In some moments…
we don't realize their value while we live them,
we laugh without reason,
and run without thinking where to.
Simple days, light and fleeting…
as if they carry no weight at all,
yet in truth…
they become the most beautiful memories we'll ever hold.
Chapter Six: The Unlucky First Date
After five years had passed since that first glance, Soren and Lira had turned twelve years old. After they were separated, each of them ended up in a different school. Soren longed to see Lira; his thoughts never calmed down, constantly planning what they would do on the weekend.
But his patience didn't last even the first day.
In a moment of impulse, he decided to skip school and go to Lira's school. When he arrived, he stood near the wall that separated them, ready to use their secret method… their "code word."
He took a deep breath, then shouted:
"Cock-a-doodle-dooo!"
Silence.
No response.
He tried again, louder this time:
"Cock-a-doodle-dooo!!"
Still nothing…
He sighed in frustration, then decided to climb the wall himself. As soon as he looked over, he froze in place…
Lira was lying on the ground, laughing uncontrollably.
He stared at her and said:
"Why are you laughing? And why didn't you answer?"
She tried to compose herself but could barely speak:
"The rooster sound you made… it's like someone is plucking your feathers!"
Soren's expression immediately changed, and he said annoyed:
"Are you making fun of my voice? Then I'll leave."
She waved her hand quickly:
"No, I'm sorry! I just couldn't stay serious with you…"
But she couldn't hold it in… she burst into laughter again.
Then she added while trying to stop laughing:
"Please… change that sound! It's like a rooster getting its feathers pulled!"
Soren looked at her, clearly annoyed, but deep down, he couldn't really be mad at her.
He sighed and said:
"This weekend… let's go to the cinema."
She immediately smiled and said playfully:
"Agreed… but on one condition."
"What is it?"
"Do the sound again."
He scratched his head and said:
"Are you serious?"
She laughed and said:
"No, I'm just kidding."
The weekend came quickly, and they went to the cinema together. They chose a sad movie… or at least that's how it was for everyone else.
The theater was filled with crying. The heroine was saying goodbye to her lover before she died, and emotions filled the place…
Even Lira was crying.
But Soren… was in a completely different world.
Holding his hamburger, enjoying it, not understanding why everyone was crying.
But suddenly…
A piece of meat fell from his sandwich onto the ground.
He froze.
Then… his eyes began to tear up.
Lira noticed and looked at him with surprise and sympathy. She gently placed her hand over his, thinking he was moved by the scene.
If she knew the truth… her reaction would've been completely different.
After the movie ended, he said:
"What do you think we go to the park? It looks nice today."
She nodded, and they went together.
The weather was rainy, the cold filling the air, but life was everywhere. Children running, couples walking… smiles all around.
Suddenly, Lira smiled and said:
"Soren! Catch me if you can!"
And she ran.
He immediately ran after her. Her laughter echoed around them… warm, full of life, as if chasing away the winter cold.
But then…
In the middle of that moment, a strange sound echoed:
"Wiiiic!"
Lira stopped and turned quickly…
Only to see Soren fallen into a puddle of mud.
Silence filled the place for a moment, all eyes on him.
She rushed toward him to help, but before she could say anything…
Soren burst out laughing.
A hysterical, genuine laugh that broke the silence.
She couldn't hold it in… she started laughing with him.
In that moment, it turned into a strange, beautiful scene—two people laughing, while everyone else just stared.
They walked back together, Soren covered in mud, walking between people without caring about their looks.
Lira was still laughing from time to time, and he smiled despite how he looked.
And at the end of the day…
Each of them returned to their home.
But…
That memory was never just an ordinary day.
And just like that…
an ordinary day came to an end,
filled with laughter, silly moments,
and memories that linger.
It wasn't perfect,
and it wasn't free of embarrassment…
but it was real.
And that alone…
was enough for them.