You couldn't hear me either. Sigh.

    Walking under the arch of trees, I wondered if you'd ever been able to actually feel me before or if you had just been pretending. We'd always talk. It was one of those things that came naturally, it was laughter, it was banters, teasing, escape... We made complicated analyses about life that would go on such abnormally long tangents that eventually we'd wonder if we'd ever make sense. We talked till we didn't know what we were talking about anymore.

    Approaching the golden lake, I sat down with you. The crystalline water stretched itself between you and the end. You took your sandals off and dipped your feet in, a habit I used to always tell you off for. You ran your hands through the grass and leaned back.

    "You'll catch a cold!" I'd berate. You just ignored me and kept splashing.

    Putting one finger into the water, the rings of golden light around your feet grew larger till they faded into nothingness, deep into the lake. I wrote on the surface as one wrote on sand. You see, everything was always slower for us. My words would linger long enough for us to read, but for you though, it would be gone in a flicker. I watched as my words faded while you stared at your toes waddling in the water.

    Out of anger, I splashed violently into my non-existent reflection.

    Why couldn't you se me?!

    Just one moment. That's all I need.

    One more moment and I'd be able to tell you!

    Is it too much to ask for?

    You get up and take your sandals by their worn leather straps. With your bare feet, as golden droplets ran down your ankle, you stepped into the stone walkway that was as ancient as the trees around it. Leaves clung to your feet and dirt went in between your toes but you didn't care.

    Then I heard him.

    A violin played its melody and enthralled my being. He wore an old grey jacket, his pants torn and a sock-covered toe peeked through his shoe. I was lulled by the music. He wore square-rimmed sunglasses as well, although I don't think it was to block the sun out. Looking closer, his body flowed to the beat of the music, slow and resilient, ever swaying but never abruptly. He could not see me either... Actually he could not see a thing! But when the gentle breeze blew, he faltered and shuddered. Brilliant.

    I glided over to him and he felt me. Leaning in to his ear, I whispered a song, a song you'd always known; and like the miracle that he was, he started playing it. The notes clung to the air till it was dripping with music and your soul was permeated by it.

    For a moment there was nothing. Just you and the music. It danced around you, circled you... Seeped into you and I prayed to God it stirred your soul. I watched intently for any sign of recognition. Moments passed, and before the song played and faded, I saw it.

    A single tear.

    Then I could disappear.