Oh, we meet again! I hope you've been enjoying the previous chapters. Let's get straight into it.
When Sayuri gave me that final goodbye hug, I felt that everything was about to change. Since we had already settled our issues, I didn't feel any remorse—only a deep sadness because, deep down, I knew I might never see her again.
But let's start from the last day of that week: Friday.
ME: "Finally, it's Friday! Although, it's been two weeks now... It's so strange that Sayuri hasn't shown up."
11:50 AM
TEACHER (MS. CRISTINA): "My little ones, as you've noticed, your classmate Sayuri hasn't been here these past few weeks. That's because she is moving away. She has come today to say goodbye to all of you."
As soon as I saw her walk in, I stood up and ran to hug her.
SAYURI: "Goodbye, Angello. I hope to see you again someday," she said, hugging me tightly while she cried.
ME: "Don't promise things you aren't going to keep... but even so, I hope I see you too," I replied, my voice breaking.
SAYURI: "I really do hope to see you again," she said, trying to sound cheerful through her tears.
After that, Sayuri hugged me one more time. Then she went to hug her other friends. Finally, she and Dina spent about thirty minutes crying together.
We followed her all the way to the exit gates at 11:50 AM because her car hadn't arrived yet. I kept my distance; I didn't want to cry in front of everyone, and I wanted to give them their space.
(Sayuri left approximately toward the end of the year.)
Just as she was getting into the car, she looked at me and said:
SAYURI: "I was the one who made both of us stop talking to you..."
ME: "It doesn't matter anymore. You won't be here... so it doesn't make sense to dwell on it now."
Sayuri began to cry harder.
ME: "Goodbye."
[Author's Note]: With Sayuri gone, Angello is left in a classroom where his only remaining "friend" from the past, Dina, remains silent. What will happen next year?