Operation: Threads of Connection

Hope

Overall, Anya's room was a charming mix of childhood nostalgia and teenage aspirations. It was a space that reflected her adventurous spirit, creative mind, and the warmth of her friendships. As I stood there, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and affection for her, knowing that this room was a true reflection of the incredible person she had become. Anya began to turn on her battery powered lights. The room became a twinkling sight. She made her way towards her bed where she sat down at the edge.

"You've kept this photo all these years?" I ask Anya. She gave me a small smile and nodded.

"Of course! It's probably the only photo I have of both of us hehe" She says, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia.I looked back at the picture, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions. "I didn't know it meant so much to you."

Anya shrugged lightly, her smile turning a bit shy. "It's a good memory, Sy-on boy. Even though we've had our ups and downs, I treasure the moments we've shared. It gets me thinking, why don't we create new ones." She said cheerfully.

What do you mean by that? What kind of memories was she referring to? Like us together?

She got up and grabbed her phone turning on her camera, "Come on Sy-on boy, let's take a selfie together!"

I hesitated for a moment, then moved closer to her. Anya held up her phone, her smile wide and genuine. I couldn't help but smile back, feeling the warmth of the moment. As the camera clicked, I realized how much these little moments meant to her—and to me.

"See? That wasn't so hard," she teased, looking at the photo. "Now we have a new memory to add to the collection. I'll send it to you! "

I glanced at the newly sent photo and felt a sense of happiness. "Yeah, I guess we do."

She looked up at me, her expression softening. "Come sit, let's read the new spy wars manga," she said, making space for me to join her. I couldn't help but chuckle , she really was a kid at heart. There was a comfortable silence between us as we read the plot. It was a cliche story, you could tell what was going to happen before even turning the page, but Anya's eyes would widen with excitement at the cliffhangers, and she'd giggle at the comedic parts. Seeing her so engrossed and happy made me feel more at ease, like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

After an hour, I noticed Anya's eyes began drooping. Her head started to lean on my shoulder, and soon she was dozing off, the manga slipping from her fingers.I carefully took the manga from her, then gently laid her down and covered her with a blanket. She looked so peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaotic world outside.

"Goodnight, Anya," I whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. As I turned to leave, I felt a tug on my sleeve.

"Stay..." she whimpered as she hung onto my shirt.

"I can't Anya, I have to go. I promise I will see you tomorrow," I whisper. She let go of my sleeve and nodded off to a deep slumber. With the manga still in hand, I walked over to her small desk. I placed the book next to the peach colored shell. I couldn't help but chuckle, she really does keep everything I give her. 

That night I couldn't sleep, I kept looking at the picture Anya had sent, what would it take to have her smile like that with me all the time... 

_ _ _ _

The rest of the week was a blur. We didn't have club on Thursday due to a gas leak, therefore the only time I saw Anya was in class. The only time I talked to her was when she returned my uniform, besides that I didn't get to talk to her at all, we had to work with our camping groups in order to prepare for the upcoming trip. Somehow, even though we were in the same class, not talking to her has really made me miss her.