I know it's strange for me to greet you like this. Don't be so crumbled. I'm just trying to be a good fellow to you. How are you today? I mean how have you been? It's been a while since I've left you dusted in the corner of my room. Are you lonely? My dearest friend, you look so crumbled again. Don't be mad, okay? I know I left you cold and ignored but, you know, life has been so good to be true lately and it made me forget someone who always be there for me. Do you know what I mean? Isn't it normal for people to, sometimes, unknowingly forget others when they're so thrilled with happiness?

I'm so sorry that I didn't be here for you quite a long time. But, I'm here now. Let's us enjoy our company like a reunion of a long lost friends bumping into each other in a cold winter night at the familiar club. Want something to drink? I've a glass of wine here with me. I'll spill some on you so you would know how this crap taste like. You like it? The stain is faded. Guess you like it.

My dear, dear friend. I never realised how much I missed you until I touch your soft skin. It's so beautiful and alive that I almost hear you breathing through pages. If you want to know where I have been for those many years, sure, I tell you. I know you're dying to know my stories.

I grew up. Like a tree, day after day, people grow. They cannot resist the liveliness of the sun. Me too. I reached out my branches to beaming sunshine as if I never felt so warm and alive. Not a single second, I got scared by the burning light. I gradually blooming and, finally, becoming a fully grown sunflower. I loved the Sun. Those who don't, know nothing about art; the art of creating, of bright and energetic vibes. The Sun is so charming, an irresistible kind, like a young man with an old soul and a strong mind. I loved him. Deeply, madly, passionately. Just looking up to him every day, I could feel the success in the thin air. I bathed his mighty ray everyday fancying I was being touched by hardened and experienced hands of a true gentleman. Soft yet affirming. I loved him. Unquestionably, wholeheartedly, pathetically. 

PATHETICALLY.

The Sun gave me success. I was the most endearing and most gorgeous sunflower in his field. My faces appeared everywhere. People knew my name, my fame, and my game. They loved me. At least, I believed so. I was so contented knowing those sunflowers out there were worthless and undeserving creatures.

WORTHLESS AND UNDESERVING CREATURES

I never had a Night. 

My days were all Day. 

Happy and gay.

I never had a Winter.

My seasons were all Summer.

Happier and gayer.

I never had a Blue.

My colours were all Yellow.

Happy only, what was sorrow?

Why are you crying, my dear friend? Why the tears watering down on your face? Let me wipe them out for you, oh dear. If you keep wetting your face like this, your paper skin will tear apart. Don't be. Didn't you hear how wonderful my life had been, girl? I wish they were tears of joy, but, I know, my heart knows, they're tears of sorrow 'cause my soul now aching. Please. Please! Stop your crying! I hate seeing you breaking.

Now, my hand is shaking. Can't we just talk comfortably? My stories haven't finished yet. Bear with me, girl. Listen to my stories to the end.

Many years passed, I wasn't bloomed as the way I was before. My name, my fame and my game were never the same anymore. My fresh bright yellow petals got browner, some fell to the ground. I still tried reaching out to the mighty Sun hoping he would make me young and alive again. But he denied my weak branches and set away from my requests. The Night approached me with her open arms. I wanted to escape her chilly touch but I was too frail to manage my weary self up against her. She whispered me to sleep every night with my bitter stories. I felt so vulnerable and rootless that I barely stood my own self.

ROOTLESS.

I touch my heart, a broken heart, and I felt something. Some far-away thoughts searing my soul like hell. My roots. My forgotten roots. I heard a just-born infant crying for the first time in her life. The joyful and loving faces of two strangers appeared before my sight. I was mouthed with a taste of breastmilk. My body became lighter and smaller.

I FELT SO SMALL.

Now, my hand feels numb.

You're crying again. Do you miss them as I do? During your days here when I was away, have you ever noticed them? How were them? Were they happy? Tell me, please, tell me they're happy. When I was a girl, this house was never so warm enough for me. That's why I left you and this place and went chasing the Sun. Now, I'm here, back to the coldest place I thought it was, wondering why this empty house feels so warm. Warmest I've ever experienced. 

Look at me now, my friend. Am I the same girl who talked to you everyday like before? Am I her whom you love?

Don't cry, my friend. Your skin is tearing apart. I'll stop my stories here 'cause I don't wanna hurt you anymore. Let's say goodbye and hug each other for the last time since our reunion comes to the finishing part and the club is now burning.

Sincerely,

burning sunflower.