It was that time of the month wherein we had nothing to do but to wait for the onslaught of schedules. It's these in-between moments that we regard as sacred and precious, for such days are numbered and come in rare. After hours spent chattering and eating, silence engulfed the scene. Only the faint sounds from the television and the loud ticking of the clock could be heard. That is, until someone decided it was time to break the ice.

"What's the saddest word in the English dictionary?"

Everyone else were drowning in their thoughts, contemplating on what could that word be, as my answer echoed in the room:

"Almost."

I could feel the weight of their stares and though everyone had the same thought in mind, only one was brave enough to voice it out and ask me,

"Why?"

I looked towards the television, hoping I could divert the topic to something else, but as luck would have it, MBC decided to air a re-run of that variety show. Most specifically, that episode. The episode wherein the line that differentiates reality from fantasy was blurred. The episode where it all began and until now, conclusion is left hanging like a thread that's soon to break. 

Their gazes flickered back and forth, from the screen and towards me. I willed myself to put on a brave front as I smiled at them wistfully. Memories flooded my mind and I tried my best to push it away, lest I shed these unwelcomed tears. A heartbeat, nope, a lifetime of silence