𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬: “Joy of Three to the Heart of One” by Mary Elizabeth D. Luzon

 

Photo by: Nash Adelino

Published by: Daniel Joshua Madrid

Date Published: May 13, 2024

Time Published: 2:22 PM

Category: Prose

Subject: Childhood friends

Memories sit against the corner of a cobwebbed room. It was only when times changed, like today, I remember the three of us. I no longer remember the day this was taken, why this was taken, why it took so long for me to find this photograph. Only now, when I plan to move houses, I find my heart alone in this solemn box I haven’t opened for years.

Do any of you remember? The sun pierced against the leaves' gaps, the summer air melted our ice cream away. I see in the photograph—I admire the two of you because you were the only ones there for me. I don’t remember my pain, why I cried. But the two of you were the ones who took me in your arms. I’m grateful. I was lonely then and I’m lonely now. The only difference is your presence.

Who photographed this? I solemn over the question as I pocket the photograph with the rest of the boxes. I don’t take anything else from that room. I would guess it was my mother for I was the one who kept it. But I think about one of you, who loved to bring your toy camera and take pictures of everything. I think about the other, who cherished each memory we made and kept it deep in your heart.

Then, I wondered why I was the one to keep this? The house I’m moving to is no larger than the one I’m in now. Though, the kids are gone, off to be adults. We no longer need this much space. Would your kids love to see this photograph? I think about myself, I never kept anything near my heart. But as this photograph lies in the same place where money and jewellery are stored, I think it’s the closest anything has been. Perhaps the younger me saw this photograph as the only exception.

It’s old; everything else is so new. Do the two of you remember this? I don’t believe so. We met at such a fleeting moment, we never met again. I remember crying, I remember meeting the two of you, and I remember feeling so happy. If I ever pass by the two of you on the road there, I don’t think you will recognise me. I don’t think I’ll recognise you.

But as my eyes catch sight of a familiar duo, my heart beat a little faster. My smile got a little wider. It’s like I recognise you from happiness alone.