Annual Sword Ritual

Another year has come and gone. I am always amazed at the way one of my most treasured gifts never seems to rust or dull. The only thing that ages is the penny that is taped to the blade. It was supposed to bring luck... But of the three people present when I recieved the gift, i'm the only one left alive.

Once a year (right after festival) I take my Red Katana out of its sheath and repeat the last words Rieja wrote for me.

******

Eliot,

Do you know what I wish?
That we could talk more.
So much has happened that
I think I'm in denial, but,
What I DO know is that
you and I have to see each other
during the summer and years
to come. (I plan to see quite a few of them)

And, through the crazy, confusing
often fun, great and unforgettable
7 years we've spent as friends (And more),
you've never failed to make me laugh and feel
good during times that weren't so great! -_^
See ya during the summer!
Friends Forever,

Rieja.

******

Then, I go to Juniors and order Rieja's favorite (Double Cheese Dog, Plain) And think about all the good times we had together as kids. I learned a lot from her. She taught me everything I know about drawing and graphic design. Each time I sit down to draw, I can always hear her saying: "Eliot! you draw like a coward! You shouldn't be afraid to let the lines fall on the page! What are you afraid of?" She was the only one who saw my drawings and never questioned why they were all monsters and demons.

She never liked endings. I used to lend her my video games and she would get to the end and stop. She just couldn't bring herself to finish it.

Me: "Rieja!!! What is wrong with you? You can't just keep all my games and never finish them! You're right at the end! Just do it! Here... I'll do it for you!"

Rieja: " NO! I don't want to see it!"
Me: "Why?"
Rieja: " I don't know... It seems so final... Once it ends, there is nothing after that. The story ends and the screen goes black! "

Many things Rieja said stuck with me, those last few words bother me to this day.

-Eliot