"My Ray of Sunshine," by William Pham

*Disclaimer: This is not a true story.

My dear ray of sunshine. Your looks are sublime. I stare at you and feel disappointed, knowing I can never call you mine. You have a smile like no other. Tell me, did you receive those looks from your mother? I’d like to know. How does your face glimmer and glow? That’s a mystery. I fail to focus and stay alert whenever you look at me. Luscious locks of hair and skin so smooth. I want to lock your body against mine and feel your groove. As we dance, I look into your eyes. Your eyes attract like a lamppost to a moth. Your arms are on mine, comforting and soft. I could do this all night—the feeling that excites me, the sensation that ignites the sky. However, it was only temporary. Eventually, the dream comes to an end. I open my eyes and see that you are gone. Had I committed an offense so intense that it drove you away permanently? Then again, how could I offend what wasn’t real? The fantasy created by dreams possesses excellent (but deluded) appeal. I thought we got along. Our heartbeats sing the melodies and tunes of the same song. It was a lie. One hard truth I shouldn’t have denied, but it was hard. Repulsed by you leaving the scene, my heart would shatter into little glass shards. I would accuse you of being mean.

When we met each other, you didn’t think much of it. You gifted me a little trinket that created a special bond: a bracelet. I wore that bracelet for many days until it finally broke. You spoke to me as I cried, sharing words of comfort as I choked on my fears. Then you embraced me by the rear, bringing us closer. With our heartbeats aligned, we were one. Fears were reduced to none, making me tame. Once I end my little sob fest, he heads out. “Where do you think you’re going?” I asked as I clutched his hand tightly. “I have to go home,” he says as he releases my hold of him. He puts on his shoes and walks out the door; he leaves me lying on the floor. I was distraught by what I had heard: Words I found absurd. He was my home; I was his. I looked at the repaired bracelet on my wrist. A provoking emotion made me lean over. Being lost in my thoughts, a bolt of sadness struck. To me, you embodied the world; In your eyes, I was a mere speck of dust. It broke my heart; makes me rewind from the end to the start. I think long and hard about what I could’ve done better; so we don’t grow apart. We separate for a while.

On a sunny afternoon, I visit the lake I’ve cherished since childhood. I stood near beautiful flowers: A wide variety I admired by the hour. I lean my head forward to take a sniff at the rose. Caws from crows are audible from above. Peace be still. A few moments later, a person came. To my delight, it was a familiar figure: my ray of sunshine. Before approaching me, he pauses. He appears worried. Silence prevailed for a couple of more moments until I ran towards him. We cherished each other; no words, but with action. The gloomy distance ended gorgeously—with care and fashion. I never want us to depart again. As we hold hands, let’s make a few vows. When times are difficult, may we converse; to understand our feelings. Let me be the one who radiates on your behalf. If you allow me to, I will endure the turbulence that twists and turns your life. In return, you will pursue my strife and make it your own. We will stay side by side forever: Two birds of a feather flocking together. We fly by the ray of sunshine that lights the blue sky.