Even rivers and mountains change in 10 years.
w. wish list
2103
*******
It was late at night, 10 p.m. The streets were deserted as usual, the only people present being a police officer on patrol and two men in coats. The officer was walking down the street with a baton, and the man took a cigarette and a lighter from his pocket and put the cigarette to his lips. He lit it with the lighter. His face was glimpsed through the flame. Soon, a thick cloud of smoke rose. He slowly took the cigarette from his lips. Then, looking around, he spotted the policeman.
"Haha, hello, officer. I'm waiting for my friend. He's not suspicious, so feel free to pass by."
"Hello. I see you have an appointment this late at night."
The man spoke, and the officer responded. The officer muttered that it sounded even more suspicious. The man put his cigarette back in his mouth, and soon enough, another puff of white smoke rose. Then the man continued his conversation.
"Yes. We ate at this restaurant 10 years ago and parted ways at exactly this time. We promised to meet again at the same time and place 10 years from now. This restaurant... seems to be gone."
"Yes. You mean the noodle place we went to six years ago? Ten years ago... You must be an old friend. I'm jealous. I can't keep friends for three years, except for one."
"Oh, that's sad. You must be lacking in connections. I guess you were a trustworthy person."
"Yes, I did. I'd like to hear what that friend has to say. I have nothing else to do."
"Hehe, shall I tell you? His name is Sean, and he's a year younger than me. We first met when he was fifteen... and when we ate here and parted ways, he was eighteen. I'm already twenty-eight."
"My friend and I are the same age. Please continue."
"He was pretty smart, way smarter than I was. I'm working in the American West now, and I'm sure he got a good job in a good place. I've been pretty successful. I hope he's half as successful."
"It was interesting. I guess I should go now. How long are you going to wait? It's cold outside."
"I'll try to wait up to 30 minutes. I really want to meet you."
"I hope to see you. I'll go patrol another alley."
"Yes, goodbye-."
So the officer left for another alley, and a few minutes later another man walked leisurely towards him. He slowly walked towards the man and spoke to him.
"Daniel?"
"Sean by any chance?"
"Oh, Daniel! I missed you so much. Sorry I'm late."
"No. It's nice just to meet you. Remember that cafe we used to go to often? It's still there. Let's go there."
"Yes, I like it."
The two men walked toward the cafe, exchanging updates. After about ten minutes, Daniel suddenly stopped walking.
"No, you're not Sean."
"Ten years don't make a round nose pointy. Even if you had surgery, the size of your hands would have changed."
"Now you realize it, it's too late, Daniel. Ten years won't make a round nose pointy, but they can make a good man bad."
"You were already under my arrest ten minutes ago. For fraud."
" what...? "
"Daniel Greenleaf. You are under arrest for fraud."
"Oh, and... Sean asked me to pass this on to you."
The officer took a note from his pocket, handed it to Daniel, and handcuffed him. Soon, a police car pulled up in front of them. The officer put Daniel in and slammed the door shut. The car roared away as it drove away. Daniel unfolded the note.
To Daniel
Daniel, that officer you saw earlier was me. I went to arrest you, but I couldn't do it myself. So I called a plainclothes officer and asked him to arrest you for me. I have one last thing to say to you. You've been my friend for 13 years. There's a lot I couldn't do for you, so let's consider today's meeting my last gift. I love you, brother. I'll miss you.
Sean
Tears like chicken droppings fell on the note. He tilted his head back and looked out the window. The stars were shining, and the night sky was dark.