Prologue of a Man

If people say that whoever can hear trees speaking are crazy, then I must be crazy.

2020 marks the start of another decade. Many interesting news had popped up from all over the world. Malaysia had finally reached its 2020 Vision; Russia had exposed their plan on building a ‘Space Hotel’. Even Japan, this place I call home, was beginning to develop a new model of a bullet train. Interesting events were popping up everywhere and today; 14th of April 2020, I was experiencing a fascinating event myself.

As always, a new year of schooling began for those attending Chikusa High School. I was already in my third year, and had a very typical plan for my future. Going to the university, getting a job; you know what I’m trying to say. I had woken up exceptionally early today, so I decided that I should take a slow walk up until the school gates. The cool environment greeted me nicely as I stepped out of the house. I wore my blue scarf comfortably and headed towards school.

Spring this year was pretty calm and soothing. Many of the flowers around the neighbourhood especially the sakura, bloomed really well. Call me a hopeless romantic, but I really enjoy watching plants grow. It creates a feeling of strength from within as you watch the immobile floras struggling to live and adapt. Sometimes, you can hear them greet you as you admire their will and spirit in this world.

Hello!

Yes, yes. Something like that kind of greeting.

Hello!

Huh?

As usual, I was walking along the paved sidewalk and admiring the sakura from a huge tree planted inside a park next to our school. I was already approaching the school gates, when I heard that soft and delicate voice coming from the big tree. At first, I thought one of my friends was greeting me. Then I realised, no one was there! Where did that voice come from?

Hello!

There it is again. I swear, it must be the huge tree speaking to me! Have I gone mad over the holidays?

No, I must not think about it. As I assured myself that I was just daydreaming, I continued my steps toward school. It was still pretty early, so not many students were seen around the vicinity. I decided to check one more time that no one was there under the tree, so I turned my face towards the park. That’s when I saw her near the tree. A beautiful girl I’ve never seen before in school. Little did I know, as I stood there staring at her; that something was already brewing up for us in the future.