It was a rainy morning. But Kayla wasn't complaining. The breeze was cool, brushing against her cheeks, sending jitters down her spine. This was the best weather to start a new day, she thought. Today's routine was different. No books, no friends, no technology. Just a visit back to the old house. This visit was important, she knew, but she couldn't care less. Her goal was to go there, smile a little, and leave as soon as possible. It all seem irrelevant to her. But when she stepped out of the car and into the house, the flashback starts filling her mind. The house still had that familiar scent - old, husky yet somehow comforting. She stood there behind the gates, dumbfounded before she was greeted with a warm welcome of a dog's bark, Bambi. It seemed much smaller beside her all grown up body. The turtle was still there too, in the same pail, right outside the front door. It was bigger now, than it used to be ten years ago. She remembered vividly the placing of each and every thing outside and inside that house. Nothings changed since she left.

It was not before Kayla entered the house that she felt remorse filling her guts. Why didn't I spend more time in here, she thought. She walked to the back of the house, and there she saw her, standing in the kitchen, Grandma. Grandma seemed much smaller than Kayla remembered. Her hair was as white as snow, her wrinkles visible behind those thick lens glasses and she barely reached Kayla's ears even when she stood up tall. Though she looked weak and vulnerable, but her eyes glimmered with hope when she caught sight of Kayla. Kayla felt the tears stinging her eyes, but she fought it back because the old lady was grinning with happiness and Kayla didn't want to ruin the moment with depression. Without thinking twice, Kayla ran up to Grandma and gave her a big hug. She knew that she didn't have to say anything. Words will not explain half the emotions shown by her through that hug. Grandma knew how Kayla felt, but she did not say anything, because she knew, all they need was that moment of silence, to truly appreciate each other again.


It goes to say, we never know when we're about to lose something, or someone, for that matters. Every second of our life counts and it doesn't count for ourselves only, but it counts for others too. Why don't people appreciate the small acts of others anymore? One simple act, like a hug, can bring back so much memories, memories which have been buried long time ago. Sometimes its not the dollar sign on a present that counts, its the thought behind it that truly moves a person. Its not everyday that you will get to share a moment with the ones you love. So appreciate each moment, build the memories, and never forget those who love you :)