𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬: “The Strongest” by Frans Danielle R. Castillo

 

Published by: Jasmine Priya G. Nadarajan

Date Published: September 27, 2024

Time Published: 12:22

Category: Prose

Subject: Losing someone who was once dearest to you

Have you ever gotten everything you ever wanted?”

“No, but I once got very close.”

I was born to be the strongest. Someone who never loses in a fight. I'm the strongest sorcerer who saves everyone, they say. But I consider myself the strongest when I’m with him, my dearest friend.

A man who consumes curses and is the only sorcerer in his family and a man who's a clan’s legacy for having such strong power. We obviously live in two different worlds, but we didn't mind.

The only time I truly felt my youth was with him. He made me feel that it's alright to be a kid; with him, everything is certain. With him, everything is safe. So, I told myself that wherever he goes, I’ll follow.

I should've done something the moment I noticed your appearance changing. The dark circles around your eyes keep on getting darker and darker as you lose your weight. I should've done something the moment I asked if you were okay, and you said yes. But I trust you enough, so I just shrugged it all off.

I'm the strongest sorcerer. A sorcerer who saves everyone but fails to save his own friend. I only realized that I should've done something when you finally snapped.

I only realized when I was already too late.

I hated myself for staying quiet as I let you say your goodbye to me. I was quietly pleading with you not to leave me. I was so desperate that the only choice I could think of was to go with you, but at the same time I was too scared to do so. And I know that you'd hate me if I did that. 

Apparently, even if I’m considered the strongest, it still wasn't enough. It will never be enough. The only ones that I can save are those people who are waiting to be saved.

He never wanted to be saved. He wanted to be free.

“Love is the strongest curse of them all,” I said.

He gave me a smile. A smile that I will never forget. “At least curse me a little in the end.”

No, I never got everything I ever wanted. But I once got close. Very close. I was too determined to have it in the palm of my hand, and I was so blind to realize that I gave it a reason to run away and break free.