Chapter Text
Today was awfully boring. Your parents allowed you to play outside, but what else was there? There weren’t any kids your age around to play with, so regardless if you went out, there was nothing.
Your shoulders slumped in sheer disappointment, sitting down with your knees close to your chest on dry pavement. But your disappointment didn’t last long before the sound of a car was heard.
You looked up to see out of genuine curiosity and was greeted with the sight of none other than a car who you have never once seen in your life.
The unfamiliarity with said car scared you slightly. Your parents had warned you never to stray too far from home, worried that big scary men in black masks would take you away.
But this car didn’t present itself the way your parents had described a kidnapper’s car. So, you stayed, curious as to who owned the car in front of you.
It wasn’t long before an adult male and female exited the car. They were speaking to someone within the vehicle, seemingly comforting this person. Their faces were visibly painted with worry, smiling as brightly as they forcefully could to perhaps encourage the person inside to exit the confines of the car. Your eyes were peeled, wondering as to who these people are.
It didn’t take long before the person within the vehicle went out. It was a young silver-haired boy who seemed to be about your age. He wore a visibly sad frown across his face, his bright blue eyes sparkling with tears running down his cheeks.
He was… cute. But that didn’t shake the heavy feeling in your chest after having seen this boy crying. You wanted to comfort him—even if you didn’t know him.
Shortly after he came out of the car, his parents entered the empty house across your own. You came to a sudden realization that the “for sale” sign has not been displayed since yesterday.
Snapping yourself out of your thoughts, your eyes wandered back to the boy standing alone, unmoving. And you contemplated if whether or not you should approach him to ask for his name.
You usually weren’t so talkative, especially with how little number of kids your age you get to hang out with. But today, you felt especially sociable. Maybe you’d have the chance to become friends with him. After all, it isn’t everyday a kid your age moves into your small neighborhood—in fact—it’s probably the first time.
So, you abruptly stood up, walking toward the boy who still cried and is now sat on the porch.
He seemed to have heard your little footsteps, because he immediately rubbed his eyes before turning his head to face you. His frown disappeared, now replaced with an obviously forced smile.
“Hello!” You spoke first, returning his effort of smiling by giving him one that shone brighter.
“Hi…” His voice trembled slightly as if nervous, but you thought it was probably from how hard he’d been crying since he arrived. He eventually regains his composure, and even gains the courage to speak first.
“Are… are you from here?” He spoke softly, quite unsure of what to say.
“Yeah! What’s your name?” Your voice cracked with excitement, clearly buzzing with joy from the newly found companion.
“I’m… Phainon, and you?”
“I’m Y/n! I live across the street.” You then pointed at the house directly across from his. And of course, still concerned about how he felt, you couldn’t help yourself from asking. “Are you okay though? I saw you crying earlier.” Your voice gentle and sincere, expression radiating concern.
“Yeah… I’m okay now. I just got really mad at Mama and Papa because they didn’t let me say goodbye to Rene…”
“Who’s Rene?” You tilt your head lightly, confused at the mention of an unfamiliar name.
“Ah! Cyrene—she’s my best friend, we used to sneak around my old neighbor’s garden to pick pretty flowers, but… Mama didn’t tell me we’d move today. I didn’t get to say goodbye…”
His voice drops, and it’s clear he’s been thinking about her since the moment he came. You want to comfort him—but you yourself don’t really have an idea how. You’ve never talked to children your age much, considering you lived in such a small neighborhood with mostly adults without families, or grandparents who’ve decided that big cities were too much for them to handle, especially with old age.
Children at your school already had friends of their own too, and the last time you had seen your very own best friend has been quite a while since.
“Aww… That’s really sad. But I’m sure it will be okay. Have you tried asking your Mama to call her?”
“Yeah, but Mama says she doesn’t have Rene’s parents’ numbers…” He ducked his head down, very clearly disappointed by his own words.
“Eh?! But isn’t she your best friend? Back when I was 3 years old, I had a best friend like you too! But my Mommy had her Papa’s number.”
He hummed in response, looking down at his feet, thinking. “That’s nice—but it’s okay though, I think Rene and I will meet again, I’m sure of it.”
“That’s the spirit! Ah—wait! How old are you, Phainon?” You abruptly change the topic in attempt to divert his attention from what caused him to shed tears, and it definitely seemed to be working.
“I’m 5 years old this year! What about you, Y/n?”
“I’m 4! But I turn 5 this year too.”
“It’s really cool that we’re the same age.” He smiles, impressed at how close you were in terms of age.
“I think so too! But—anyway, wanna come play with me? I’ve never had a neighbor my age before.”
“Sure, I’ll ask permission from Mama and Papa first.”
“Okie! I’ll wait here.”
That interaction alone had left a significant mark within memories of your childhood. Phainon, the way he toughened himself up when he noticed you approach him—and maybe the way his eyes brightened up when you asked him to play with you. You’ll surely remember this moment even as you’ve grown older. You promised—you’ll never forget Phainon (or his awfully bright blue eyes).