do you remember me

Rinda’s mother came to wake her up. Mother said, “Wake up, it’s time to go to school.” Rinda replied, “I can’t… let me sleep a little more.” Her mother said, “It’s 6:30 AM, and school starts at 8:00.” Rinda suddenly woke up in panic, “Ahhh! I’m going to be late! The bus will leave me! Why didn’t you wake me up at 5?” Mother said, “Hurry up, you’ll be late. I’ll drive you to school.” Rinda replied, “Okay mom, please bring me breakfast.” Mother smiled, “Alright, my daughter.” Rinda quickly finished her food and headed to school. When she arrived, she looked at the building in amazement. “Wow… the school is so beautiful.” She walked into the classroom, but suddenly she froze. There he was… Saiko. Her childhood friend. Her eyes widened in shock. “But… why isn’t he reacting?” In her mind, she thought angrily, “I’ll kill you… how can you not remember me?!” Trying to stay calm, she introduced herself. “Hello, I’m Rinda. I’m from Japan, and I came to live in Korea.” Everyone welcomed her warmly. Rinda sat in her seat, but her eyes never left Saiko. Her heart was beating fast. “Why doesn’t he remember me? Did he change… or did something happen to him?” she thought. She looked at him again. He was staring out the window… distant… as if he didn’t belong there. The class ended, and the students left. But Rinda stayed. She watched him as he was about to leave. Then suddenly, she ran toward him. “Saiko! Wait!” He stopped… but didn’t turn around. She got closer, her voice trembling. “I’m Rinda… your childhood friend. We used to play together every day… do you really not remember me?” Silence filled the air. Then he spoke calmly, “I don’t remember anything you’re talking about…” Rinda’s heart sank. But he continued, “However… when I see you, I feel something strange… I don’t know what it is.” Her eyes lit up with a small hope. “So… that means something is still there.” She smiled softly despite her sadness. “That’s okay… I’ll make you remember me again.” He looked at her for the first time with a different expression. “Do as you wish.” Days passed. Rinda slowly got closer to Saiko. She talked to him every day, showed him places, and told him about their memories. Little by little… Saiko started smiling. He felt comfortable around her, even if he didn’t understand why. One day, after school, they sat together under a tree in the school yard. The air was calm. Rinda asked softly, “Do you feel anything now… when you’re with me?” He closed his eyes for a moment and said, “Yes… I feel like I was happy here before… like this moment isn’t new to me.” Rinda smiled brightly. “That’s because we were always here together.” He opened his eyes and looked at her. “Maybe I don’t remember the past… but I want to build new memories with you.” Rinda blushed slightly, feeling shy… but very happy. A gentle wind blew, and leaves fell around them. Saiko looked at her and said softly, “Rinda… even if I don’t remember everything… I feel like you are someone very important to me.” Her breath stopped for a moment. Then she smiled, “And I won’t leave you until you remember everything.” Saiko stood up and extended his hand. “Let’s start again.” Rinda looked at his hand… then held it with a warm smile. Inside her heart, she whispered: “This isn’t the end… It’s the beginning.”