BROKEN FAITH

 

DANNY’S LETTER TO DIEGO

Diego dear,

From wherever you are reading these words, I request to let you know of the following.

I know that somewhere, my behavior towards you has been rough, mean, and monstrous. I know I have nailed your heart beyond recovery. I have betrayed your generous heart and somewhat taken advantage of your simplicity and munificence.

But I pray that you find a way to forgive me.

I am really sorry Diego, I know I have once faked these words before, but this time, I mean whatever I am saying.

I have spent days and nights crying in my heart because I had to hurt someone who overtly loves me. I have spent weeks and weeks trying to get close to you, but the tears in your eyes make me feel unworthy because I was the cause – and I know that.

But I hope you know all of this:

You are the only friend I have ever had; you are the only sweet thing I have ever experienced. I love you so much and I never want to lose you.

Please accept my apology.

 

From best friend forever,

Danny

 

NOW

It is a Monday morning and Maggox High School is receiving new entrants, especially the first formers. This is one week after the arrival of the third and fourth formers. The gates of the school are wide open and parents with their children are trying to make their way into the its premises.

Daniel too, is a student of this school – actually, one of the outstanding fourth formers. He is known for his talented singing, beautiful writings, superb debating skills and bright mind yet he is always quiet. He is a tall, handsome, well-built and light-skinned young man; irresistibly charming, yet he never involves in boy-girl relationships. He is the head of the religious group in the school, the chairperson of the city desk and the newly elected head prefect, yet he is not proud and bossy.

            “Simplicity costs nothing”, Daniel always says, “You won’t get hurt if try not to hurt.”

 

Danny has not got another best friend since the departure of one Max Dalton.

Max was a boy of about fifteen, small, short, dark-skinned, stubborn and sweet. He too was an awesome writer, singer and debater; the complete alter ego of Danny. Every good thing that Danny had, Max had too.

 

Max and Danny were too close to each other that some people thought they were siblings. They shared everything leaving out nothing. They loved each other transcendently and they showed their solicitude to each other even when they were out of one another’s sight.

No one remembers how the two met, but none has ever forgotten how their relationship came to an end.

It was one day, Max told had Danny that he wanted to tell him something; something urgent.

            “Right now?” Danny had asked in his usual placid way.

            “Right here”, Max confirmed, “That is if you don’t mind.”

            “Alright you can go on”

At this time, the both of them were seated in the refectionary with snacks on their plates.

Max munched on his cookies and took a few gulps on his water before he continued. Whatever he was about to say, his eyes were already revealing that it was not something he was just going to spit out. But he had to. Unless it wasn’t that serious or urgent.

            “You see”, Max started, “I need to go and see my mom.”

            “What for?”

            “I received a phone call that informed me of her illness”, Max continued, “So I need go and nurse her.”

Danny looked intently in Max’s eyes as if he were smelling a lie. His heart was oozing a lot of questions which had no answers; answers that he really wanted to know but dared not to ask.

Danny had an infallibility of lying. So Danny was just asking himself whether or not he was being told the truth. So even if he really wanted to help, that of feeling of wanting to withdraw. But he had to help - and now, not any other time. So whether he was being duped or not, he had to do whatever it takes to help Danny.

            “Even if my mind and body were all against you”, they had once vowed in unison, “my heart and soul would never betray you. They would forever be yours.”

            “Together we shall be friends forever,” they confirmed.

So this was the time for Danny to prove whether he is that friend forever or a liar, a heartless person. If he was a friend forever as he claimed to be, then he needed to do something – not after swearing that his heart and soul would forever be Max’s.

By the time Danny’s mind was brought back, by the clunk of glasses from wherever it had been, he had only one option; to say ‘YES’ even if he clearly knew that something was wrong about everything that was going on.

            “So, how would you like me to help you?” Danny asked still in his usual placid tone

            “My mom lives in Ravensville…”

On hearing ‘Ravensville’, Danny was shocked. Although he had never been to that place physically, he had heard that this village was far away in the mountains; about sixty kilometers from Maggox. This place was known to be inhabited by pure peasants, which meant that the Daltons must be peasants or something. It was also alleged that the village had few inhabitants.  Any way who cares if the inhabitants were few or not even there. Who even cared if they were peasants? Danny’s only worry was about the distance to and fro.

How was Max supposed to travel to and fro by himself? By what means?

The journey to and fro could cost about forty dollars. From where was Max going to get all this money? He was not one of the working class. This is what really bothered Danny. But whatever decision Max was having in his mind, Danny was to give it a thumbs up. The conversation continues…

            “And I need to go there,” Max continued.

            “How urgent is it?” Danny asked trying not to sound like he were unwilling to help.

            “Just like the way it sounds, Danny.”

TO BE CONTINUED...