Love is made up of many other things.
It is made up of the things that we may fear, we may fathom, we may find difficult to do.
Yet why do we all seek love?
If we all struggle in our lives to contribute to one of the many elements that love is made up of, how can we know what true love is?
It is a simple word with great meaning.
Made up of many elements such as trust, peace, patience, kindness.
Love is one of many and many of one.
We cannot simply just buy it or simply just receive it. It is something that is earned and that is achieved through hardship. How do we know if it's love?
The only answer is: You know it when you feel it. It is something that cannot be taught, but must be experienced.
Love is a mystery. It may take you on a new adventure each day. Some days with hardship and others with peace. But there are two things that I am sure of.
Firstly, Love is like a chain that bonds and though it may be strong at the beginning, the chains may shackle and may begin to weaken if the bond is integrated with death, anger, envy, sadness.
And Secondly, love is different from True Love because though Love itself can break, true love can never. Though this may sound out of the ordinary, and others may try argue against it, the fact that if the love is true, it can never break.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Why I am worth a salary of $1000000 (English essay of year 12)
Why I am worth a salary of $1000000
My name is Kyle Rangers. The year is 2040 and I have learnt many lifelong lessons from the many experiences I had faced. These lessons had taught me many values in which I cherish and have helped me get to where I am today. Many believe that I am worth a salary of $1000000 and why is that? I was challenged with this question.
This story begins in the year 2010 when I was an adolescent 17 year old. During my years of growing up, building my maturity and learning new lessons, my first major step to adulthood had taken place. I had been accepted to my first ever job. Though it was only a simple job selling fast food at a local café, I had learnt about the “real world” that everyone had been telling me about. Though I had only begun, it had felt as if I had entered whole new world. Entering this world, I was filled with excitement and fear. I was in a bitter-sweet moment where I could celebrate and embrace my job but at the same time, it felt like a war where I had to protect losing my job and upholding my role within the unit. I was a team of many but at the same time, a team of one.
Now, allow me to give you a piece of my history. I was brought up in a broken family, with next to no money, a drug addicted mother, and a father locked in jail, a brother in depression and a sister with Down syndrome. I always felt as if I was by myself. We always owed money to banks, friends, family and other financial companies. As years went by, my brother fell out of depression and started working at a fish and chips store about fifteen blocks from my small apartment; my mother stopped drugs and spent the whole day looking after my sister, my father died in jail and I well, was still in school. I wasn’t doing so well though, I mean, many times I had felt like dropping out than face the risk of failure. I often felt depressed about my score but at the same time, I didn’t have to worry about receiving a lecture from my mum since she had more to worry about. Of course I still wanted to stay in school to get a good job in the future but, at the end of the year, things didn’t go as planned.
It was the next year (2010) and well, school wasn’t going so well. Stress levels grew, homework was piling up more and more, my brother was on the brink of losing his job and my mother was struggling with the unpaid bills and debts as well as looking after my sister. And my father, well, he couldn’t stand the torment of life in jail anymore so, he took his own life. The news of my father’s death had hit hard and so, it was a struggle to hold a funeral due to the financial issues we had and such. Also, my mother had second thoughts of whether he was “worthy” enough to have one because of his crime. With this, we were forced to leave my father’s body in a morgue. I knew, during that time, that though he was a criminal, he was still the man whom brought us up. So, a few years after, we had a funeral for him but I’ll get back to that later.
2010 wasn’t a great year for me. I was failing school; I was stressed and was suffering from severe insomnia. Even though this particular year was stressful and depletive, my life was going to be changed forever. It was October the 8th and school had hit hard with all the homework, exams and such and I felt the weight just get heavier and heavier. I was on the verge of failing three of my subjects and I knew that the final outcome wasn’t going to please the eye. After a long year of debate with myself and with the fear of ridicule, I had finally decided to drop out of school in search for a diploma and for work. So, whilst still in my youth (still 17 years old), I went out in search for a job. I knew deep down that no one would hire a drop out like me but I wouldn’t have known until I had tried, so for days, I had gone to different places asking about a position but everywhere I went, I was rejected. I was about to give up hope when I saw a small, hidden shop that had a small rigid sign that read “Fish and Chips” and though it didn’t look too appealing, I went in anyway. I was in desperate need of a job so, I walked in and to my surprise all the seats were taken up, even though there were only four tables. I walked up to the counter and asked for a job and amazingly, they accepted me. What was more was that the pay I received was a significant amount. Also, I was able to go to a TAFE and study many areas such as cooking, woodworks and so forth. I was juggling between work and studies but at the end of it all, I knew somehow it will benefit me later on. It wasn’t an easy journey though, but it was all that I could do in my current state at that time.
Years went by and by the time I knew it; I had gone through two jobs and was already 21 years old. I married young and had two sons. After retiring from my first job, I went on to work in a local supermarket. Life as I knew it was better, however, I was still earning less than average due to the long unpaid debts. In fact, I didn’t have that much money and I could only buy my sons a bike to share, a simple T.V and just had enough to buy food and pay some electrical and water bills. I knew that I was poor. My wife hadn’t received a present from me since, well, a long time ago. My boys were in primary school and my wife had to struggle between working and looking after them. I was supposed to be responsible of financially supporting my family as well as my mother and sister. It was a massive struggle but things just got worse.
It was the year 2016 and the world was in chaos. There was another recession and companies were forced to fire many people. Also, because of these budget cuts, society had gone into turmoil. There were many stabbings, many robberies and life as we knew it seemed to end. The recession was much worse than the one sustained in the year 2009. I was one of those many employees whom they cut. What was worse was what came after. My wife had decided to leave me, along with my two boys. And if things didn’t sound bad enough, I had received news that my mother had been robbed of all her belongings as well as stabbed by a group of five bandits. She later died at the scene along with my sister. My brother and I had to meet up at the same morgue that my father was once placed in and we knew that we both could not afford two funerals. It was depressing but we were forced to leave them in that dull morgue.
Before I knew it, it was the next year. I found myself searching for a job again. The recession had finally passed and people were well, human again. People were laughing, others got their job back, some found new ones (like myself), and things were going back on track. I was offered to work in a restaurant known as “Le Crệperie”. I had to work about four days a week but the pay was exceptional.
The pay became so good, in fact, that each week, I’d have left over money. I had paid off the debt and overdue bills and I was able to live off the money I had and still had extra. I decided to start to invest in my own café or (something like a café). So, each week, I would put in a certain amount into a separate bank account. After working in the industry for a year and a half, I was promoted to become the new sous chef. This would mean that if I took the offer, I would receive double pay, would have more authority and have a better life. However, that would also mean that I would have to work longer hours, have more responsibilities and a greater expectation to maintain. These thoughts had bombarded my mind during that time and well, it was no easy choice though it was very tempting. I took the job eventually and soon enough, I was right. I had to work long, stressful hours and there was so much expected of me that I couldn’t even imagine what the head chef was facing. Looking back now, I could see myself becoming meaner, more aggressive and brutal. My ego was getting higher and I could see how much the pride I had was eating me inside. If only back then I could have seen it coming. But, I guess that’s all apart of learning. Well, there were always consequences to having a huge ego and making those around you lose respect. Due to the number of complaints, I had received my last pay cheque that night and was left to wander the streets once again. Looking back now, I can see how foolish I was. One moment, I had everything; the next, nothing.
A few days after being fired, I continued on looking for another job. This time, I thought I had learnt my lesson. I was accepted into a small industry that built chairs, book shelves and so forth. It had been a while since I was able to use my woodworking skills I had learnt in TAFE. Though it took a while to get the hang of things, I was able to pull out some fancy designs. During that time, I thought of designs I had used in the kitchen and replicated them into chairs, models and such. However, instead of getting burns, I received cuts and splinters. It was all a part of the job. I was in no right state to complain because I saw it as a punishment for having a big ego. This woodwork job was a foundation in which I was able to build upon before I stepped into the next road ahead.
Architecture.
Building upon the knowledge I had gained from working in the woodwork industry for about three years, I was able to study advanced architecture and finance. I decided to take these courses in order to build a strong base knowledge and to ensure I know how to approach society if I was to own my own café one day. Once again, thanks to my kitchen and woodwork experience, drawing and designing a building wasn’t much of a problem. The only main problem was financial balancing. In the past, I had always struggled with money. As months went by, my knowledge of finance and architecture expanded and slowly, I was able to begin my project-the café. I grabbed ideas from a variety of areas, I made surveys to see what society wants and needs and I asked some friends I kept in touch with from high school and previous work colleagues if they would like to be employed. This was no overnight job. This had to have been one of the most stressful, but exciting, times of my life. I thought back then that I had nothing to lose but everything to gain.
A few months into the next year, and I had applied to a licence to run a café. I already had the necessary certificates such as food handling and selling alcohol. I began to design my café, which I named “Loose Change Café”, using the information I had collected. I drew out how my café was going to look like and a significant emblem that would stand out to society. I also designed how the uniform was going to look like, the café menu and the environment I was aiming for. Each night, I would spend hours sketching, planning and writing down every last detail of the café I had in mind. I would go so much into depth about a specific detail that it was sometimes worth five pages.
It was now the year 2023 and I had finally finished all my courses I had set out myself to do. I was able to own a café legally, was able to serve food and beverages and was legally allowed to build my own café. Everything was going to plan until my long gone wife had returned along with two men. Looking closely at them, I had finally realised. They were my sons. I didn’t know how to react. What was I to do? I couldn’t just give up everything I had worked up for just to accept them back into my life and having to support them again. Life from there was going to go downhill.
My wife, the woman who abandoned me, the one who broke my heart and took away everything I had earned was standing right in front of me, begging for me to take her and my two begotten sons back into my life. This would have meant that I would have to give up all my dreams and everything I had worked for up till now just for someone who is now, a lost cause. Flashbacks of memories came back in mind and I had no idea what to do. I should’ve done what seemed logically correct back then.
Months later, as my project was on hold, my sons were in their final years of university and my wife had a simple job at a local supermarket and I had to once again find a new job in order to support everyone again. I was re-accepted in the restaurant I worked at as well as the old woodwork industry. I was able to juggle upon the two jobs and I was able to further invest in my project which was to be left alone with dust building upon it. The many problems during these times were “family” time and alone time. I only had one bed during that time, so my “wife” and sons were left to sleep on the couch and mattresses. I had to triple the amount of food I was buying in order to feed everyone as well as pay triple the amount of the bills I had. The more time passed, the more I knew that I was going to fall into debt once again. What was I to do? Kick them out in order to fulfil my dream? Even till today, I still believed that if I hadn’t accepted them into my life again, I would have fulfilled my dream.
It was the next year and though my wife and boys had jobs, I didn’t have enough money to invest in my café. Instead, in order to pay off my overdue bills, I was forced to use that money to pay it off. Soon enough, I was left with next to nothing in that account. All that I had worked for, all that was earned and saved had disappeared in a flash. Why? Because of that woman. A few months later, I did what I should have done a long time ago. I was forced to kick them out of my apartment. Had anyone knew the torment and pain I was facing, they wouldn’t call me inhumane. I had to start from scratch. I had to re-earn the money again, re-invest in the café and work my way up. I felt like giving up during that time but I remembered about the people I promised the job to so, I tried again.
After a year of working and investing, I was able to re-inverse the money I had used and still have extra to start investing in other things such as tables, chairs and the basics that I needed. At that time, I had quit being a carpenter and continued working as a chef. I was soon to be promoted to become the sous chef again. I accepted the offer and though there were ups and downs, we’d finished with champagne to end off each day. Life was finally beginning to look brighter. I was soon able to begin building my café. I had decided to finish planning before going ahead with building it. I started to plan out my menu and the rest fell into place. I called my café “The Home Café”.
It had be three years since I began the project and well, my café had been running since. The café that I started was no ordinary café though. It was open to everyone but my main target of customers was the less fortunate. I had decided from the moment I began to help the less fortunate because of what I had experienced in life. Had anyone been hungry during that time, I was sure to feed them, money or not. Though many were happy about this idea, many surrounding cafes were greatly against the idea due to the fact that they were losing business. I could understand their feelings but they couldn’t understand mine. I fought, along with others, to keep the place open but at the end of that month, all was lost. I was forced to start charging money or shut down for good. What was I to do? I only had 48 hours to decide. After the sleepless nights, the day of decision had arrived.
It had been a week since the decision, and my café had been a huge hit. Though I had to make major sacrifices, I guess moving to a new town was worth it. It did take a long time to move all my belongings and such but, with a new town, new apartment and new café location, I thought that I could start afresh and that was what I did. Even though I was forced to retire, I concluded that I would be able to find another job and that was what I did. I was praised for my idea to help the less fortunate and through this, I had gained many sponsors. Through the sponsorships and the money earned from the café, I was able to invest to upgrade my café into a restaurant. Though at that time, it wouldn’t be one of those flashy restaurants, it’d hold more people. However, I’d need to plan more and re-design my whole building. It was going to take some time.
Weeks later, the new project of my restaurant had begun. I started off with the sketches and menu plans. I was able to come up with the building design and the menu design within a few weeks. Later on, I came up with the menu and beverages. Some of my friends were willing to work at the new restaurant and I was able to find accommodation for them through my sponsors.
About two months later, the final approval was made and the building began. In the mean time, I tried all I could to help the less fortunate. I’d invite some over to my apartment to have dinner, a place to sleep and just to have fun. I knew it was risky but what I got out of it seemed more valuable than what they did. I enjoyed giving the less fortunate a better place to live and such. I even sometimes had friends come over to enjoy a meal with all of us. It was a great time back then giving hope to the less fortunate. A lot of people asked me “why?”. The answer was simple. We are all human. We breathe the same air and share the same world. If no one will care about what is really important, and let those around us suffer, how can we call ourselves humane? From my experience, many people gave me dirty looks like I was such a pest, a disease only because I didn’t have the money to dress up like them.
It had been a long wait, but my restaurant had its grand opening. It was a date I’d never forget. 24/5/2029. That day, all the tables were filled and there was an even number of the less fortunate as well as the wealthy. The thing that amazed me the most was when the wealthy sat alongside with the less fortunate, set aside their differences and laughed and talked together. It was what I had intended and I could see my dream playing out right in front of my eyes. Nothing could go wrong. Well, that was what I thought during that time.
It was a busy Tuesday night about 7:30p.m and it was a full house. Everyone was busy running out dishes, there were people waiting for seats and many dishes had yet gone out. There was a particular customer who walked in and after eating their dish, they called for the manager. I remembered this like it happened yesterday. As I walked out, that lady stood up and got everyone’s attention and what she did next ruined me. Of course no one believed her at the beginning until she made me confess to kicking her out of the house. That, right there and then, I knew I was ruined for life.
Years had gone by since that incident. Why couldn’t she just get over it? Of course I knew the answer subconsciously in my mind. Well, from that incident in the restaurant, I lost many loyal customers and I was left with a sense of betrayal to those whom I was close to. I knew deep down that someday, I would’ve regretted kicking out my wife. My sponsors, but one, had left me and I had hit rock bottom. My dream was destroyed by the same woman again. At that time, I didn’t know what I was to do. Continue to follow up on a dream that lost its wings? Who was I kidding, I thought, no one’s going to accept my propositions after that outbreak. And well, I was right. After approaching many industries, I was left with nothing. Just with the knowledge and experience I already had.
Well, I didn’t know where or how but one day, I just picked myself up from where I left off and along with one of my sponsors, I re-designed the restaurant and I re-opened the restaurant. Things began slowly around the joint but slowly, things began to pick up and by the time I knew, my restaurant was back in business. Even some of the loyal customers came back and some even apologised for leaving. Slowly, I received many sponsors and they helped promote my restaurant to the neighbouring towns.
News went around quickly of my re-opening and of course, guess who showed up. The woman who ruined my life twice. As soon as I saw her, I remember getting to her as fast as I could. I then saw my two boys and what did I do? I welcomed them in of course. I didn’t want to cause a scene so I sat on the same table with them to try work some things out. I remember talking about finances, life and the history. During that moment in time, I was expecting them to hate me but to my surprise, they didn’t seem at all angry. Actually, they begged for forgiveness. I didn’t know how to react at that time. My world had turned upside down. I wasn’t ready to look after a family but at the same time, I didn’t want to reject them again. Logically, if I can help the needy, why can’t I help the people whom were once in my heart?
Well, we gradually sorted out our differences and we lived in the same apartment. Now, during this time, living with everyone seemed easier because everyone was working and we didn’t have to worry about finances. I continued with the restaurant and my wife worked at a bank down the corner from the apartment. My boys both worked as IT consultants at a worldwide computer company and well, life was actually good.
Years went on, and now in the year 2040, my restaurant had further expanded in size and thanks to my sponsors, my restaurant is now a big hit all around the country being popular as ever. Not only are they restaurants, but they are safe houses for the needy. My friends continue to work at the original restaurant with me and my further plan for next year is to build a safe house for the needy next to my restaurant. Though I am waiting for approval, I had started some designs ready to be built.
So why am I worth $1000000 according to my friends? I’ll allow whoever reads this to answer the question.
My name is Kyle Rangers. The year is 2040 and I have learnt many lifelong lessons from the many experiences I had faced. These lessons had taught me many values in which I cherish and have helped me get to where I am today. Many believe that I am worth a salary of $1000000 and why is that? I was challenged with this question.
This story begins in the year 2010 when I was an adolescent 17 year old. During my years of growing up, building my maturity and learning new lessons, my first major step to adulthood had taken place. I had been accepted to my first ever job. Though it was only a simple job selling fast food at a local café, I had learnt about the “real world” that everyone had been telling me about. Though I had only begun, it had felt as if I had entered whole new world. Entering this world, I was filled with excitement and fear. I was in a bitter-sweet moment where I could celebrate and embrace my job but at the same time, it felt like a war where I had to protect losing my job and upholding my role within the unit. I was a team of many but at the same time, a team of one.
Now, allow me to give you a piece of my history. I was brought up in a broken family, with next to no money, a drug addicted mother, and a father locked in jail, a brother in depression and a sister with Down syndrome. I always felt as if I was by myself. We always owed money to banks, friends, family and other financial companies. As years went by, my brother fell out of depression and started working at a fish and chips store about fifteen blocks from my small apartment; my mother stopped drugs and spent the whole day looking after my sister, my father died in jail and I well, was still in school. I wasn’t doing so well though, I mean, many times I had felt like dropping out than face the risk of failure. I often felt depressed about my score but at the same time, I didn’t have to worry about receiving a lecture from my mum since she had more to worry about. Of course I still wanted to stay in school to get a good job in the future but, at the end of the year, things didn’t go as planned.
It was the next year (2010) and well, school wasn’t going so well. Stress levels grew, homework was piling up more and more, my brother was on the brink of losing his job and my mother was struggling with the unpaid bills and debts as well as looking after my sister. And my father, well, he couldn’t stand the torment of life in jail anymore so, he took his own life. The news of my father’s death had hit hard and so, it was a struggle to hold a funeral due to the financial issues we had and such. Also, my mother had second thoughts of whether he was “worthy” enough to have one because of his crime. With this, we were forced to leave my father’s body in a morgue. I knew, during that time, that though he was a criminal, he was still the man whom brought us up. So, a few years after, we had a funeral for him but I’ll get back to that later.
2010 wasn’t a great year for me. I was failing school; I was stressed and was suffering from severe insomnia. Even though this particular year was stressful and depletive, my life was going to be changed forever. It was October the 8th and school had hit hard with all the homework, exams and such and I felt the weight just get heavier and heavier. I was on the verge of failing three of my subjects and I knew that the final outcome wasn’t going to please the eye. After a long year of debate with myself and with the fear of ridicule, I had finally decided to drop out of school in search for a diploma and for work. So, whilst still in my youth (still 17 years old), I went out in search for a job. I knew deep down that no one would hire a drop out like me but I wouldn’t have known until I had tried, so for days, I had gone to different places asking about a position but everywhere I went, I was rejected. I was about to give up hope when I saw a small, hidden shop that had a small rigid sign that read “Fish and Chips” and though it didn’t look too appealing, I went in anyway. I was in desperate need of a job so, I walked in and to my surprise all the seats were taken up, even though there were only four tables. I walked up to the counter and asked for a job and amazingly, they accepted me. What was more was that the pay I received was a significant amount. Also, I was able to go to a TAFE and study many areas such as cooking, woodworks and so forth. I was juggling between work and studies but at the end of it all, I knew somehow it will benefit me later on. It wasn’t an easy journey though, but it was all that I could do in my current state at that time.
Years went by and by the time I knew it; I had gone through two jobs and was already 21 years old. I married young and had two sons. After retiring from my first job, I went on to work in a local supermarket. Life as I knew it was better, however, I was still earning less than average due to the long unpaid debts. In fact, I didn’t have that much money and I could only buy my sons a bike to share, a simple T.V and just had enough to buy food and pay some electrical and water bills. I knew that I was poor. My wife hadn’t received a present from me since, well, a long time ago. My boys were in primary school and my wife had to struggle between working and looking after them. I was supposed to be responsible of financially supporting my family as well as my mother and sister. It was a massive struggle but things just got worse.
It was the year 2016 and the world was in chaos. There was another recession and companies were forced to fire many people. Also, because of these budget cuts, society had gone into turmoil. There were many stabbings, many robberies and life as we knew it seemed to end. The recession was much worse than the one sustained in the year 2009. I was one of those many employees whom they cut. What was worse was what came after. My wife had decided to leave me, along with my two boys. And if things didn’t sound bad enough, I had received news that my mother had been robbed of all her belongings as well as stabbed by a group of five bandits. She later died at the scene along with my sister. My brother and I had to meet up at the same morgue that my father was once placed in and we knew that we both could not afford two funerals. It was depressing but we were forced to leave them in that dull morgue.
Before I knew it, it was the next year. I found myself searching for a job again. The recession had finally passed and people were well, human again. People were laughing, others got their job back, some found new ones (like myself), and things were going back on track. I was offered to work in a restaurant known as “Le Crệperie”. I had to work about four days a week but the pay was exceptional.
The pay became so good, in fact, that each week, I’d have left over money. I had paid off the debt and overdue bills and I was able to live off the money I had and still had extra. I decided to start to invest in my own café or (something like a café). So, each week, I would put in a certain amount into a separate bank account. After working in the industry for a year and a half, I was promoted to become the new sous chef. This would mean that if I took the offer, I would receive double pay, would have more authority and have a better life. However, that would also mean that I would have to work longer hours, have more responsibilities and a greater expectation to maintain. These thoughts had bombarded my mind during that time and well, it was no easy choice though it was very tempting. I took the job eventually and soon enough, I was right. I had to work long, stressful hours and there was so much expected of me that I couldn’t even imagine what the head chef was facing. Looking back now, I could see myself becoming meaner, more aggressive and brutal. My ego was getting higher and I could see how much the pride I had was eating me inside. If only back then I could have seen it coming. But, I guess that’s all apart of learning. Well, there were always consequences to having a huge ego and making those around you lose respect. Due to the number of complaints, I had received my last pay cheque that night and was left to wander the streets once again. Looking back now, I can see how foolish I was. One moment, I had everything; the next, nothing.
A few days after being fired, I continued on looking for another job. This time, I thought I had learnt my lesson. I was accepted into a small industry that built chairs, book shelves and so forth. It had been a while since I was able to use my woodworking skills I had learnt in TAFE. Though it took a while to get the hang of things, I was able to pull out some fancy designs. During that time, I thought of designs I had used in the kitchen and replicated them into chairs, models and such. However, instead of getting burns, I received cuts and splinters. It was all a part of the job. I was in no right state to complain because I saw it as a punishment for having a big ego. This woodwork job was a foundation in which I was able to build upon before I stepped into the next road ahead.
Architecture.
Building upon the knowledge I had gained from working in the woodwork industry for about three years, I was able to study advanced architecture and finance. I decided to take these courses in order to build a strong base knowledge and to ensure I know how to approach society if I was to own my own café one day. Once again, thanks to my kitchen and woodwork experience, drawing and designing a building wasn’t much of a problem. The only main problem was financial balancing. In the past, I had always struggled with money. As months went by, my knowledge of finance and architecture expanded and slowly, I was able to begin my project-the café. I grabbed ideas from a variety of areas, I made surveys to see what society wants and needs and I asked some friends I kept in touch with from high school and previous work colleagues if they would like to be employed. This was no overnight job. This had to have been one of the most stressful, but exciting, times of my life. I thought back then that I had nothing to lose but everything to gain.
A few months into the next year, and I had applied to a licence to run a café. I already had the necessary certificates such as food handling and selling alcohol. I began to design my café, which I named “Loose Change Café”, using the information I had collected. I drew out how my café was going to look like and a significant emblem that would stand out to society. I also designed how the uniform was going to look like, the café menu and the environment I was aiming for. Each night, I would spend hours sketching, planning and writing down every last detail of the café I had in mind. I would go so much into depth about a specific detail that it was sometimes worth five pages.
It was now the year 2023 and I had finally finished all my courses I had set out myself to do. I was able to own a café legally, was able to serve food and beverages and was legally allowed to build my own café. Everything was going to plan until my long gone wife had returned along with two men. Looking closely at them, I had finally realised. They were my sons. I didn’t know how to react. What was I to do? I couldn’t just give up everything I had worked up for just to accept them back into my life and having to support them again. Life from there was going to go downhill.
My wife, the woman who abandoned me, the one who broke my heart and took away everything I had earned was standing right in front of me, begging for me to take her and my two begotten sons back into my life. This would have meant that I would have to give up all my dreams and everything I had worked for up till now just for someone who is now, a lost cause. Flashbacks of memories came back in mind and I had no idea what to do. I should’ve done what seemed logically correct back then.
Months later, as my project was on hold, my sons were in their final years of university and my wife had a simple job at a local supermarket and I had to once again find a new job in order to support everyone again. I was re-accepted in the restaurant I worked at as well as the old woodwork industry. I was able to juggle upon the two jobs and I was able to further invest in my project which was to be left alone with dust building upon it. The many problems during these times were “family” time and alone time. I only had one bed during that time, so my “wife” and sons were left to sleep on the couch and mattresses. I had to triple the amount of food I was buying in order to feed everyone as well as pay triple the amount of the bills I had. The more time passed, the more I knew that I was going to fall into debt once again. What was I to do? Kick them out in order to fulfil my dream? Even till today, I still believed that if I hadn’t accepted them into my life again, I would have fulfilled my dream.
It was the next year and though my wife and boys had jobs, I didn’t have enough money to invest in my café. Instead, in order to pay off my overdue bills, I was forced to use that money to pay it off. Soon enough, I was left with next to nothing in that account. All that I had worked for, all that was earned and saved had disappeared in a flash. Why? Because of that woman. A few months later, I did what I should have done a long time ago. I was forced to kick them out of my apartment. Had anyone knew the torment and pain I was facing, they wouldn’t call me inhumane. I had to start from scratch. I had to re-earn the money again, re-invest in the café and work my way up. I felt like giving up during that time but I remembered about the people I promised the job to so, I tried again.
After a year of working and investing, I was able to re-inverse the money I had used and still have extra to start investing in other things such as tables, chairs and the basics that I needed. At that time, I had quit being a carpenter and continued working as a chef. I was soon to be promoted to become the sous chef again. I accepted the offer and though there were ups and downs, we’d finished with champagne to end off each day. Life was finally beginning to look brighter. I was soon able to begin building my café. I had decided to finish planning before going ahead with building it. I started to plan out my menu and the rest fell into place. I called my café “The Home Café”.
It had be three years since I began the project and well, my café had been running since. The café that I started was no ordinary café though. It was open to everyone but my main target of customers was the less fortunate. I had decided from the moment I began to help the less fortunate because of what I had experienced in life. Had anyone been hungry during that time, I was sure to feed them, money or not. Though many were happy about this idea, many surrounding cafes were greatly against the idea due to the fact that they were losing business. I could understand their feelings but they couldn’t understand mine. I fought, along with others, to keep the place open but at the end of that month, all was lost. I was forced to start charging money or shut down for good. What was I to do? I only had 48 hours to decide. After the sleepless nights, the day of decision had arrived.
It had been a week since the decision, and my café had been a huge hit. Though I had to make major sacrifices, I guess moving to a new town was worth it. It did take a long time to move all my belongings and such but, with a new town, new apartment and new café location, I thought that I could start afresh and that was what I did. Even though I was forced to retire, I concluded that I would be able to find another job and that was what I did. I was praised for my idea to help the less fortunate and through this, I had gained many sponsors. Through the sponsorships and the money earned from the café, I was able to invest to upgrade my café into a restaurant. Though at that time, it wouldn’t be one of those flashy restaurants, it’d hold more people. However, I’d need to plan more and re-design my whole building. It was going to take some time.
Weeks later, the new project of my restaurant had begun. I started off with the sketches and menu plans. I was able to come up with the building design and the menu design within a few weeks. Later on, I came up with the menu and beverages. Some of my friends were willing to work at the new restaurant and I was able to find accommodation for them through my sponsors.
About two months later, the final approval was made and the building began. In the mean time, I tried all I could to help the less fortunate. I’d invite some over to my apartment to have dinner, a place to sleep and just to have fun. I knew it was risky but what I got out of it seemed more valuable than what they did. I enjoyed giving the less fortunate a better place to live and such. I even sometimes had friends come over to enjoy a meal with all of us. It was a great time back then giving hope to the less fortunate. A lot of people asked me “why?”. The answer was simple. We are all human. We breathe the same air and share the same world. If no one will care about what is really important, and let those around us suffer, how can we call ourselves humane? From my experience, many people gave me dirty looks like I was such a pest, a disease only because I didn’t have the money to dress up like them.
It had been a long wait, but my restaurant had its grand opening. It was a date I’d never forget. 24/5/2029. That day, all the tables were filled and there was an even number of the less fortunate as well as the wealthy. The thing that amazed me the most was when the wealthy sat alongside with the less fortunate, set aside their differences and laughed and talked together. It was what I had intended and I could see my dream playing out right in front of my eyes. Nothing could go wrong. Well, that was what I thought during that time.
It was a busy Tuesday night about 7:30p.m and it was a full house. Everyone was busy running out dishes, there were people waiting for seats and many dishes had yet gone out. There was a particular customer who walked in and after eating their dish, they called for the manager. I remembered this like it happened yesterday. As I walked out, that lady stood up and got everyone’s attention and what she did next ruined me. Of course no one believed her at the beginning until she made me confess to kicking her out of the house. That, right there and then, I knew I was ruined for life.
Years had gone by since that incident. Why couldn’t she just get over it? Of course I knew the answer subconsciously in my mind. Well, from that incident in the restaurant, I lost many loyal customers and I was left with a sense of betrayal to those whom I was close to. I knew deep down that someday, I would’ve regretted kicking out my wife. My sponsors, but one, had left me and I had hit rock bottom. My dream was destroyed by the same woman again. At that time, I didn’t know what I was to do. Continue to follow up on a dream that lost its wings? Who was I kidding, I thought, no one’s going to accept my propositions after that outbreak. And well, I was right. After approaching many industries, I was left with nothing. Just with the knowledge and experience I already had.
Well, I didn’t know where or how but one day, I just picked myself up from where I left off and along with one of my sponsors, I re-designed the restaurant and I re-opened the restaurant. Things began slowly around the joint but slowly, things began to pick up and by the time I knew, my restaurant was back in business. Even some of the loyal customers came back and some even apologised for leaving. Slowly, I received many sponsors and they helped promote my restaurant to the neighbouring towns.
News went around quickly of my re-opening and of course, guess who showed up. The woman who ruined my life twice. As soon as I saw her, I remember getting to her as fast as I could. I then saw my two boys and what did I do? I welcomed them in of course. I didn’t want to cause a scene so I sat on the same table with them to try work some things out. I remember talking about finances, life and the history. During that moment in time, I was expecting them to hate me but to my surprise, they didn’t seem at all angry. Actually, they begged for forgiveness. I didn’t know how to react at that time. My world had turned upside down. I wasn’t ready to look after a family but at the same time, I didn’t want to reject them again. Logically, if I can help the needy, why can’t I help the people whom were once in my heart?
Well, we gradually sorted out our differences and we lived in the same apartment. Now, during this time, living with everyone seemed easier because everyone was working and we didn’t have to worry about finances. I continued with the restaurant and my wife worked at a bank down the corner from the apartment. My boys both worked as IT consultants at a worldwide computer company and well, life was actually good.
Years went on, and now in the year 2040, my restaurant had further expanded in size and thanks to my sponsors, my restaurant is now a big hit all around the country being popular as ever. Not only are they restaurants, but they are safe houses for the needy. My friends continue to work at the original restaurant with me and my further plan for next year is to build a safe house for the needy next to my restaurant. Though I am waiting for approval, I had started some designs ready to be built.
So why am I worth $1000000 according to my friends? I’ll allow whoever reads this to answer the question.
愛 Love- Story of Trevor Janson (Story written in English in year 10)
My name is Trevor Janson but everyone calls me ‘Trev’. My life, which is now in its 20th year had been filled with many ups and downs, with happiness and sorrow. My birthday is next year, three months and five days. This is my story of love.
This story started when I was 13 years old. I was only in year 7. I started a new grade, a new school and a new town. I didn’t want to leave my old town. I had to leave my old school, Bluebird Primary, I had to leave my friends, my neighbours, my life.
‘But why do we have to leave?’ I asked in anguish.
‘Trev, I know you don’t want to leave but we must, we…just have to. We’ll get used to change but for now, just, just bear with it,’ said mum in guilt.
‘What about Kate?’ I asked in sadness.
Kate was my girlfriend since grade 2. I remember the first time we ever admitted to each other we liked each other. It was pretty weird. At the back of the oval, as the other children hid, whilst playing hide and seek, Kate and I coincidently went to the same hiding area.
‘This is my hiding place,’ she complained to me.
‘No, this is mine,’ I rebuked, but then, we couldn’t stop staring into each other’s eyes. Her brownish-black eyes locked onto my blackish-brown eyes. For some reason, at that time, it felt like time had stopped. As we gazed into each other’s eyes, the wind blew and then randomly Kate said, ‘I think I like you.’
My face turned red. Her face turned red.
I felt like I had to reply. ‘I d…’
‘FOUND YOU!’ yelled out the seeker. Kate and I jumped from the shock.
That was the very first time we admitted it to each other.
We got older and we were now in grade 6. We were still going out and our love for each other had grown. We thought we had to make this year the best year because next year, we would be in high school and probably would never see each other.
It was the beginning of the year.
‘Trevor, please don’t forget your hat. Remember, term one and four, you must wear your hat. Don’t leave without it,’ mum explained.
‘Yes mum, I know,’ I reply sarcastically. Every year, she reminds me over and over.
We were now in class, so as I said goodbye to mum, I walked straight to Kate.
‘Hi Kate,’ I said with happiness.
‘Hey,’ she replied.
The bell had gone so we held hands and walked to class. As usual, we sat next to each other, shared our pencils, rubber, ruler and such with each other. The tables were set in pairs so only two people sat at a table. As class went on, we secretly held hands. During class, our hands would get sweaty because we held hands for too long.
The bell rang for recess and all the children rushed out like an angry mob. Kate and I however walked out slowly together.
We walked around the oval and in the middle of recess, we noticed that Kate forgot to wear her hat and the yard duty teacher was approaching us.
‘Here, take this,’ I tell Kate as I passed my hat to her.
‘Are you sure? What about you? You should wear it,’ she said in fear.
The teacher was getting closer and closer.
I placed my hat on Kate’s head and the yard duty teacher said, ‘Where’s your hat young man?’
‘I, uh...forgot it,’ I replied as respectably as I could.
‘Come with me,’ he ordered.
As I followed him, Kate followed behind and felt bad.
I looked back and said to her, ‘Don’t feel bad. I’d rather get in trouble for you than to see you get in trouble.’
Kate ran up to me and gave me a hug. The teacher didn’t see this; he was still walking to the office. When Kate let go of me, I caught up to the teacher and we went inside.
It had been 45 minutes. I was bored to death in that detention room.
I couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky I was having the best girlfriend in the world.
I was lost in my thoughts when all of a sudden, RING! The bell had rung. I swore I wet my pants a little because of the surprise I got.
‘Off you go to class now. Remember, bring your hat tomorrow or you’ll see me in detention tomorrow,’ said the teacher.
‘Yes sir,’ I replied.
I rushed into the classroom and sat next to Kate.
I whispered, ‘Don’t feel bad. I wanted to do it. I wanted to protect you. I love you.’
I could see she felt bad.
‘I’m so, so sorry,’ she said.
I held her hand for the rest of class.
Later in the year, in winter, in July, it was Kate’s birthday. She threw a small party. Her friends Jane, Jess, Lizz and Lisa went and I was probably the only boy there-apart from Kate’s younger brother. The party was at Kate’s house.
I didn’t mind being the only male-friend there. As long as Kate was there, it was all good.
The party started with music, games and a few snacks. I sat next to Kate in all the games we played. She was happy and so was I.
The time had come to open up presents and to have the cake. Kate opened mine first. I gave her a heart necklace with a Chinese character that meant love. The character looked like this: 愛. I put the necklace on her. Then, as she turned around, she gave me a kiss on the cheek. I was a little embarrassed but happy at the same time. The other presents she received were books, teddy bears, music and movies.
It was time for the cake, so we all sang happy birthday. After singing, Kate cut the cake and the knife touched the base.
‘Kate, you know if you touch the bottom of the cake, you have to kiss a boy,’ yelled out Lizz.
Kate walked up to me and whispered, ‘I did it on purpose,’ then kissed me. That was one of the best days of my life.
It was now close to the end of the year. Graduation was the next day. Nearly everyone was excited. Kate and I however felt sad because it was nearly time for school to finish and we may not see each other. There was a chance we could’ve gone to the same high school, but what were the chances.
School that day had finished and that was when I felt like I was going to cry. It felt like this was the day before I died...until I got home.
‘Trev, I don’t know how to say this…’ my mum said as soon as I walked into the house. I was trying to prepare myself for some bad news, but I didn’t expect it to be as bad as this.
‘Yes?’ I asked in a shaky voice.
‘From next year, we are moving towns for good,’ mum said as confidently as she could.
I was stunned, shocked and blanked out hoping it was just a dream. Time had stopped and a deep, dark feeling of fear and confusion just rained on me. My heart felt like it had stopped and my stomach felt like it had been twisted.
Then, wetness filled up in my eyes.
‘What? Why?’ I asked in confusion.
‘We just have to,’ mum replied.
‘I don’t understand,’ I exclaimed. I felt myself getting louder.
‘We just do,’ replied mum. Her voice was shaking.
‘But why do we have to leave?’ I asked in anguish.
‘Trev, I know you don’t want to leave but we must, we…just have to. We’ll get used to change but for now, just, just bear with it,’ my mum said in guilt.
‘What about Kate?’ I ask.
‘Kate can visit us and we can visit her,’ mum replied.
‘But…we’ll be far apart and, well, I’m going to miss her and…’I paused. The tears in my eyes built up too much that I poured out and cried. I cried for a long time. It felt like my life had ended.
‘What…what…’ I couldn’t make out my words.
‘Take deep breaths. Try to relax a little,’ mum tried to comfort me.
‘When are we leaving and where?’ I ask managing to push my words out.
‘We’ll be leaving on the 28th of December to Treegy,” mum replied.
I was astonished. That was in 13 days. I fell on my knees and started panting like I had just ran a mile run. I crouched into a ball hugging my knees as tight as I could. I felt weak. Mum held me tight to comfort me.
At that time, I knew that it was impossible to be with Kate next year. I had to break the news to her.
I was confused.
Questions built up in my head.
Should I tell her tomorrow?
Should I tell her after graduation?
Should I tell her at all?
How should I tell her?
What should I say?
The more I thought about it, the more confused I got. The more confused I got, the more depressed I got over it.
I was scared…really scared.
It was nearly midnight. I couldn’t sleep. I was still stressed over the matter. I tried my hardest to sleep. I couldn’t. I knew, in order to sleep, I had to conclude the matter. I had to come up with a way to tell her. I thought about it. I decided to tell her. I decided to let her know after graduation. I didn’t want to ruin her graduation day.
This was one of the worst times of my life. The pressure on a 12 year old boy, it was just too unbearable.
It was graduation day. This was a day I would never forget. It was a mixture of happiness and sadness. I wore a mini-tuxedo.
It was 7:00p.m and Kate was already in the hall. She was wearing a dress with heeled shoes. I sighed. She was beautiful beyond description.
I approached her and said, ‘Kate, you look beautiful. You always look beautiful.’ I gave her a hug and the music went on. We danced together and it seemed that nothing else around us mattered. All the problems in the world had just disappeared and only Kate and I were the only people in the world. That time seemed to last forever and I wished it would.
During the night, around 8:35, we all sat around a large table to have dinner. We had a “fun dinner” which consisted of pizza, pasta and fruits and ice-cream for dessert. Kate and I shared a bowl of pasta together.
We all had to go into the main hall to watch the presentation so Kate and I held hands and walked there.
During the presentation, I held Kate’s hand and she put her head on my shoulder.
Near the end of the presentation, the dark feeling came back. I tried to concentrate on something else to stop thinking about it. Tears started filling up in my eyes. I tried my best to hold them back.
Suddenly, I felt a shaking sensation on my shoulder. Kate was crying. I put my arm around her and held her tight. She hugged me and held on tight.
‘Are you alright?’ I whispered.
‘Yep,’ she sobbed.
‘I’m going to miss you. I hope we are in the same high school next year,’ she whispered. I felt sad. I felt the warm tears fall down my face and I made a little groaning sound. I sniffed and that was when Kate noticed me crying. She held me tighter and I managed to pull out words, ‘I’m going to miss you. I love you.’
The evening was nearly over.
The end of school had nearly arrived.
Kate and I were getting anxious.
It was 9:30. ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, We have come to the end of the graduation and…’ announced the principal. The beginning of the end was arriving.
Everyone went outside and I walked with Kate to the car park area. I said in a shaky voice, ‘Um…I don’t know how to say this. I…’ I took a deep breath. Sighed and took another deep breath and said, ‘I am moving towns. I’m moving far away on the 28th. I don’t want to move but I must. I’m going to Treegy.’
Kate was stunned.
‘I’m sorry,’ I said as I lowered my head in sadness. Kate touched my chin and lifted my head. I felt a weird sensation on my lips. She had given me a kiss. ‘We’ll see each other in the future again,’ she whispered as tears rolled down her face. For a while, we hugged until it was time to go. We held hands for the final time as we went our separate ways.
In the car, I was silent all the way home.
‘Are you alright? Trev?’ asked mum.
I didn’t reply.
We arrived home and I ran into the house, straight to my room, shut the door, lay on the bed and cried. I couldn’t stop. I had to let as much out as possible.
I heard footsteps walking towards my room. The noise got louder and louder. I sat up, wiped my eyes and held my tears back.
I, as confidently as I could, asked, ‘What do you want?’
Mum said, ‘I know this is difficult for you Trev. I know this is hard. I wish I could do something but…but I can’t. This is hard for me too. Leaving a life I had loved, leaving my history in this place, your father’s history…the…memories of all of us….together….everything…’ by then, I knew mum was crying.
It had been a long time since dad had died and mum hardly talked about it because it still hurt her. She only talked or mentioned dad when it was something serious.
Mum walked into the room. We sat next to each other.
‘Do you want to talk about it?’ mum asked.
‘Not really…’ I said in a confused way, ‘except, why do we have to move?’
Mum paused to think.
‘The truth is, is that I have a new job. This is a once in a lifetime offer. Right now, we are earning next to nothing and with this new job, I will be able to send you to high school. Also, your Aunty Mary has terminal liver cancer and these might be the last months we get to see her. She was my only sister,’ mum was explaining, ‘I hope you understand. I know it’s difficult but, but we have no choice. We’ll pull through this together.’
I nodded. I didn’t feel like talking and I felt like was being selfish. I felt bad for making mum worry.
‘C’mon, let’s go celebrate your graduation with a dinner at your favourite restaurant. Just you and me,’ mum said as she stood.
We both made our way to the car.
This was one of my lowest points in my life. I felt like I had just fallen into a hole and it was pitch black. It felt like I couldn’t get out no matter how much I tried and no one would care about me and try to find me and help me out of the hole. I was suffering because I was suffocating in sadness.
It was now a new year, new town and new school. Year 7 was a big jump for me. I couldn’t stop thinking about Kate. I remembered our hugs, the times we held hands and the kiss. I sighed as I got ready for Treegy High.
‘Ready?’ called mum.
We were in a new house and I was upstairs.
‘Almost,’ I answered.
I took a long look at the picture of Kate and me and said, ‘See you later.’
My first day at Treegy High was strange. A new environment, different people, everything was different.
I missed Kate.
My mind was locking onto the picture of Kate when I was interrupted with an announcement.
‘Attention all 7A students, go to your home teacher and collect your timetables,’ the loud voice said. I walked into the hall and I went to the desk to collect my timetable. It was really different because in primary school, we only stayed in one class and didn’t need a timetable.
I went to my first class and we were introducing ourselves and so was the teacher. We had to talk about our favourite subject, our birthday, our hobbies-things like that.
I decided to look around the class to see if I could find anyone whom I might’ve known or should get to know. No one looked friendly or sociable.
I didn’t speak to anyone that day-only when I was forced to because of work.
At the end of the day, I went home and said, ‘Mum, I’m back.’
There was no reply.
‘I’m back!’ I said again.
No reply.
I walked to the kitchen and found a note on the table. It read: Gone out. I’ll be back in half an hour or so. There are some pies in the oven if you’re hungry. Mum.’
I had a shower and turned on the T.V. As I watched I had some of the party pies.
I looked at the clock and it was 4:00.
I thought to myself, ‘That’s weird. It’s been an hour and mums not back.’
I continued watching the T.V. I was watching ‘Rainbow Cry’ which was a series that I liked. It was quite sad because it was about a young girl getting hit by a car and her mother falls into deep depression and the series was about the life of her mother after the death of her daughter.
I looked at the clock again and it was 6:30. I was shocked. ‘Mums not home yet,’ I thought to myself.
I rang up her mobile but the operator said, ‘Your line could not be connected. Please try again later.’
I wondered if she went to the hospital to visit Aunt Mary.
A weird sensation ran down my spine. I couldn’t explain the feeling but it was really disturbing.
Suddenly, a knock on the door made me jump. ‘Probably mum,’ I thought.
I answered the door but it wasn’t mum.
‘Are you Trevor Janson?’ It was a policeman.
‘Yes…’ I answered unsurely.
‘Your mum is in the hospital. She has been involved in an accident. Come with me and I’ll take you to her,’ said the policeman holding his hat.
I was stunned.
Tears formed in my eyes.
I was confused and shaken.
‘Come in and I’ll take you there,’ the policeman told me.
I went into his car and we drove to Treegy Hospital.
‘Is it serious? How bad is it?’ I ask in confusion (in the police car).
‘I don’t know the full detail but hopefully it’s not too bad,’ he replied.
I couldn’t stop shaking.
I was scared.
Terrified in fact. I was trying to prepare myself for the worst.
The policeman and I ran to the receptionist and he said, ‘Ms Janson’s room.’
The receptionist said, ‘She’s on level 3, room 32 West in ICU.’
So the policeman and I raced to the elevator and went into the room.
The nurse in that room said, ‘She’s doing fine. It’ll take some time for her to fully recover but she’s under good care. I take it you’re her son?’ I nodded as tears fell down.
‘Take a seat. And you are officer…?’ asked the nurse.
‘I’m Officer Roy. I was the one investigating this car accident. The other victim only had minor scratches. He went for an examination but he will be discharged soon. Where’s your father?’ he asked me.
‘He di…,’ I wasn’t speaking properly. I took a deep breath, ‘he died a long time ago. I have no other siblings and my mum is the only one I live with.’
‘How do you get to school?’ Roy asked.
‘I walk but sometimes, my mum drives me,’ I sobbed.
It was now around 5:30.
My mum’s eyes slowly opened. I was half asleep.
‘Trev? Trev?’ she called out. I woke up from my half sleep status.
‘Mum?’ I answered.
‘What happened?’ she asked.
‘Don’t worry. You’re in a hospital. You were involved in a car crash. I was worried,’ I explained to her.
‘Nurse, come here!’ I called, ‘Mum’s awake!’
A nurse rushed in. ‘How are you feeling?’ she asked as she examined mum.
‘My head hurts, my arm hurts but that’s all,’ mum replied.
‘Your accident caused you to have a broken arm and you may have migraines for a few weeks. We are doing all we can to help,’ said the nurse.
‘Thank you so much. And thank you for looking after Trevor for me,’ replied mum.
It had been around 3-4 weeks after the car accident. Mum was alright now. She couldn’t drive yet but her migraines were gone and she could move her arm.
‘I’ve arranged some free transportation home for you,’ said the nurse.
‘Thank you so much. Trevor and I are really grateful and thankful for you,’ mum said.
We reached home and we packed our things away. I went to the phone and rang up Kate.
‘Hello?’ Kate asked.
‘Hello?’ I asked.
‘Trevor?’ she asked in excitement.
‘Kate. I miss you so much. It’s been a while,’ I replied.
‘I miss you so much too. How’s Treegy?’
‘Treegy is alright. I still miss Bluebird. And really miss you. Are you still in Bluebird? How is it?’
‘Yes I am still here. It’s okay I guess. High school isn’t fun. And I really miss you too. I want to come see you.’
‘I want to see you aswell. I miss you a lot.’
Then, out of the blue, mum came in the room and said, ‘We’re going to Bluebird in a few weeks. We’ll go there in say another week or so. I need to clear up some things.’
Then she walked out.
‘Did you hear that?’ I asked excitedly.
‘Yes! You’re coming to Bluebird,’ said Kate excitedly.
A feeling that I hadn’t felt in a long time started to fill up in me. I felt lighter, happier, warmer. I was really excited.
We chatted for another half an hour and I said, ‘I’ll see ya soon.’
‘I’ll see ya soon too,’ Kate replied.
Then at the same time, we said, ‘Love you,’ and hung up.
Around that time, in that period, I felt happy and excited and I had a sense of hope build up in me. I wanted to jump around like a crazy animal shouting out in happiness…but I didn’t.
It had been a painful wait, but it had been three weeks. ‘It’s time to go now,’ mum called.
‘I’ll see you soon my love,’ I spoke to the picture of Kate.
Kate and I decided to meet at a restaurant; our favourite restaurant ‘Messy Spaghetti’. We booked a table of four.
I ran to the car and we drove off. The journey should’ve taken about 2-3 hours drive. I rang Kate on her mobile.
‘I’m so excited,’ I said.
‘Me too. I’m going to hug you as soon as I see you,’ she said excitedly.
For two hours straight, we continuously talked.
It was about 7:30 then.
‘Oh no! Why?’ asked mum to herself.
There was a huge traffic jam. The roads were blocked so we had to wait and find another route to Bluebird.
We waited anxiously.
‘Kate, I’m going to be late, there’s a traffic jam. I hope to be there soon,’ I said on the mobile.
‘Okay. Hope to see you soon too,’ she replied and then hung up. I really hoped that we didn’t make Kate and her mother wait for a long time.
We had been in the same traffic jam for half an hour. We were close to the front of the line. We waited and ten minutes later, we got to change routes. We turned left.
My mobile battery was nearly dead and I didn’t want to make Kate wait. I rang her up.
‘Kate, we just got out of the traffic jam. Hope to see you soon,’
Kate replied, ‘Thank God. I can’t wait to see you again.’
We drove through weird towns that I had never been to like ‘Purplesby’ and ‘Conray’. It was nearly Bluebird. Another 5 kilometres.
I rang Kate, ‘I’m nearly…’ my phone died. I hoped she received the message.
The time was now 9:30. It had been two hours. I was still excited but felt really bad about making Kate wait.
We were finally in Bluebird. The time was 10:25. Mum pulled up our car and I saw Kate. She was looking around to try find me. I snuck up behind her, hugged her and kissed her cheek.
‘Sorry for making you wait,’ I whispered.
‘That’s alright. As long as I got to see you,’ she replied.
Kate turned around and gave me a hug and kissed me. We couldn’t let go of each other.
Kate was crying in happiness.
We walked into the restaurant and I sat next to Kate. Our mums were on a different table. Kate and I ordered one large spaghetti to share. We talked non-stop. This was a great moment in my life because Kate and I were finally re-united. I cherished every moment of it.
It was time to go back to our old Bluebird home. As Kate and I walked to the cars, we held hands and I held her other hand and I said, ‘I love you. I hope to see you tomorrow.’ She moved her head in and kissed my lips. I was a little confused but, I went with it.
It was a little strange going back to our old house. Flashes of memory just went through my head like a flash movie.
‘How long are we in Bluebird for?’ I asked.
‘Only a week,’ mum replied, ‘Sorry we can’t stay for longer.’
I knew from there, I had to cherish every moment in Bluebird.
‘So is today counted as a day?’ I asked.
‘A week from tomorrow,’ mum answered. So, I decided to write one week’s worth of a diary.
Day 1:
I started the day as early as I could so I wouldn’t waste precious hours. I woke up at 7:30 and got dressed and all that.
Around 8:35, Kate and I met up and we went to the park. We went on the playgrounds like we used to in grade 2 and 3, went on the swings and the different parts of the playground. Then we fished in the little lake. We caught five yabbies together.
At 12:45, we went to a pizza store and had lunch. We mixed different flavours together.
At 1:25, we went shopping. We bought and tried different clothes, shoes and other stuff.
We watched a movie together at 3:25. We watched ‘As love as love can be.’ It was a romantic sad movie. Kate cried during some parts so I held her tight.
At 6:21, we went to the park again and star gazed until 9:00.
Then, at 9:00, we had to go home.
Day 2:
At 4:00 in the afternoon, Kate and I went to the Bluebirds funfair. We went on different rides such as bumper cars, love ride, wall of mirrors and the famous Bluebird Rolled-Up Rollercoaster. Kate felt dizzy after the rollercoaster so we sat down for a while. I held her hand so she would be stable. It was hard for her to walk around because of the dizziness so I carried her on my back to different places.
When the dizziness wore off, Kate and I walked to the ‘House of Music’ which was an instrument shop. I showed Kate something that she didn’t know. I played the piano to her. Kate was amazed that I played the piano. Then, she did something unexpected. She sat next to me, kissed my cheek and started to play the piano too. That amazed me.
‘Hidden talents,’ I said.
She giggled.
Day 3:
Kate and I went to the ‘Blue Bar’ which was a karaoke bar. At first, we were nervous about singing to each other so we sang a duet together. After that duet, we weren’t shy and we sang to each other. We made a great singing pair.
Her voice was unbelievably awesome-that is an understatement.
We sang mainly duets and love songs. It was like, like the word ‘Love’ was being drawn through our voices.
Day 4
This was the worst day of my week.
‘We have to cut our stay. Aunty Mary is in a critical condition. She is going to go soon,’ my mum told me. She was crying.
‘I’m so sorry Trev, but we have to go tomorrow. I promise, we’ll come back another time,’ she was crying even more now.
I rang up Kate and told her the bad news.
Kate started crying.
Later that day, Kate and her mum came over to our house and comforted mum.
‘Trev, I told my mum to follow you to go back. She said she will. I really loved my time spent with you this week. I’m going to miss you a lot,’ said Kate as tears formed in her eyes.
I hugged Kate as tears fell from my eyes and I said, ‘I’m going to miss you too. I had the best time with you and I wish it would just last forever.’
That night, Kate and her mother slept over.
Day 5
This was the day we had to go back. Kate and her mum followed us to the borderline which divided the towns.
During the drive, I said to mum, ‘Stop the car for a minute.’ It was more like an order than a plea.
‘Okay,’ mum said as she slowed the car down.
Kate got out of her car. I got out and I ran to Kate.
‘I know this is the last day of my stay. I want to show you something,’ I told Kate.
We walked into the piano shop.
I pulled out a piece of folded paper. I asked the shop owner if I could use a piano for a little while and explained to her why. She wasn’t sure at first and hesitated a little, but she directed to a large concert grand piano that was already set up.
Our mums walked in not knowing why we went in here. They stood outside of the area where Kate and I were in.
‘Kate, I wrote this for you. I hope you like it,’ I said.
‘I call this, Love, 愛,’ I said as I pointed to show the title to her.
I started playing. Then I sang.
愛-Love
Broken
I was defeated
Never thought anyone would care
But then I met you and you lifted me up
You’re my angel my hope
You are my precious friend
I love you
Never felt this way before
I need you
Ever since you opened up the door
Wanna see you
This pain I can’t endure
Cos you are the one I love
And you are the one I need.
Tears rolled down Kate’s face. She held onto me and cried. Then, she whispered, ‘I promise, you are the only one I’m going to love.’
I whispered back, ‘I promise, I would love you only. Only you.’
As we were driving back to Treegy, the memories of the week were playing in my mind.
We arrived in the Treegy-Green Hospital and we went to room 12 north. Aunty Mary was either sleeping or unconscious. Mum had tissues in her pockets and a lot of them were scrunched up.
We slept over that night.
At 3:49 a.m. Aunty Mary woke up and said, ‘Tracey? Trevor?’
We woke up and called out, ‘Aunt!’ ‘Mary!’
‘I just want to tell you, I love you all and that all of mine is yours. Don’t feel sad. We will meet again. I love…love…you…all…’ Aunty Mary took her last breath and died. Mum cried and I comforted her.
It was the next day; Kate and her family had received the news of the death of my Aunty Mary. They came to the funeral. Kate’s mother was comforting mum and Kate was comforting me.
‘We are here today to pay tribute to Mary Bon, a beloved sister, aunty and friend,’ started the pastor. I honestly didn’t know Aunty Mary as well as I should have, but as I watched the screen of the past, I remembered how Aunty Mary looked after me and bought me things and how we celebrated the holidays together with mum. As I watched, tears were forming in my eyes and Kate held me tight and comforted me.
Mum nearly passed out because of her mourning.
Kate and her mother decided to help us out a bit-which was actually a lot.
They stayed with us for a week or two after the funeral. This was good, to me, because I got to live with Kate for a while. We did everything together. House chores, cooking, cleaning, shopping and all that. It felt like we were husband and wife.
After a week and five days, mum was back to normal. Kate and her mum went back to Bluebird and school was starting again.
The years went pass. During these years, as Kate and I matured up, we saw each other more often. In year 10, Kate and I had received our L’s driving license.
We could drive to see each other and we did that once a week.
The years went by and now I was in year 12. Kate and I were now 18 and we had full licenses.
It was the beginning of year 12 and the first major event we had was a prom. The organisers announced that we can invite anyone out of school but only one person was allowed. I of course invited Kate. The prom was in a few weeks. The few weeks before prom night were to be a bludge at school because all day and all week, we were just preparing for the night. We were learning how to dance and we were just choosing the different music. This was alright because it was good to take a break from work.
I was planning a surprise item with the principal. The principal didn’t know what it was that I was planning but he said, ‘Okay, I trust you. What should I say?’
I thought about it and said, ‘Okay, all you have to do is at the end of the prom night, go on stage and say, “Can a certain someone come onto the stage?” and if I don’t respond for some reason, just look and stare at me, and when I look at you, just nod.’
The principal looked a little confused then said, ‘Alright, but it better not be anything funny.’
It was now the night of the prom. I wore a tuxedo with a bowtie. I wore my usual cologne and was nearly ready to pick Kate up. I nearly forgot to bring something, so I went up to my room and grabbed it and put it in my pocket.
I went downstairs and was deciding on which car to drive. My sports car or my mum’s luxury car. I pondered on which car to choose.
Then, I remembered what Kate said in year 11, ‘I love your car, it’s a lot like you, in a way…’ So I decided to drive my blue sports car- which had luxurious features on the inside aswell.
Suddenly, at the last minute, a limousine pulled up in front of my house. I got out of my car and the driver said, ‘Are you Trevor?’
I said, ‘Yes.’
He said, ‘C’mon in, we have to pick Kate up.’
‘But I didn’t…’ I stopped.
Mum came out of the house and said, ‘Enjoy your night.’
‘Thank you mum,’ I sincerely said.
‘Have fun,’ mum said with a smile.
I went in the limousine and we drove to Kate’s house.
It was much quicker to get to her house since year 9 because they had finished building a road that went directly to Bluebird. This made things easier.
I walked up to Kate’s house and knocked on the door.
Kate answered the door.
She looked beautiful. White dress with crystal shoes.
‘Wow,’ I was in awe of her beauty.
Kate blushed.
‘My lady, come with me if you will,’ I said jokingly.
Kate giggled.
‘Oh my! A limo?’ Kate was surprised.
She kissed me and we went into the limousine.
In the limousine, on the way to the prom, Kate whispered, ‘Happy Birthday.’
I nearly forgot.
Then she said, ‘Here’s your birthday present…’ and she kissed me on the lips. We held hands and Kate rested her head on my shoulder the rest of the way.
‘Here we are. Enjoy your night you lover-birds. I’ll pick you up at say 12:30?’ asked the driver.
‘Thanks heaps. 12:30 is great. Thank you so much,’ I replied as I tipped the driver.
We went in the magical hall. It was filled with love.
The principal went on stage, ‘Welcome everyone to the year 12 prom night. We have officially started. A few rules I must lay down. Firstly, there must not be any drugs or alcohol whatsoever. Secondly, no fighting or violent behaviour will be tolerated. Thirdly, have fun and let’s dance!’
The music started and everyone started dancing. I was lost with Kate in a magical world. Only Kate and I seemed like we were dancing because it felt like only Kate and I were in the hall.
‘This is so magical,’ Kate whispered as she rested her head on my chest.
Time seemed to stop and the word ‘Love’ was being illustrated through our dancing.
‘I love you Kate. Tonight, is going to be a magical night. I love you,’ I whispered in her ear.
‘I love you too Trev,’ she whispered. Then, she kissed my lips until the end of the song.
The music had ended, so Kate and I went to get food and drinks. The second music went on. It was a disco-type of music. Kate and I sat it out and talked.
Out of the blue, I asked, ‘I was thinking that the only word to describe you and me is “Love”, so that should be our word to own and cherish…what do you think?’
‘I agree,’ Kate said.
The night went on and it was coming close to the end of the prom. Kate and I were still dancing to the last song when all of a sudden, the music stopped. The principal went on stage.
He scanned through the crowd and then said, ‘Can a certain someone come onto the stage?’
Everyone looked confused and started muttering with one another.
The principal was staring at me. I was confused for a while. Then, when the principal nodded, I remembered.
‘Stay here for a little while Kate,’ I said.
‘Okay,’ she replied.
I walked to the stage.
Kate was shocked and confused when I went on stage. Everyone took a seat and faced the stage.
‘Hi everyone. I have something I would like to share. Well, it’s actually a song to the one I love,’ I said nervously.
Kate was staring attentively. Her eyes wide open as she sat in the third row on the left, in the eighth seat to the left.
I walked to the grand piano.
Everyone watched.
Silence.
I sighed.
I pressed the D note, then paused.
There was some coughing from the audience.
I spoke into the microphone that was attached to the grand piano.
‘This song, this song, is for the one I love and cherish. It is called “Ai” which means “love”.’
I started playing.
Then, I sang.
Broken
I was defeated
Never thought anyone would care
But then I met you and you lifted me up
You’re my angel my hope
You are my precious friend
I stopped.
I heard crying.
It was Kate.
I ran to her.
I hugged her and said, ‘It’s alright. Come with me to the stage.’ I held her hand to the stage. She sat next to me and I started again.
I whispered in her ear, ‘I love you. Don’t ever forget that. Don’t forget my promise I made to you. You are my only one.’
Broken
I was defeated
Never thought anyone would care
But then I met you and you lifted me up
You’re my angel my hope
You are my precious friend
I love you
Never felt this way before
I need you
Ever since you opened up the door
Wanna see you
This pain I can’t endure
Cos you are the one I love
And you are the one I need.
I stopped and I stood up with the microphone.
I said to Kate, ‘Kate, I love you. I need you. I’ve loved you since grade 2 and now we’re in year 12. You’ve always been there for me. I promised you I would only love you. I want you to make a promise to me.’
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a shiny object. It was difficult for other people in the audience to see, but Kate could see it.
‘Earlier in the night, I asked you if “Love” would be our word and you said yes. I promised you that you will be the only one I’ll love. Now, I have a promise I want you to make me.
Would you promise me that you’ll be my wife?
Would you promise me that you’ll be the one that I spend the rest of my life with through hardship and love? And would you promise me that you’ll marry me?’
That audience gasped.
Kate smiled as tears rolled down her face.
‘Yes. I promise.’
Everyone stood up and applauded as Kate and I kissed. Everyone was cheering and applauding.
The night was over. I walked with Kate to the car park to wait for the limousine. I asked her again on a bended knee, ‘Now, it’s a one-on-one time. Will you marry me?’
Kate raised me to my feet.
‘Close your eyes,’ she said. I did.
She kissed me on the lips for a long time and she whispered, ‘Yes I do. I want to marry you.’
We hugged until the limousine arrived.
That was one of the highest points of my life. I loved that moment.
We decided to get married on my 21st birthday.
Year 12 was quite a difficult year. There was a lot of work. I still saw Kate but it was less than usual. I made every moment with Kate a precious one. Whenever we had holidays, we would spend a lot of time together. Kate slept over at my house and I slept over hers. We were planning for the wedding, which would happen in three years.
****************** *****************
It has been two years. Today, I am 20 years old, in university. Kate moved in with my mum and me because of university. We go to the same university, Treegy University.
‘And therefore, when you add the x value with the equation t(u,d,x2)h/r, you get the same answer,’ my lecturer is so boring to listen to. This is my math class.
Kate is currently doing her science course. I’ll just wait for her.
‘Boo!’ says Kate as she hugs me from behind.
‘How was class?’ I ask.
‘Ha-ha, boring as usual,’ Kate replies.
We walk home.
We enter the house and put our things away.
‘Mum, we’re home,’ I call. Mum has gotten older. She has greyish-black hair.
‘Welcome back,’ says mum as she walks to the kitchen.
‘We are going to go out for a while, should I pick some stuff up for you?’ I ask mum.
‘No, it’s alright. You go have fun,’ mum replies with a smile.
‘Let’s go,’ I say to Kate.
‘See you later,’ we both call out.
We go to the cinema and watch ‘Love and Love’. It goes for about three hours. It is about a young man finding what is supposed to be his one and only but instead falls for the wrong person and it is quite political in a sense.
Kate sits on my lap and lays back and I hold her in a hug.
The movie finishes so Kate and I decide to go to buy some ingredients to cook dinner. We buy capsicum, rice, noodles, eggs and a lot more things. Then, we go and buy some other things like books, videos, music and clothing.
We go home and we cook with mum. We chop the capsicum and fry it with the other ingredients. Then, we serve it with steam rice and steak.
This is one of those moments that seem ordinary, but it seems like you should cherish these moments and never forget them.
1 year later…
‘We are gathered here today to celebrate and wed Kate and Trevor.’
Today, right now, I’m getting married. I have turned 21 today. This is the happiest day of my life. I’m finally getting married to my one and only.
I gaze into Kate’s eyes and she gazes into mine. The flash of memory goes through my head. It was like we were back in grade 2. The first time we had liked each other. The very moment we stared into each other’s eyes. This very moment reminds me of that moment.
‘Do you, Trevor Janson take Kate Pierce to be your wife? Do you promise to take care of her and to cherish her? Do you promise to protect her every day for the rest of your life till death do you part?’ the pastor asks as he reads from his book.
‘I do,’ I reply.
‘And do you Kate…’ the pastor goes on.
‘I do,’ Kate replies.
‘Under the promises made, in front of all these witnesses here, I now announce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.’
I kiss Kate and I put the ring, which I specifically designed, on her finger.
‘Kate, look at the ring. It is our word. I hope you like it,’ I say.
‘I do,’ says Kate and smiles.
We celebrate our wedding as well as my birthday. We have cake, pies, sausage rolls and more food. This is the best birthday that I have ever had. I get married on my birthday. Certainly, this is the best day of my life.
It has been a month since our marriage. Everything is going well. Our marriage is as strong as ever. Nothing can go wrong…
Kate faints unexpectedly. ‘Mum!’ I yell, ‘It’s Kate! I need to rush to the hospital! Kate!’ I yell in shock and fear.
I drive Kate to the Treegy hospital while mum looks after her in the back seat. Mum rings up Kate’s family. I’m in fear and panicking. What is happening?
We reach the hospital. We go to the emergency department with the doctors and nurses.
‘What’s wrong? What’s happening?’ I ask in confusion.
‘Stand back,’ orders the doctor.
‘But…’ I ask.
The nurses take me and mum outside the room.
We anxiously and fearfully wait. Kate’s mother, father and brother arrive.
The nurses go out of the room and a doctor comes out.
‘What’s wrong?’ I ask.
‘It was just a minor faint. We should keep her overnight to run some tests,’ he replies.
We all go into the room and I sit by Kate’s side. Kate is sleeping because of the drips in her hand and the medicine that she was receiving.
‘Will she be okay?’ I ask anyone.
No reply.
The next morning, Kate was awake before I woke up.
‘Kate? Are you alright?’ I ask.
‘I’m fine. Don’t worry,’ she says.
We start to kiss.
Then, I feel a liquid getting wiped on my upper lip area. We stop and I see blood all over her face. Her nose is bleeding. I grab some tissues and call a nurse. It is bleeding heavily. The bleeding doesn’t seem to stop.
It is now five minutes since Kate started bleeding.
It has finally stopped.
Something is wrong.
The doctor comes in and does some tests on Kate. Kate goes for an MRI test, a blood test and urine test.
Three hours later, the doctor comes in the room and says, ‘I have some bad news,’
My heart, pounding faster and faster. I hold Kate’s hand.
‘You have terminal cancer. This cancer isn’t like leukaemia or any of those types; this affects your blood, might affect your senses and your memory. This is a rare cancer, which only happens to 1 in 1000 people. This…is a torturous cancer and…’ the doctor sighs in guilt.
He takes a deep breath and continues, ‘you must prepare for the worst…this cancer is incurable, but we will do our best to lower its impact and somehow try our best to diminish it and hopefully by chance, destroy it. It is really hard now…because…you are in what we call the third stage…’ the doctor pauses, ‘I’m sorry.’
This is hard for the doctor to explain. It is hard on me and especially hard on Kate.
Kate and I can’t fight back our tears anymore. We start pouring out and holding each other.
We can’t stop crying.
I lay down on the bed with Kate, and hug her. Now, we have to think about breaking the news to the family.
We call up mum and Kate’s family and tell them to come to the hospital.
They arrive a few minutes later.
The doctor takes them to a little office and explains the situation to them.
They come into the room and start talking about it.
‘What should we do?’ asks Kate’s mum.
‘I’m, going to have to make a will…’ says Kate as she starts to sob.
I hold her tight.
‘Sis…sis…’ cried Kate’s brother.
Everyone starts to cry.
There is too much to think about during this time but this planning has to be done.
It has been three months. During these months, the doctors only gave Kate 8 months to live. They said last month, ‘There is nothing we can do. We have tried our very best and have given Kate an extra month or so to live. This is the best we can do. Her symptoms are getting worse. Sorry…’
This hurt.
A lot.
Kate and I have to make the days count. It’s easier said than done. Kate makes a wish list on all the things she wants to do. There are about ten things on the list.
1. I want to go to the beach on a cruise
2. I want to see the famous Legend Tree in Treegy
3. I want to see the fountain of spring water
4. I want to play on a baby grand with Trev
5. I want to go to watch the last concert of Mozart
6. I want to go to my favourite restaurant for the last time
7. I want to finish reading my book that I started in grade 3
8. I want to go to my primary school at the back of the oval where I first met Trev
9. I want to go to my University for the last time
10. I want to live with Trev until I die.
In a blink of an eye, three months have passed. It is hard to fulfil these wishes but we must do our best. It is nearly the end of the fourth month. Kate is getting worse by the moment. We have already fulfilled the wishes up to wish seven. Wish eight is difficult. Kate is in no condition to go out but we still must go to the primary school.
During the drive to the primary school, I ring the head of the Treegy University to organise a special assembly for Kate. ‘Okay, no problem,’ the headmaster says.
We arrive at the primary school at the back of the oval where Kate and I first met. We go to the exact spot and flashes of memories bombard through my head.
‘It’s been a while hasn’t it Kate,’ I say.
‘Yes…it…’ says Kate as she closes her eyes.
‘Kate!?’ I yell, ‘Kate?!’
Mum rings up the ambulance and a few minutes later, they arrive. We follow the ambulance to the Treegy hospital.
I start to cry.
We arrive at Treegy Hospital and rush to the room. Drips are put into Kate and she is stable.
Days have gone by, and slowly, days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months.
Kate is much more ill. We can’t fulfil her 9th and 10th wish.
We are now in the 7th month and the 28th day.
Kate is now weakened, pale and have no memory of her mum, dad and brother and is slowly forgetting my mum.
This is painful.
Too painful to watch a love one forget about their past, suffering and not being able to do anything.
‘Kate, do you remember who I am?’ I whisper.
‘Trevor,’ she replied.
I ask her, ‘Do you remember our word?’
‘Love,’ she responds.
‘And our song?’ I ask.
‘Yes,’ she replies.
This is painful. All that has ever happened in our life, all of what we’ve been through, all our experiences together. Gone. Completely wiped out.
Kate’s whole life seemed to be erased. If I cry, Kate wouldn’t know why I was crying.
It is 3:26 a.m. I receive a phone call.
‘Trev!’ yells the voice. It’s Kate. ‘ARGH! TREV!’
I rush to the hospital and to Kate’s room. Kate is crying out my name. The doctors calm her down. ‘I’m here, I’m here Kate,’ I whisper.
She falls asleep.
I stay with her.
It is now 10:20 a.m. I wake up and Kate is asleep. Slowly, her eyes open.
‘Trev?’ she asks.
‘I’m here,’ I whisper.
‘Trev?’ she asks.
‘I’m here,’ I whisper again.
‘Who are you?’ she asks.
A sharp pain rushes down my body. I fall on my knees and cry.
‘It’s, it’s me. Trev,’ I cry.
‘Trev? Who’s Trev?’ she asks. I cry.
Kate’s memory is nearly completely gone.
‘Trev, I love you,’ Kate says in confusion. I give Kate a kiss.
Kate closes her eyes and sleeps.
I arrive at University, holding a special assembly for Kate. I speak into the microphone.
‘As you know, Kate, my wife, is losing or has lost all her memory. She is losing her fight against this sickness. Her wish was to be here one more time. She couldn’t make it here. This assembly is for Kate. Thank you all for supporting me in this.’
I feel tears roll down my face.
I ring up Kate’s mobile and mum answers it.
‘Mum, please put the phone on speaker and leave it near Kate,’ I say.
Kate is awake. Mum does as I asked. Everyone crowds around the mobile.
‘Kate, you may have forgotten me, but I haven’t forgotten you. I love you.’
I put my phone on speaker and place it on the piano.
‘I love you.’
Broken
I was defeated
Never thought anyone would care
But then I met you and you lifted me up
You’re my angel my hope
You are my precious friend
I love you…
Kate is screaming out, ‘TREV! TREV!’
Her eyes slowly closing. ‘Trev!’ she calls.
The song echoing through her head and gets softer and softer.
Her eyes, slowly closing, the room, getting darker and darker.
With her last few breaths, she says, ‘Trev…I.…. love….. you….’
I finish the song with tears flowing down my face.
Everyone starts to cry.
Kate, my love, my friend, my one passed away.
‘Here lies a young lady who touched many lives. She had touched many people in many ways. We all have lost a daughter, a wife, a sister and most of all, a friend. Kate was indeed a great person. To Kate, we say to you, we all are going to miss you. We all love you and we’ll never forget you.’
I stand and take the stage. ‘Kate…my…one and only…I’m going…to….miss you…I love you…I…’ the words didn’t come out. Everyone came on stage to comfort me.
‘Trev, we know and Kate knows how you feel,’ mum says softly and hugs me.
‘Mum....’ I cry.
I can’t stop crying.
Mum started singing. Everyone joins.
I love you
Never felt this way before
I need you…
The song echoing through the chapel as everyone is brought to tears.
That night, as I was dreaming, Kate appears and has a grand piano. I sit next to her and we sing together.
‘I love you,’ says Kate.
‘I love you too,’ I say.
The End
This story started when I was 13 years old. I was only in year 7. I started a new grade, a new school and a new town. I didn’t want to leave my old town. I had to leave my old school, Bluebird Primary, I had to leave my friends, my neighbours, my life.
‘But why do we have to leave?’ I asked in anguish.
‘Trev, I know you don’t want to leave but we must, we…just have to. We’ll get used to change but for now, just, just bear with it,’ said mum in guilt.
‘What about Kate?’ I asked in sadness.
Kate was my girlfriend since grade 2. I remember the first time we ever admitted to each other we liked each other. It was pretty weird. At the back of the oval, as the other children hid, whilst playing hide and seek, Kate and I coincidently went to the same hiding area.
‘This is my hiding place,’ she complained to me.
‘No, this is mine,’ I rebuked, but then, we couldn’t stop staring into each other’s eyes. Her brownish-black eyes locked onto my blackish-brown eyes. For some reason, at that time, it felt like time had stopped. As we gazed into each other’s eyes, the wind blew and then randomly Kate said, ‘I think I like you.’
My face turned red. Her face turned red.
I felt like I had to reply. ‘I d…’
‘FOUND YOU!’ yelled out the seeker. Kate and I jumped from the shock.
That was the very first time we admitted it to each other.
We got older and we were now in grade 6. We were still going out and our love for each other had grown. We thought we had to make this year the best year because next year, we would be in high school and probably would never see each other.
It was the beginning of the year.
‘Trevor, please don’t forget your hat. Remember, term one and four, you must wear your hat. Don’t leave without it,’ mum explained.
‘Yes mum, I know,’ I reply sarcastically. Every year, she reminds me over and over.
We were now in class, so as I said goodbye to mum, I walked straight to Kate.
‘Hi Kate,’ I said with happiness.
‘Hey,’ she replied.
The bell had gone so we held hands and walked to class. As usual, we sat next to each other, shared our pencils, rubber, ruler and such with each other. The tables were set in pairs so only two people sat at a table. As class went on, we secretly held hands. During class, our hands would get sweaty because we held hands for too long.
The bell rang for recess and all the children rushed out like an angry mob. Kate and I however walked out slowly together.
We walked around the oval and in the middle of recess, we noticed that Kate forgot to wear her hat and the yard duty teacher was approaching us.
‘Here, take this,’ I tell Kate as I passed my hat to her.
‘Are you sure? What about you? You should wear it,’ she said in fear.
The teacher was getting closer and closer.
I placed my hat on Kate’s head and the yard duty teacher said, ‘Where’s your hat young man?’
‘I, uh...forgot it,’ I replied as respectably as I could.
‘Come with me,’ he ordered.
As I followed him, Kate followed behind and felt bad.
I looked back and said to her, ‘Don’t feel bad. I’d rather get in trouble for you than to see you get in trouble.’
Kate ran up to me and gave me a hug. The teacher didn’t see this; he was still walking to the office. When Kate let go of me, I caught up to the teacher and we went inside.
It had been 45 minutes. I was bored to death in that detention room.
I couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky I was having the best girlfriend in the world.
I was lost in my thoughts when all of a sudden, RING! The bell had rung. I swore I wet my pants a little because of the surprise I got.
‘Off you go to class now. Remember, bring your hat tomorrow or you’ll see me in detention tomorrow,’ said the teacher.
‘Yes sir,’ I replied.
I rushed into the classroom and sat next to Kate.
I whispered, ‘Don’t feel bad. I wanted to do it. I wanted to protect you. I love you.’
I could see she felt bad.
‘I’m so, so sorry,’ she said.
I held her hand for the rest of class.
Later in the year, in winter, in July, it was Kate’s birthday. She threw a small party. Her friends Jane, Jess, Lizz and Lisa went and I was probably the only boy there-apart from Kate’s younger brother. The party was at Kate’s house.
I didn’t mind being the only male-friend there. As long as Kate was there, it was all good.
The party started with music, games and a few snacks. I sat next to Kate in all the games we played. She was happy and so was I.
The time had come to open up presents and to have the cake. Kate opened mine first. I gave her a heart necklace with a Chinese character that meant love. The character looked like this: 愛. I put the necklace on her. Then, as she turned around, she gave me a kiss on the cheek. I was a little embarrassed but happy at the same time. The other presents she received were books, teddy bears, music and movies.
It was time for the cake, so we all sang happy birthday. After singing, Kate cut the cake and the knife touched the base.
‘Kate, you know if you touch the bottom of the cake, you have to kiss a boy,’ yelled out Lizz.
Kate walked up to me and whispered, ‘I did it on purpose,’ then kissed me. That was one of the best days of my life.
It was now close to the end of the year. Graduation was the next day. Nearly everyone was excited. Kate and I however felt sad because it was nearly time for school to finish and we may not see each other. There was a chance we could’ve gone to the same high school, but what were the chances.
School that day had finished and that was when I felt like I was going to cry. It felt like this was the day before I died...until I got home.
‘Trev, I don’t know how to say this…’ my mum said as soon as I walked into the house. I was trying to prepare myself for some bad news, but I didn’t expect it to be as bad as this.
‘Yes?’ I asked in a shaky voice.
‘From next year, we are moving towns for good,’ mum said as confidently as she could.
I was stunned, shocked and blanked out hoping it was just a dream. Time had stopped and a deep, dark feeling of fear and confusion just rained on me. My heart felt like it had stopped and my stomach felt like it had been twisted.
Then, wetness filled up in my eyes.
‘What? Why?’ I asked in confusion.
‘We just have to,’ mum replied.
‘I don’t understand,’ I exclaimed. I felt myself getting louder.
‘We just do,’ replied mum. Her voice was shaking.
‘But why do we have to leave?’ I asked in anguish.
‘Trev, I know you don’t want to leave but we must, we…just have to. We’ll get used to change but for now, just, just bear with it,’ my mum said in guilt.
‘What about Kate?’ I ask.
‘Kate can visit us and we can visit her,’ mum replied.
‘But…we’ll be far apart and, well, I’m going to miss her and…’I paused. The tears in my eyes built up too much that I poured out and cried. I cried for a long time. It felt like my life had ended.
‘What…what…’ I couldn’t make out my words.
‘Take deep breaths. Try to relax a little,’ mum tried to comfort me.
‘When are we leaving and where?’ I ask managing to push my words out.
‘We’ll be leaving on the 28th of December to Treegy,” mum replied.
I was astonished. That was in 13 days. I fell on my knees and started panting like I had just ran a mile run. I crouched into a ball hugging my knees as tight as I could. I felt weak. Mum held me tight to comfort me.
At that time, I knew that it was impossible to be with Kate next year. I had to break the news to her.
I was confused.
Questions built up in my head.
Should I tell her tomorrow?
Should I tell her after graduation?
Should I tell her at all?
How should I tell her?
What should I say?
The more I thought about it, the more confused I got. The more confused I got, the more depressed I got over it.
I was scared…really scared.
It was nearly midnight. I couldn’t sleep. I was still stressed over the matter. I tried my hardest to sleep. I couldn’t. I knew, in order to sleep, I had to conclude the matter. I had to come up with a way to tell her. I thought about it. I decided to tell her. I decided to let her know after graduation. I didn’t want to ruin her graduation day.
This was one of the worst times of my life. The pressure on a 12 year old boy, it was just too unbearable.
It was graduation day. This was a day I would never forget. It was a mixture of happiness and sadness. I wore a mini-tuxedo.
It was 7:00p.m and Kate was already in the hall. She was wearing a dress with heeled shoes. I sighed. She was beautiful beyond description.
I approached her and said, ‘Kate, you look beautiful. You always look beautiful.’ I gave her a hug and the music went on. We danced together and it seemed that nothing else around us mattered. All the problems in the world had just disappeared and only Kate and I were the only people in the world. That time seemed to last forever and I wished it would.
During the night, around 8:35, we all sat around a large table to have dinner. We had a “fun dinner” which consisted of pizza, pasta and fruits and ice-cream for dessert. Kate and I shared a bowl of pasta together.
We all had to go into the main hall to watch the presentation so Kate and I held hands and walked there.
During the presentation, I held Kate’s hand and she put her head on my shoulder.
Near the end of the presentation, the dark feeling came back. I tried to concentrate on something else to stop thinking about it. Tears started filling up in my eyes. I tried my best to hold them back.
Suddenly, I felt a shaking sensation on my shoulder. Kate was crying. I put my arm around her and held her tight. She hugged me and held on tight.
‘Are you alright?’ I whispered.
‘Yep,’ she sobbed.
‘I’m going to miss you. I hope we are in the same high school next year,’ she whispered. I felt sad. I felt the warm tears fall down my face and I made a little groaning sound. I sniffed and that was when Kate noticed me crying. She held me tighter and I managed to pull out words, ‘I’m going to miss you. I love you.’
The evening was nearly over.
The end of school had nearly arrived.
Kate and I were getting anxious.
It was 9:30. ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, We have come to the end of the graduation and…’ announced the principal. The beginning of the end was arriving.
Everyone went outside and I walked with Kate to the car park area. I said in a shaky voice, ‘Um…I don’t know how to say this. I…’ I took a deep breath. Sighed and took another deep breath and said, ‘I am moving towns. I’m moving far away on the 28th. I don’t want to move but I must. I’m going to Treegy.’
Kate was stunned.
‘I’m sorry,’ I said as I lowered my head in sadness. Kate touched my chin and lifted my head. I felt a weird sensation on my lips. She had given me a kiss. ‘We’ll see each other in the future again,’ she whispered as tears rolled down her face. For a while, we hugged until it was time to go. We held hands for the final time as we went our separate ways.
In the car, I was silent all the way home.
‘Are you alright? Trev?’ asked mum.
I didn’t reply.
We arrived home and I ran into the house, straight to my room, shut the door, lay on the bed and cried. I couldn’t stop. I had to let as much out as possible.
I heard footsteps walking towards my room. The noise got louder and louder. I sat up, wiped my eyes and held my tears back.
I, as confidently as I could, asked, ‘What do you want?’
Mum said, ‘I know this is difficult for you Trev. I know this is hard. I wish I could do something but…but I can’t. This is hard for me too. Leaving a life I had loved, leaving my history in this place, your father’s history…the…memories of all of us….together….everything…’ by then, I knew mum was crying.
It had been a long time since dad had died and mum hardly talked about it because it still hurt her. She only talked or mentioned dad when it was something serious.
Mum walked into the room. We sat next to each other.
‘Do you want to talk about it?’ mum asked.
‘Not really…’ I said in a confused way, ‘except, why do we have to move?’
Mum paused to think.
‘The truth is, is that I have a new job. This is a once in a lifetime offer. Right now, we are earning next to nothing and with this new job, I will be able to send you to high school. Also, your Aunty Mary has terminal liver cancer and these might be the last months we get to see her. She was my only sister,’ mum was explaining, ‘I hope you understand. I know it’s difficult but, but we have no choice. We’ll pull through this together.’
I nodded. I didn’t feel like talking and I felt like was being selfish. I felt bad for making mum worry.
‘C’mon, let’s go celebrate your graduation with a dinner at your favourite restaurant. Just you and me,’ mum said as she stood.
We both made our way to the car.
This was one of my lowest points in my life. I felt like I had just fallen into a hole and it was pitch black. It felt like I couldn’t get out no matter how much I tried and no one would care about me and try to find me and help me out of the hole. I was suffering because I was suffocating in sadness.
It was now a new year, new town and new school. Year 7 was a big jump for me. I couldn’t stop thinking about Kate. I remembered our hugs, the times we held hands and the kiss. I sighed as I got ready for Treegy High.
‘Ready?’ called mum.
We were in a new house and I was upstairs.
‘Almost,’ I answered.
I took a long look at the picture of Kate and me and said, ‘See you later.’
My first day at Treegy High was strange. A new environment, different people, everything was different.
I missed Kate.
My mind was locking onto the picture of Kate when I was interrupted with an announcement.
‘Attention all 7A students, go to your home teacher and collect your timetables,’ the loud voice said. I walked into the hall and I went to the desk to collect my timetable. It was really different because in primary school, we only stayed in one class and didn’t need a timetable.
I went to my first class and we were introducing ourselves and so was the teacher. We had to talk about our favourite subject, our birthday, our hobbies-things like that.
I decided to look around the class to see if I could find anyone whom I might’ve known or should get to know. No one looked friendly or sociable.
I didn’t speak to anyone that day-only when I was forced to because of work.
At the end of the day, I went home and said, ‘Mum, I’m back.’
There was no reply.
‘I’m back!’ I said again.
No reply.
I walked to the kitchen and found a note on the table. It read: Gone out. I’ll be back in half an hour or so. There are some pies in the oven if you’re hungry. Mum.’
I had a shower and turned on the T.V. As I watched I had some of the party pies.
I looked at the clock and it was 4:00.
I thought to myself, ‘That’s weird. It’s been an hour and mums not back.’
I continued watching the T.V. I was watching ‘Rainbow Cry’ which was a series that I liked. It was quite sad because it was about a young girl getting hit by a car and her mother falls into deep depression and the series was about the life of her mother after the death of her daughter.
I looked at the clock again and it was 6:30. I was shocked. ‘Mums not home yet,’ I thought to myself.
I rang up her mobile but the operator said, ‘Your line could not be connected. Please try again later.’
I wondered if she went to the hospital to visit Aunt Mary.
A weird sensation ran down my spine. I couldn’t explain the feeling but it was really disturbing.
Suddenly, a knock on the door made me jump. ‘Probably mum,’ I thought.
I answered the door but it wasn’t mum.
‘Are you Trevor Janson?’ It was a policeman.
‘Yes…’ I answered unsurely.
‘Your mum is in the hospital. She has been involved in an accident. Come with me and I’ll take you to her,’ said the policeman holding his hat.
I was stunned.
Tears formed in my eyes.
I was confused and shaken.
‘Come in and I’ll take you there,’ the policeman told me.
I went into his car and we drove to Treegy Hospital.
‘Is it serious? How bad is it?’ I ask in confusion (in the police car).
‘I don’t know the full detail but hopefully it’s not too bad,’ he replied.
I couldn’t stop shaking.
I was scared.
Terrified in fact. I was trying to prepare myself for the worst.
The policeman and I ran to the receptionist and he said, ‘Ms Janson’s room.’
The receptionist said, ‘She’s on level 3, room 32 West in ICU.’
So the policeman and I raced to the elevator and went into the room.
The nurse in that room said, ‘She’s doing fine. It’ll take some time for her to fully recover but she’s under good care. I take it you’re her son?’ I nodded as tears fell down.
‘Take a seat. And you are officer…?’ asked the nurse.
‘I’m Officer Roy. I was the one investigating this car accident. The other victim only had minor scratches. He went for an examination but he will be discharged soon. Where’s your father?’ he asked me.
‘He di…,’ I wasn’t speaking properly. I took a deep breath, ‘he died a long time ago. I have no other siblings and my mum is the only one I live with.’
‘How do you get to school?’ Roy asked.
‘I walk but sometimes, my mum drives me,’ I sobbed.
It was now around 5:30.
My mum’s eyes slowly opened. I was half asleep.
‘Trev? Trev?’ she called out. I woke up from my half sleep status.
‘Mum?’ I answered.
‘What happened?’ she asked.
‘Don’t worry. You’re in a hospital. You were involved in a car crash. I was worried,’ I explained to her.
‘Nurse, come here!’ I called, ‘Mum’s awake!’
A nurse rushed in. ‘How are you feeling?’ she asked as she examined mum.
‘My head hurts, my arm hurts but that’s all,’ mum replied.
‘Your accident caused you to have a broken arm and you may have migraines for a few weeks. We are doing all we can to help,’ said the nurse.
‘Thank you so much. And thank you for looking after Trevor for me,’ replied mum.
It had been around 3-4 weeks after the car accident. Mum was alright now. She couldn’t drive yet but her migraines were gone and she could move her arm.
‘I’ve arranged some free transportation home for you,’ said the nurse.
‘Thank you so much. Trevor and I are really grateful and thankful for you,’ mum said.
We reached home and we packed our things away. I went to the phone and rang up Kate.
‘Hello?’ Kate asked.
‘Hello?’ I asked.
‘Trevor?’ she asked in excitement.
‘Kate. I miss you so much. It’s been a while,’ I replied.
‘I miss you so much too. How’s Treegy?’
‘Treegy is alright. I still miss Bluebird. And really miss you. Are you still in Bluebird? How is it?’
‘Yes I am still here. It’s okay I guess. High school isn’t fun. And I really miss you too. I want to come see you.’
‘I want to see you aswell. I miss you a lot.’
Then, out of the blue, mum came in the room and said, ‘We’re going to Bluebird in a few weeks. We’ll go there in say another week or so. I need to clear up some things.’
Then she walked out.
‘Did you hear that?’ I asked excitedly.
‘Yes! You’re coming to Bluebird,’ said Kate excitedly.
A feeling that I hadn’t felt in a long time started to fill up in me. I felt lighter, happier, warmer. I was really excited.
We chatted for another half an hour and I said, ‘I’ll see ya soon.’
‘I’ll see ya soon too,’ Kate replied.
Then at the same time, we said, ‘Love you,’ and hung up.
Around that time, in that period, I felt happy and excited and I had a sense of hope build up in me. I wanted to jump around like a crazy animal shouting out in happiness…but I didn’t.
It had been a painful wait, but it had been three weeks. ‘It’s time to go now,’ mum called.
‘I’ll see you soon my love,’ I spoke to the picture of Kate.
Kate and I decided to meet at a restaurant; our favourite restaurant ‘Messy Spaghetti’. We booked a table of four.
I ran to the car and we drove off. The journey should’ve taken about 2-3 hours drive. I rang Kate on her mobile.
‘I’m so excited,’ I said.
‘Me too. I’m going to hug you as soon as I see you,’ she said excitedly.
For two hours straight, we continuously talked.
It was about 7:30 then.
‘Oh no! Why?’ asked mum to herself.
There was a huge traffic jam. The roads were blocked so we had to wait and find another route to Bluebird.
We waited anxiously.
‘Kate, I’m going to be late, there’s a traffic jam. I hope to be there soon,’ I said on the mobile.
‘Okay. Hope to see you soon too,’ she replied and then hung up. I really hoped that we didn’t make Kate and her mother wait for a long time.
We had been in the same traffic jam for half an hour. We were close to the front of the line. We waited and ten minutes later, we got to change routes. We turned left.
My mobile battery was nearly dead and I didn’t want to make Kate wait. I rang her up.
‘Kate, we just got out of the traffic jam. Hope to see you soon,’
Kate replied, ‘Thank God. I can’t wait to see you again.’
We drove through weird towns that I had never been to like ‘Purplesby’ and ‘Conray’. It was nearly Bluebird. Another 5 kilometres.
I rang Kate, ‘I’m nearly…’ my phone died. I hoped she received the message.
The time was now 9:30. It had been two hours. I was still excited but felt really bad about making Kate wait.
We were finally in Bluebird. The time was 10:25. Mum pulled up our car and I saw Kate. She was looking around to try find me. I snuck up behind her, hugged her and kissed her cheek.
‘Sorry for making you wait,’ I whispered.
‘That’s alright. As long as I got to see you,’ she replied.
Kate turned around and gave me a hug and kissed me. We couldn’t let go of each other.
Kate was crying in happiness.
We walked into the restaurant and I sat next to Kate. Our mums were on a different table. Kate and I ordered one large spaghetti to share. We talked non-stop. This was a great moment in my life because Kate and I were finally re-united. I cherished every moment of it.
It was time to go back to our old Bluebird home. As Kate and I walked to the cars, we held hands and I held her other hand and I said, ‘I love you. I hope to see you tomorrow.’ She moved her head in and kissed my lips. I was a little confused but, I went with it.
It was a little strange going back to our old house. Flashes of memory just went through my head like a flash movie.
‘How long are we in Bluebird for?’ I asked.
‘Only a week,’ mum replied, ‘Sorry we can’t stay for longer.’
I knew from there, I had to cherish every moment in Bluebird.
‘So is today counted as a day?’ I asked.
‘A week from tomorrow,’ mum answered. So, I decided to write one week’s worth of a diary.
Day 1:
I started the day as early as I could so I wouldn’t waste precious hours. I woke up at 7:30 and got dressed and all that.
Around 8:35, Kate and I met up and we went to the park. We went on the playgrounds like we used to in grade 2 and 3, went on the swings and the different parts of the playground. Then we fished in the little lake. We caught five yabbies together.
At 12:45, we went to a pizza store and had lunch. We mixed different flavours together.
At 1:25, we went shopping. We bought and tried different clothes, shoes and other stuff.
We watched a movie together at 3:25. We watched ‘As love as love can be.’ It was a romantic sad movie. Kate cried during some parts so I held her tight.
At 6:21, we went to the park again and star gazed until 9:00.
Then, at 9:00, we had to go home.
Day 2:
At 4:00 in the afternoon, Kate and I went to the Bluebirds funfair. We went on different rides such as bumper cars, love ride, wall of mirrors and the famous Bluebird Rolled-Up Rollercoaster. Kate felt dizzy after the rollercoaster so we sat down for a while. I held her hand so she would be stable. It was hard for her to walk around because of the dizziness so I carried her on my back to different places.
When the dizziness wore off, Kate and I walked to the ‘House of Music’ which was an instrument shop. I showed Kate something that she didn’t know. I played the piano to her. Kate was amazed that I played the piano. Then, she did something unexpected. She sat next to me, kissed my cheek and started to play the piano too. That amazed me.
‘Hidden talents,’ I said.
She giggled.
Day 3:
Kate and I went to the ‘Blue Bar’ which was a karaoke bar. At first, we were nervous about singing to each other so we sang a duet together. After that duet, we weren’t shy and we sang to each other. We made a great singing pair.
Her voice was unbelievably awesome-that is an understatement.
We sang mainly duets and love songs. It was like, like the word ‘Love’ was being drawn through our voices.
Day 4
This was the worst day of my week.
‘We have to cut our stay. Aunty Mary is in a critical condition. She is going to go soon,’ my mum told me. She was crying.
‘I’m so sorry Trev, but we have to go tomorrow. I promise, we’ll come back another time,’ she was crying even more now.
I rang up Kate and told her the bad news.
Kate started crying.
Later that day, Kate and her mum came over to our house and comforted mum.
‘Trev, I told my mum to follow you to go back. She said she will. I really loved my time spent with you this week. I’m going to miss you a lot,’ said Kate as tears formed in her eyes.
I hugged Kate as tears fell from my eyes and I said, ‘I’m going to miss you too. I had the best time with you and I wish it would just last forever.’
That night, Kate and her mother slept over.
Day 5
This was the day we had to go back. Kate and her mum followed us to the borderline which divided the towns.
During the drive, I said to mum, ‘Stop the car for a minute.’ It was more like an order than a plea.
‘Okay,’ mum said as she slowed the car down.
Kate got out of her car. I got out and I ran to Kate.
‘I know this is the last day of my stay. I want to show you something,’ I told Kate.
We walked into the piano shop.
I pulled out a piece of folded paper. I asked the shop owner if I could use a piano for a little while and explained to her why. She wasn’t sure at first and hesitated a little, but she directed to a large concert grand piano that was already set up.
Our mums walked in not knowing why we went in here. They stood outside of the area where Kate and I were in.
‘Kate, I wrote this for you. I hope you like it,’ I said.
‘I call this, Love, 愛,’ I said as I pointed to show the title to her.
I started playing. Then I sang.
愛-Love
Broken
I was defeated
Never thought anyone would care
But then I met you and you lifted me up
You’re my angel my hope
You are my precious friend
I love you
Never felt this way before
I need you
Ever since you opened up the door
Wanna see you
This pain I can’t endure
Cos you are the one I love
And you are the one I need.
Tears rolled down Kate’s face. She held onto me and cried. Then, she whispered, ‘I promise, you are the only one I’m going to love.’
I whispered back, ‘I promise, I would love you only. Only you.’
As we were driving back to Treegy, the memories of the week were playing in my mind.
We arrived in the Treegy-Green Hospital and we went to room 12 north. Aunty Mary was either sleeping or unconscious. Mum had tissues in her pockets and a lot of them were scrunched up.
We slept over that night.
At 3:49 a.m. Aunty Mary woke up and said, ‘Tracey? Trevor?’
We woke up and called out, ‘Aunt!’ ‘Mary!’
‘I just want to tell you, I love you all and that all of mine is yours. Don’t feel sad. We will meet again. I love…love…you…all…’ Aunty Mary took her last breath and died. Mum cried and I comforted her.
It was the next day; Kate and her family had received the news of the death of my Aunty Mary. They came to the funeral. Kate’s mother was comforting mum and Kate was comforting me.
‘We are here today to pay tribute to Mary Bon, a beloved sister, aunty and friend,’ started the pastor. I honestly didn’t know Aunty Mary as well as I should have, but as I watched the screen of the past, I remembered how Aunty Mary looked after me and bought me things and how we celebrated the holidays together with mum. As I watched, tears were forming in my eyes and Kate held me tight and comforted me.
Mum nearly passed out because of her mourning.
Kate and her mother decided to help us out a bit-which was actually a lot.
They stayed with us for a week or two after the funeral. This was good, to me, because I got to live with Kate for a while. We did everything together. House chores, cooking, cleaning, shopping and all that. It felt like we were husband and wife.
After a week and five days, mum was back to normal. Kate and her mum went back to Bluebird and school was starting again.
The years went pass. During these years, as Kate and I matured up, we saw each other more often. In year 10, Kate and I had received our L’s driving license.
We could drive to see each other and we did that once a week.
The years went by and now I was in year 12. Kate and I were now 18 and we had full licenses.
It was the beginning of year 12 and the first major event we had was a prom. The organisers announced that we can invite anyone out of school but only one person was allowed. I of course invited Kate. The prom was in a few weeks. The few weeks before prom night were to be a bludge at school because all day and all week, we were just preparing for the night. We were learning how to dance and we were just choosing the different music. This was alright because it was good to take a break from work.
I was planning a surprise item with the principal. The principal didn’t know what it was that I was planning but he said, ‘Okay, I trust you. What should I say?’
I thought about it and said, ‘Okay, all you have to do is at the end of the prom night, go on stage and say, “Can a certain someone come onto the stage?” and if I don’t respond for some reason, just look and stare at me, and when I look at you, just nod.’
The principal looked a little confused then said, ‘Alright, but it better not be anything funny.’
It was now the night of the prom. I wore a tuxedo with a bowtie. I wore my usual cologne and was nearly ready to pick Kate up. I nearly forgot to bring something, so I went up to my room and grabbed it and put it in my pocket.
I went downstairs and was deciding on which car to drive. My sports car or my mum’s luxury car. I pondered on which car to choose.
Then, I remembered what Kate said in year 11, ‘I love your car, it’s a lot like you, in a way…’ So I decided to drive my blue sports car- which had luxurious features on the inside aswell.
Suddenly, at the last minute, a limousine pulled up in front of my house. I got out of my car and the driver said, ‘Are you Trevor?’
I said, ‘Yes.’
He said, ‘C’mon in, we have to pick Kate up.’
‘But I didn’t…’ I stopped.
Mum came out of the house and said, ‘Enjoy your night.’
‘Thank you mum,’ I sincerely said.
‘Have fun,’ mum said with a smile.
I went in the limousine and we drove to Kate’s house.
It was much quicker to get to her house since year 9 because they had finished building a road that went directly to Bluebird. This made things easier.
I walked up to Kate’s house and knocked on the door.
Kate answered the door.
She looked beautiful. White dress with crystal shoes.
‘Wow,’ I was in awe of her beauty.
Kate blushed.
‘My lady, come with me if you will,’ I said jokingly.
Kate giggled.
‘Oh my! A limo?’ Kate was surprised.
She kissed me and we went into the limousine.
In the limousine, on the way to the prom, Kate whispered, ‘Happy Birthday.’
I nearly forgot.
Then she said, ‘Here’s your birthday present…’ and she kissed me on the lips. We held hands and Kate rested her head on my shoulder the rest of the way.
‘Here we are. Enjoy your night you lover-birds. I’ll pick you up at say 12:30?’ asked the driver.
‘Thanks heaps. 12:30 is great. Thank you so much,’ I replied as I tipped the driver.
We went in the magical hall. It was filled with love.
The principal went on stage, ‘Welcome everyone to the year 12 prom night. We have officially started. A few rules I must lay down. Firstly, there must not be any drugs or alcohol whatsoever. Secondly, no fighting or violent behaviour will be tolerated. Thirdly, have fun and let’s dance!’
The music started and everyone started dancing. I was lost with Kate in a magical world. Only Kate and I seemed like we were dancing because it felt like only Kate and I were in the hall.
‘This is so magical,’ Kate whispered as she rested her head on my chest.
Time seemed to stop and the word ‘Love’ was being illustrated through our dancing.
‘I love you Kate. Tonight, is going to be a magical night. I love you,’ I whispered in her ear.
‘I love you too Trev,’ she whispered. Then, she kissed my lips until the end of the song.
The music had ended, so Kate and I went to get food and drinks. The second music went on. It was a disco-type of music. Kate and I sat it out and talked.
Out of the blue, I asked, ‘I was thinking that the only word to describe you and me is “Love”, so that should be our word to own and cherish…what do you think?’
‘I agree,’ Kate said.
The night went on and it was coming close to the end of the prom. Kate and I were still dancing to the last song when all of a sudden, the music stopped. The principal went on stage.
He scanned through the crowd and then said, ‘Can a certain someone come onto the stage?’
Everyone looked confused and started muttering with one another.
The principal was staring at me. I was confused for a while. Then, when the principal nodded, I remembered.
‘Stay here for a little while Kate,’ I said.
‘Okay,’ she replied.
I walked to the stage.
Kate was shocked and confused when I went on stage. Everyone took a seat and faced the stage.
‘Hi everyone. I have something I would like to share. Well, it’s actually a song to the one I love,’ I said nervously.
Kate was staring attentively. Her eyes wide open as she sat in the third row on the left, in the eighth seat to the left.
I walked to the grand piano.
Everyone watched.
Silence.
I sighed.
I pressed the D note, then paused.
There was some coughing from the audience.
I spoke into the microphone that was attached to the grand piano.
‘This song, this song, is for the one I love and cherish. It is called “Ai” which means “love”.’
I started playing.
Then, I sang.
Broken
I was defeated
Never thought anyone would care
But then I met you and you lifted me up
You’re my angel my hope
You are my precious friend
I stopped.
I heard crying.
It was Kate.
I ran to her.
I hugged her and said, ‘It’s alright. Come with me to the stage.’ I held her hand to the stage. She sat next to me and I started again.
I whispered in her ear, ‘I love you. Don’t ever forget that. Don’t forget my promise I made to you. You are my only one.’
Broken
I was defeated
Never thought anyone would care
But then I met you and you lifted me up
You’re my angel my hope
You are my precious friend
I love you
Never felt this way before
I need you
Ever since you opened up the door
Wanna see you
This pain I can’t endure
Cos you are the one I love
And you are the one I need.
I stopped and I stood up with the microphone.
I said to Kate, ‘Kate, I love you. I need you. I’ve loved you since grade 2 and now we’re in year 12. You’ve always been there for me. I promised you I would only love you. I want you to make a promise to me.’
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a shiny object. It was difficult for other people in the audience to see, but Kate could see it.
‘Earlier in the night, I asked you if “Love” would be our word and you said yes. I promised you that you will be the only one I’ll love. Now, I have a promise I want you to make me.
Would you promise me that you’ll be my wife?
Would you promise me that you’ll be the one that I spend the rest of my life with through hardship and love? And would you promise me that you’ll marry me?’
That audience gasped.
Kate smiled as tears rolled down her face.
‘Yes. I promise.’
Everyone stood up and applauded as Kate and I kissed. Everyone was cheering and applauding.
The night was over. I walked with Kate to the car park to wait for the limousine. I asked her again on a bended knee, ‘Now, it’s a one-on-one time. Will you marry me?’
Kate raised me to my feet.
‘Close your eyes,’ she said. I did.
She kissed me on the lips for a long time and she whispered, ‘Yes I do. I want to marry you.’
We hugged until the limousine arrived.
That was one of the highest points of my life. I loved that moment.
We decided to get married on my 21st birthday.
Year 12 was quite a difficult year. There was a lot of work. I still saw Kate but it was less than usual. I made every moment with Kate a precious one. Whenever we had holidays, we would spend a lot of time together. Kate slept over at my house and I slept over hers. We were planning for the wedding, which would happen in three years.
****************** *****************
It has been two years. Today, I am 20 years old, in university. Kate moved in with my mum and me because of university. We go to the same university, Treegy University.
‘And therefore, when you add the x value with the equation t(u,d,x2)h/r, you get the same answer,’ my lecturer is so boring to listen to. This is my math class.
Kate is currently doing her science course. I’ll just wait for her.
‘Boo!’ says Kate as she hugs me from behind.
‘How was class?’ I ask.
‘Ha-ha, boring as usual,’ Kate replies.
We walk home.
We enter the house and put our things away.
‘Mum, we’re home,’ I call. Mum has gotten older. She has greyish-black hair.
‘Welcome back,’ says mum as she walks to the kitchen.
‘We are going to go out for a while, should I pick some stuff up for you?’ I ask mum.
‘No, it’s alright. You go have fun,’ mum replies with a smile.
‘Let’s go,’ I say to Kate.
‘See you later,’ we both call out.
We go to the cinema and watch ‘Love and Love’. It goes for about three hours. It is about a young man finding what is supposed to be his one and only but instead falls for the wrong person and it is quite political in a sense.
Kate sits on my lap and lays back and I hold her in a hug.
The movie finishes so Kate and I decide to go to buy some ingredients to cook dinner. We buy capsicum, rice, noodles, eggs and a lot more things. Then, we go and buy some other things like books, videos, music and clothing.
We go home and we cook with mum. We chop the capsicum and fry it with the other ingredients. Then, we serve it with steam rice and steak.
This is one of those moments that seem ordinary, but it seems like you should cherish these moments and never forget them.
1 year later…
‘We are gathered here today to celebrate and wed Kate and Trevor.’
Today, right now, I’m getting married. I have turned 21 today. This is the happiest day of my life. I’m finally getting married to my one and only.
I gaze into Kate’s eyes and she gazes into mine. The flash of memory goes through my head. It was like we were back in grade 2. The first time we had liked each other. The very moment we stared into each other’s eyes. This very moment reminds me of that moment.
‘Do you, Trevor Janson take Kate Pierce to be your wife? Do you promise to take care of her and to cherish her? Do you promise to protect her every day for the rest of your life till death do you part?’ the pastor asks as he reads from his book.
‘I do,’ I reply.
‘And do you Kate…’ the pastor goes on.
‘I do,’ Kate replies.
‘Under the promises made, in front of all these witnesses here, I now announce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.’
I kiss Kate and I put the ring, which I specifically designed, on her finger.
‘Kate, look at the ring. It is our word. I hope you like it,’ I say.
‘I do,’ says Kate and smiles.
We celebrate our wedding as well as my birthday. We have cake, pies, sausage rolls and more food. This is the best birthday that I have ever had. I get married on my birthday. Certainly, this is the best day of my life.
It has been a month since our marriage. Everything is going well. Our marriage is as strong as ever. Nothing can go wrong…
Kate faints unexpectedly. ‘Mum!’ I yell, ‘It’s Kate! I need to rush to the hospital! Kate!’ I yell in shock and fear.
I drive Kate to the Treegy hospital while mum looks after her in the back seat. Mum rings up Kate’s family. I’m in fear and panicking. What is happening?
We reach the hospital. We go to the emergency department with the doctors and nurses.
‘What’s wrong? What’s happening?’ I ask in confusion.
‘Stand back,’ orders the doctor.
‘But…’ I ask.
The nurses take me and mum outside the room.
We anxiously and fearfully wait. Kate’s mother, father and brother arrive.
The nurses go out of the room and a doctor comes out.
‘What’s wrong?’ I ask.
‘It was just a minor faint. We should keep her overnight to run some tests,’ he replies.
We all go into the room and I sit by Kate’s side. Kate is sleeping because of the drips in her hand and the medicine that she was receiving.
‘Will she be okay?’ I ask anyone.
No reply.
The next morning, Kate was awake before I woke up.
‘Kate? Are you alright?’ I ask.
‘I’m fine. Don’t worry,’ she says.
We start to kiss.
Then, I feel a liquid getting wiped on my upper lip area. We stop and I see blood all over her face. Her nose is bleeding. I grab some tissues and call a nurse. It is bleeding heavily. The bleeding doesn’t seem to stop.
It is now five minutes since Kate started bleeding.
It has finally stopped.
Something is wrong.
The doctor comes in and does some tests on Kate. Kate goes for an MRI test, a blood test and urine test.
Three hours later, the doctor comes in the room and says, ‘I have some bad news,’
My heart, pounding faster and faster. I hold Kate’s hand.
‘You have terminal cancer. This cancer isn’t like leukaemia or any of those types; this affects your blood, might affect your senses and your memory. This is a rare cancer, which only happens to 1 in 1000 people. This…is a torturous cancer and…’ the doctor sighs in guilt.
He takes a deep breath and continues, ‘you must prepare for the worst…this cancer is incurable, but we will do our best to lower its impact and somehow try our best to diminish it and hopefully by chance, destroy it. It is really hard now…because…you are in what we call the third stage…’ the doctor pauses, ‘I’m sorry.’
This is hard for the doctor to explain. It is hard on me and especially hard on Kate.
Kate and I can’t fight back our tears anymore. We start pouring out and holding each other.
We can’t stop crying.
I lay down on the bed with Kate, and hug her. Now, we have to think about breaking the news to the family.
We call up mum and Kate’s family and tell them to come to the hospital.
They arrive a few minutes later.
The doctor takes them to a little office and explains the situation to them.
They come into the room and start talking about it.
‘What should we do?’ asks Kate’s mum.
‘I’m, going to have to make a will…’ says Kate as she starts to sob.
I hold her tight.
‘Sis…sis…’ cried Kate’s brother.
Everyone starts to cry.
There is too much to think about during this time but this planning has to be done.
It has been three months. During these months, the doctors only gave Kate 8 months to live. They said last month, ‘There is nothing we can do. We have tried our very best and have given Kate an extra month or so to live. This is the best we can do. Her symptoms are getting worse. Sorry…’
This hurt.
A lot.
Kate and I have to make the days count. It’s easier said than done. Kate makes a wish list on all the things she wants to do. There are about ten things on the list.
1. I want to go to the beach on a cruise
2. I want to see the famous Legend Tree in Treegy
3. I want to see the fountain of spring water
4. I want to play on a baby grand with Trev
5. I want to go to watch the last concert of Mozart
6. I want to go to my favourite restaurant for the last time
7. I want to finish reading my book that I started in grade 3
8. I want to go to my primary school at the back of the oval where I first met Trev
9. I want to go to my University for the last time
10. I want to live with Trev until I die.
In a blink of an eye, three months have passed. It is hard to fulfil these wishes but we must do our best. It is nearly the end of the fourth month. Kate is getting worse by the moment. We have already fulfilled the wishes up to wish seven. Wish eight is difficult. Kate is in no condition to go out but we still must go to the primary school.
During the drive to the primary school, I ring the head of the Treegy University to organise a special assembly for Kate. ‘Okay, no problem,’ the headmaster says.
We arrive at the primary school at the back of the oval where Kate and I first met. We go to the exact spot and flashes of memories bombard through my head.
‘It’s been a while hasn’t it Kate,’ I say.
‘Yes…it…’ says Kate as she closes her eyes.
‘Kate!?’ I yell, ‘Kate?!’
Mum rings up the ambulance and a few minutes later, they arrive. We follow the ambulance to the Treegy hospital.
I start to cry.
We arrive at Treegy Hospital and rush to the room. Drips are put into Kate and she is stable.
Days have gone by, and slowly, days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months.
Kate is much more ill. We can’t fulfil her 9th and 10th wish.
We are now in the 7th month and the 28th day.
Kate is now weakened, pale and have no memory of her mum, dad and brother and is slowly forgetting my mum.
This is painful.
Too painful to watch a love one forget about their past, suffering and not being able to do anything.
‘Kate, do you remember who I am?’ I whisper.
‘Trevor,’ she replied.
I ask her, ‘Do you remember our word?’
‘Love,’ she responds.
‘And our song?’ I ask.
‘Yes,’ she replies.
This is painful. All that has ever happened in our life, all of what we’ve been through, all our experiences together. Gone. Completely wiped out.
Kate’s whole life seemed to be erased. If I cry, Kate wouldn’t know why I was crying.
It is 3:26 a.m. I receive a phone call.
‘Trev!’ yells the voice. It’s Kate. ‘ARGH! TREV!’
I rush to the hospital and to Kate’s room. Kate is crying out my name. The doctors calm her down. ‘I’m here, I’m here Kate,’ I whisper.
She falls asleep.
I stay with her.
It is now 10:20 a.m. I wake up and Kate is asleep. Slowly, her eyes open.
‘Trev?’ she asks.
‘I’m here,’ I whisper.
‘Trev?’ she asks.
‘I’m here,’ I whisper again.
‘Who are you?’ she asks.
A sharp pain rushes down my body. I fall on my knees and cry.
‘It’s, it’s me. Trev,’ I cry.
‘Trev? Who’s Trev?’ she asks. I cry.
Kate’s memory is nearly completely gone.
‘Trev, I love you,’ Kate says in confusion. I give Kate a kiss.
Kate closes her eyes and sleeps.
I arrive at University, holding a special assembly for Kate. I speak into the microphone.
‘As you know, Kate, my wife, is losing or has lost all her memory. She is losing her fight against this sickness. Her wish was to be here one more time. She couldn’t make it here. This assembly is for Kate. Thank you all for supporting me in this.’
I feel tears roll down my face.
I ring up Kate’s mobile and mum answers it.
‘Mum, please put the phone on speaker and leave it near Kate,’ I say.
Kate is awake. Mum does as I asked. Everyone crowds around the mobile.
‘Kate, you may have forgotten me, but I haven’t forgotten you. I love you.’
I put my phone on speaker and place it on the piano.
‘I love you.’
Broken
I was defeated
Never thought anyone would care
But then I met you and you lifted me up
You’re my angel my hope
You are my precious friend
I love you…
Kate is screaming out, ‘TREV! TREV!’
Her eyes slowly closing. ‘Trev!’ she calls.
The song echoing through her head and gets softer and softer.
Her eyes, slowly closing, the room, getting darker and darker.
With her last few breaths, she says, ‘Trev…I.…. love….. you….’
I finish the song with tears flowing down my face.
Everyone starts to cry.
Kate, my love, my friend, my one passed away.
‘Here lies a young lady who touched many lives. She had touched many people in many ways. We all have lost a daughter, a wife, a sister and most of all, a friend. Kate was indeed a great person. To Kate, we say to you, we all are going to miss you. We all love you and we’ll never forget you.’
I stand and take the stage. ‘Kate…my…one and only…I’m going…to….miss you…I love you…I…’ the words didn’t come out. Everyone came on stage to comfort me.
‘Trev, we know and Kate knows how you feel,’ mum says softly and hugs me.
‘Mum....’ I cry.
I can’t stop crying.
Mum started singing. Everyone joins.
I love you
Never felt this way before
I need you…
The song echoing through the chapel as everyone is brought to tears.
That night, as I was dreaming, Kate appears and has a grand piano. I sit next to her and we sing together.
‘I love you,’ says Kate.
‘I love you too,’ I say.
The End
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