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He stood right there at the front of the door, currently staring at it like it was a door that led to another world. He goes back and forth on whether he should enter or not—to see what lies on the other side of the door. His hand, hovered right at the door handle, needing only a simple action for it to be open.
He contemplates, inside his mind fighting against themselves. Whether he should enter or just leave it be.
Alas, the former won and he closed his eyes, letting out a deep breath before slowly turning the door handle and pushing the door open. He opened his eyes to see what was once a place filled with memories, with all the things inside. And yet all he saw with his own eyes was an empty space where once his son used to live.
He took a step forward, his right foot entering the space followed by his other foot and he slowly walked to the center of the room. He stood there looking around what was a filled room with all of his son’s stuff, now left only the furniture and others. It all looks so desolate even if the furniture still remains like something was missing in the room.
It was stupid, it’s only been a couple of months ever since his son moved away for college. Something that they both had been excited about the moment the announcement had arrived. He watched as his son was overjoyed at being accepted at his dream college, and he couldn’t help but be proud of what his son had achieved.
All those nights staying up late, all those nights his son fell asleep while studying. All of his son’s hard work had paid off. And he can only watch by the side as his son is about to enter a new chapter of his life.
They celebrated that night by going out to his son's favorite restaurant. Letting him order anything that he desires.
And slowly he watches as his son starts to pack for the things he will bring, helping him with anything he needs.
He found an old teddy bear doll that once belonged to his son. He remembered giving it to him for his birthday. Watches as his son smiles grew bigger at the sight of the doll. And his son goes anywhere with it never letting it go—clinging to it every time.
But of course, his son grew up, no longer that kid who needed the teddy bear to be able to sleep.
He had grown out of it. And he wonders if that is happening to him too. His son had grown up now becoming an adult—on a brand new chapter of his life. And he wondered if his role in his son’s story will be diminished as he grows older.
Even then, no matter what, he will always be there. Waiting for his son to come home.
For only he is his boy, his son.
Maybe it was the loneliness that made him have these kinds of thoughts. The empty nest syndrome.
It’s only been the two of them since the beginning.
He watches as his son gets to the airport to catch his flight. While he put on a brave face, not wanting to ruin any moment. And even then, the surprise On his face when his son went back to give him one last hug—broke everything inside him.
They both cried, and he hugged his son closer like something he was hanging on with his dear life. Not wanting to just let go yet.
He was his son.
His son had come a long way. Watching the once a little boy who wanted learn everything, now turned into someone who is going to start a brand new chapter in his life. He wanted to be there with him.
But he knew he had to let go. He doesn’t want to hinder his son’s journey. He wanted his son to achieve something bigger. Wanting his son to shine brightly like the stars they used to look at the night sky.
So he reluctantly let go, giving his son a warm smile, and whispered “Go”.
And he watched his son finally leave as he stood there gazing at the airport door for a while. Before turning around and walking back to his car.
And here he was months later, seeing the room that his son grew up in. The beginning of it all.
All the memories are stored in this room alone. He wishes that the memories will be everlasting. Something he would remember till the end of his days.
He walked back to the door, giving the room one last look. Before fully closing the door behind him.