a sad story

happy Saturday

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Lee and I had known each other for more than six years.

We lived in the same city. My family lived on the west side of the city, and he lived on the east side. We both loved eating noodles at a tiny Chinese shop on xx Road. 

From middle to high school, we went to this noodle place every weekend for almost six years. The noodles were always just five bucks. The old couple that owned the shop were about 60 years old. Grandpa was in charge of cutting the meat, and Grandma made the sauce. Whenever we went there, they always commented on how good-looking Lee was. 

Every time we went, it seemed like we were on a date, except we weren't a couple. 

One night, I was craving noodles. I called Lee because he was still out and hadn't come back to the dorms yet. He came back very late with my noodles and was caught by the RA. I felt terrible. My downcast face bothered Lee as he suddenly embraced me into his arms. He said something that made me smile in my dreams that night: "If you really feel guilty, then eat noodles with me for the rest of your life." 

Then, of course, we graduated. And like all sad stories, he moved to a different city for an incredible job opportunity. We rarely saw each other. In the beginning, we contacted each other every night. Then, it changed to twice a week. 

Once a week. 

Once a month. 

After a year or so, we barely called each other any more. 

Then one day, I called Lee and to ask if he wanted to visit me. I heard a girl's voice and panicked. I didn't dare to ask who it was, so I quickly hung up. Lee never called me back. I guess it was like a "I'll never make the first move" type of thing. 

I went back home last year during winter break. When I made a stop at the Chinese noodle place, the grandpa recognized me and asked where "the cute guy" was. He said that Lee visited two days ago and bought two bowls of noodles to-go. 

I froze. Hundreds of thoughts flooded my mind. Did he think of me when he walked into the shop and breathed in that familiar scent of warm noodles? Did he smile when Grandpa asked him about me? But most important...did he remember the promise we made? Tears streamed down my face as I realized: If he had left with the noodles...he had forgotten.

The noodles were still five bucks. That didn't change. I haven't changed either. But the person who always accompanied me was gone. Time has separated us, and there is no way to bring back to the past...