Firsts

Afif was 16 months old when he first walked.
His first walk to me was like a month later when I just arrived home for a quick visit. He held his one shoe in his hand and slowly walked towards me and was smiling hesitantly. He reached my hands, handed me the shoe, and hugged me.
There's a punch in my chest knowing I won't be there through his many firsts.

Seasons Greetings

...Well, my days went by at a dizzying pace. I was always running to and fro. And then before I even knew where I was, off to dreamland I would go. I'm the one who's always being swept away. But now I realize that a day of my life is the price I must pay for tomorrow. I've thaught to treasure every day with its joy and its sorrow...

...Now that night has finally come to the busy city sky where quietly the moon is shining down on the paths of people hurrying home, she sheds her light all around. Silently at the close of day we'll pray. Tomorrow's just a dream away, Close the curtain on today... --Emi Fujita, edited--