But you don't know me
Now, my voice becomes a harsh. melody, and my appearance turns to a nightmare.
_
Far across the city, Sydney. Across thousands of miles. In England, the Hundred 2025 is starting with huge ticket sales. Fans are excited to watch players from different countries collaborating with Englishmen and sticking with bat and ball. Two of them are among the favourite four, belonging to Welsh Fire and London Spirit. Another reason for that abundance of happiness is ushering in the name of Smith and Williamson.
First day.
At the airport,
Williamson is on his way to depart from the airport. He was in a hurry. Checked the time, thinking it was becoming late for him to catch the team bus. He quickly turned on his phone and called an Uber.
London has never become an unknown city for him. The local people and their contemporary beauty have always been his top favourite after South Africa. He is looking around, taking the refreshing air, feeling a good vibe coming into the city after a year. A few minutes later his Uber came and he got in the car. While rotating his eyes on the city view from the window, he could not imagine how he had passed those days. After the World Test Championship, he had been staying in that city. Maybe just for the last time, he could have had the opportunity. Yet he endured the pain when he saw a notification pop up before his eyes- his memory from two months ago.
He takes a deep breath after moving his eyes away from the familiar view. Calmly thinks- Sometimes a well-known view becomes no longer known.
Someone just disappeared from his well-known side. He tried harder to remember the reason. At the end, he only found the one-sided admiration. He never could call it an even.
_________________
On the other hand, Smith got his chance in the Hundred for Welsh Fire. T20 format his not new for him. He can easily score runs on that English field. He was too busy with his schedule and practice. Too busy to even turn on his phone. When he got a chance to check it, he checked each of the important notifications. But ignored most of it. He is tired. Done dealing with the professional life. He might need rest before the Ashes in November. He has a settled plan on his mind. He sighed before closing his eyes after switching off his phone.
In the middle of the night,
He is done trying to fall asleep. He could not. He thought he was not too tired tonight. He can pass his time through shadow-batting. But he decided to try to sleep for one more time. He moved aside and brought his hands down his jaw. He slowly opened his eyes. Suddenly, his eyesight turned vague. He can no longer see the normal sight.
'Hey, long time no see,' Williamson waved at Smith first. Smith smiled at him and waved back, 'How's it going?' 'Ahm! Well. What about you?' Williamson asked. Seemed like his reaction turned cold. Hoping to get something he was expecting. Miles away, while flying here, he only gathered desires in his mind. Not knowing either, he would be getting any of it. Not overthinking, no rushing. If it wasn't to suit him, he could neglect the endurance.
'Yeah, well. Good to see you.' But one of them was asked. And he thought he should start overthinking it from now on. Getting a privileged feature was never meant for him. He did not mind smiling at him for once again and let him go with his busy schedule.
'I was there behind you when you're on the field with your bat, supporting and cheering. I was there at the airport when you were supposed to be the first to look forward but chose your rush. I was there in the praying yard when you were busy hitting balls. I was even there when you needed sleep because you were tired. That's a shame. If you did choose me, you wouldn't get the nice nap. That's a shame. Back then, I couldn't blink cause you're before my eyesight. Now, I hold my eyes for the tears do not fall. It has been hard. It's hard to hide. God always puts you before me. When I am the one, supposed to show up. The more I move away, the harder it becomes. Now, my voice becomes a harsh melody, and my appearance turns to a nightmare. I never felt low for needing you. But if it ever becomes a reason to change your mind, erase it.'
The vagueness suddenly started to move away. Smith can see his room. No harsh voices, no nightmares. He feels sleepy. Now that his last try succeeded. He looks at the clock. There is not much time left for his next practice. Now that he has to sleep. Maybe no shadow-batting tonight. He exhales. Slightly feels some weight on his heart. Looks apart. Closed his eyes. Calmly inquires, 'Were you always a vagueness in my sight?'
....