I remember it was cold but it wasn't raining. Dark puffs of clouds were looming over the vast skies and most of my companions were feeling lethargic all of a sudden. I heard one of them wishing for the rain not to pour and I silently prayed for the same thing. I didn't want it to rain. I didn't want the rain to dampen the grass. That would only spoil my plans of lying flat on my back on the field while forming animal figures out of the clouds. But I didn't want it to be sunny either. I just want the clouds, and the gloom they bring.
It was a couple of minutes after seven in the morning. We had all showered. Everyone had put their coats on. It was cold which was just natural since we were on the mountains, not really on top but let's just say, we were on a higher ground; somewhere elevated. I was comfortably watching my classmates as we were having breakfast. I see a classmate who was a close friend of mine seated on the table which was situated next to the railing of that small cottage where we were all having our meals and from where I was, I saw that he had a beautiful view of the road, of the gorgeous flowers, and of the hills that looked so divine as they were being kissed by the meager light coming from the sun.
I envied him. In fact, I wanted to trade places with him right at that moment.
I took a last sip of my Tamarind juice which tasted really weird to me and then I stood, knowing that we won't be spending another night in that place, I took the liberty to stroll around and see the place. I went alone, I had close friends in class but I wanted to go, all by myself.
I slowly walked out of the cottage and ventured at the back, I saw some classmates of mine talking to each other, I think gossiping is the word actually. I smiled as I saw some of them trying so hard to act like adults. Not that I see anything wrong about acting that way but, well, we were all minors. Some of us were barely 16 and yet, there they were, already at the rush of becoming adults. A stage which I sometimes dread.
I walked passed through them, until I reached the back then Lo and behold!
I saw the most beautiful meadow I've ever seen in my whole life. The grass was perfectly green and well-trimmed. Flowers in varied sizes and colors were all aligned in the sides. Butterflies flew across the meadow, flaunting their beautiful wings. A number of my classmates were taking photos and I could have joined them but there I was, standing on that meadow, my mouth slightly opened in awe. Just at the end of the meadow, were the wooden gates and just beyond the wooden gates was a bigger field and at the end of it, stood a mountain.
It was a bit foggy and I didn't have glasses but I knew, everything I laid my eyes on was beautiful.
I stood their longer, just watching the whole picture and I could only wish I could stay there. Suddenly, I forgot about college and my aspirations after school. Suddenly, I forgot about Trigonometry, Statistics, Bookkeeping and Physics. Suddenly, I forgot about my sadness, my anxiety, my fears, heartaches and pain.
Suddenly, I forgot about everything. The whole beauty of my surroundings took my breath away and I was at peace. The entire scenery took me, and I let go.
It felt so good. But only for a while... Moments after, I heard the noise again. My classmates' boisterous laughter, my teachers' irritated voice, the swift motion of buses and cars passing by. I came back to the world which I would have gladly vacated. I tried to move my body and make my toes walk back to the hall where the talks were being given. I managed to walk but then I looked back at everything and tried to paint the beautiful picture in my mind, just in case I'd need it someday.
Soon enough, I knew we'll leave the place. I never thought however, that three years after, I'd be wanting to go back.
