Today is our parent's death anniversary.

I open my eyes, the sun's morning glare hovering directly on top of my eyes, painfully reminding me that it's morning. The sudden light made my eyes uncomfortable and forced me to move. I opened my eyes and caught the sight of the wooden, plain white ceiling. I looked around more and observed that the walls are colored with uneven shades of grey cement. On the left is the bedside table and closet. On the right is a window and a dresser with a huge mirror.

I slowly got out of my bed and folded the thick, cotton blanket and stacked pillows, then placed them all on the side of the bed. I then took out the dress I planned to wear. A plain, yellowish summer dress. It was originally white, given by my mom for me to wear during the summer. However, the fabric's clean, white color slowly disappeared over time.

I held the dress on its upper corners and raised it up, observing it from top to bottom. The dress is so plain, but it held many memories of those happy days.

Our family was not poor, nor was it rich. But we were happy and peaceful, that's all that had mattered. Sadly, there were many instances where my parent's underlying illnesses would lapse and cause them to be bedridden. Their pain, I could not feel, yet I could see in their faces. It was a moment of helplessness. The room would contain a dark, suffocating atmosphere, increasing the anxiety held beneath the hearts of everyone in the room. My sister and I could do nothing but observe and worry since we were only children. Today, we still are, but we are learning to do something to help.

I stop my train of thoughts and proceed to find the pair of shoes I often match with the dress, the white sandals, which I had found in a box beside the closet. I went to take a shower and then put my clothes on. I found a nearby straw basket and hat and took them with me. I stepped out of the house, but realized that I had forgotten my breakfast, water, and wallet. Normally, mom would remind me if I forgot anything. I was so used with her help, it is hard to forget my habits.

Without my family in this house, it feels lonely. I stepped out and waved goodbye to the house, then proceeded to start my journey on the dirt road.

Only the chirps of the birds accompany me and the peace. Peace is good, I don't hate it, it just feels like peace is accompanied by loneliness sometimes, too.

Along the way were various shrubs and bushes, with colorful flowers blooming on them. The wind occasionally blows to say hello, swaying the trees and their leaves making a 'swoosh' sound. My heart is tranquil, but with underlying pain. I would've loved the journey to the capital more if I were heading to a happy place, not my parent's grave.

I pick up a few flowers along the way to leave on my parents' gravestones. I pick one or two of each color I see, pink, yellow, white, blue, red, and more. I put them under my nose, their scent is nice. I hope they like the colorful variety. I know their souls are in heaven and they occasionally go down to their graves and visit my sister and I, but maybe they hadn't seen any flowers in heaven and wants to see some. So, I tucked the batch of flowers in my basket and look up at the sky, painted with the freshest blue. Accompanied by clouds, their white wisps spread across the sky, like cotton spread out on bright blue paint. Birds fly by from time to time, their wings spread wide, soaring the wide sky. I wish I could be like a bird too, to explore the vastness of the land and to see every color.

I continue my journey with these ideas filling in my head. My thoughts traveled from the twinkle of the stars, to the depths of the sea. I'm curious about every nook and cranny that I see. Most likely to cope with what I currently feel that I would very much like to ignore.

Soon, after half an hour of walking, I reached the town center. People are scattered everywhere! Kids are running and playing with their toys, mostly kites, families walking around leisurely, with their children sitting on their backs. And tradesmen doing business. People are incredibly lively! Though the town is small, it's renowned for its powerful and unique herbs. So many types of people come and visit, most to increase their knowledge about medicine, others to just buy herbs, some to get themselves or their friends cured. This place is, after all, a place where many healers go to.

In the deep end of the town center, I finally reached the graveyard. Though it's morning, the place exuded a gloomy yet serene atmosphere.

'This is a place where the dead is buried...' My mind unconsciously muttered.

It is quite scary, for I am alone. But I remind myself that the people here were once human too, just like my parents, carrying precious memories and sharing intimate moments with the people they love and knew. I scan the surroundings and the names engraved on the stones. Checking each line slowly, afraid to miss a single name.

Suddenly, my eyes caught a glimpse of a shadow of movement.