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Memories were interesting things. Fond memories of sipping coconut juice with younger siblings, or of being with friends. Knowing things were dangerous because he remembered them hurting him. Kalim liked his memories, liked knowing that one day he could think back on what he did that day in the Light Music Club, or get a better grade if he could remember the material. Memories were good.
It’s hard to realize you’re missing something you never realized you had. After all, there wasn’t any school work during winter break, so Kalim wasn’t trying to remember anything from his textbooks. No club or housewarden meetings to remember to go to. But then he noticed people in Scarabia seemed unhappy.. Hm. That was odd. Breaks were supposed to be happy times to relax with family! And wait, why weren’t they with their families..? He’d tried to ask a few times, but was met with scoffs and glares. And even one student asking;
“Did you forget already, Housewarden?”
Forget? Forget what? Kalim swallowed, fidgeting with one of his bangles with a laugh and hurried away. He should ask Jamil, he always seemed to know enough for both of them. And sure enough, Jamil assured him that no, he hadn’t forgotten a thing. Reassuring hands rubbing his shoulders, a smooth quiet voice telling him he was fine.. The student was just confused.. Jamil’s eyes, familiar and comforting, a beautiful obsidian..
Hm?
Why was he in his room? Kalim sat up as he rubbed his eyes. It hadn’t even been lunchtime when he’d gone to Jamil. And why was he sweaty as if he’d gone outside? He had called off all the parades when break started. No one wanted to go across the desert during a time they were supposed to relax. Maybe he’d fainted.. It wouldn’t surprise him. After all, growing up with as many attempts on his life surely affected his health. Poisons eating his muscles, knives draining his blood, blunt objects making his bones ache for days- Kalim hadn’t realized he’d been rubbing his head. He wanted his headscarf on. He grabbed one from his dresser, then paused. He looked in the mirror, rubbing a spot on the side of his head. Faintly bumpy.. It had been years ago, an assassin trying to knock him out. A heavy steel something or other, swung into his head. He didn’t remember much of that time. He’d been told afterwards that it had caused some damage but- It was years ago. It wasn’t going to affect him now. It wasn’t- His memories were his, he couldn’t lose them, it was years ago-!
Kalim didn’t know how long he sat crying on his floor until Jamil quietly opened it. A firm hug, then soft fabrics wrapped around his head. Protecting it. Protecting his memories. Kalim smiled up at Jamil, moving to hold his hand. He wanted to remember Jamil. He would, every moment together, every conversation, he’d always remember Jamil. And his eyes.. He’d remember them…
.
.
.
Kalim stared at himself in the mirror. Winter break was over, and for once, Kalim wished he didn’t remember. Jamil hated him. Hated his memories of Kalim.. Kalim faintly rubbed his head, before starting to wrap his headscarf. He remembered how to do that now, at least. He sighed as he tied the bow. Now he knew the old head injury wasn’t to blame, his memories were safe from that.. He stared at the dark fabric on his dorm uniform. He should really put in a request to change it. He didn’t want to remember that color anymore.
For once, Kalim wanted to forget something about Jamil.