Eyes Wide Open

December. A month that should be full of memories with our family or with special people who stays in the corner of our heart. But that didn't happen on him at all. Working as a dancer since a young age, making him a person who is trained to live alone and move from one city to another. Coming home once a month is already a miracle for him. Because all this time Jace's life has been centered in the practice room and the stage. 

Of course he felt homesick sometimes. Want to continue to taste how delicious home-made food and the thrill of playing chess with dad. But he also needs money to continue his life─ and being a backup dancer is the answer. 

This week Jace's bones had been crushed. Routine practice has been carried out since a month ago, even every day he often gets only three hours of sleep.

This time the project was more difficult because more than ten backup dancers were needed to support the main star. And that means it takes some time to equalize each other's movements. It is not even surprising if there any conflicts or loss of patience that occur because both of their bodies are tired but unable to rest. 

“One.. two.. three.. right and bend your knees.” Instructed the trainer from the corner of the practice room while watching all of the backup dancers.

“No, Jim you have to bend more than that. And Luke watch your gaze, control it so that doesn’t look too much.”

Sweat started pouring down from his forehead until Jace's body felt wet and hot from the energy he had spent for too long. If this practice was continued even just for half an hour, he swear─  he might pass out. Hunger began to call him, his stomach screaming like he wanted to be fed right away.

"Great. Let's end today's practice. You should rest after this, tomorrow night you will leave this town for Shizuoka." Finally! Those were the words Jace had been dreaming of since twenty minutes ago. Done. After this he should eat and sleep as much as possible. 

Luckily he already packed his belongings yesterday, so no need to worry about a lot of things tonight. On the way to his dorm, he wonder about something. Three days tour, what else would he do other than try his best in Shizuoka? If there was the slightest possibility, he really wanted to spend some peace and quiet ‘me time’.

••

The loud screams from all around could still be heard even though the music had stopped ten minutes ago. The backup dancers had already left the stage, leaving the main star who was still busy chatting with the audience. The tour in Shizuoka was quite successful, tickets were sold out and all the songs were performed without any accidents. 

Surprisingly, there is a free day for staff and backup dancers so that it can be used properly for healing and hunting for souvenirs or such.

"Hey, Jace what are you doing tomorrow? Want to find gifts with us?" asked Jerry, one of Jace's close friends during the tour.

"Oh, sorry but tomorrow I want to be alone for a while. You know, I need a quiet place to get some fresh air." Jace answered with a bright face that showed he was in a good mood.

Jerry gave a wide grin and a pat on the back in response to what Jace had said earlier, “No need to sorry, I know you’ve been worked hard. Take your time buddy!” 

With that, Jace whistled and imagined in his mind about tomorrow.

••

The breeze blows while bringing along the brownish red leaves. With a gray jacket wrapped around his body complete with boots─ Jace walked without haste, enjoying the fall colors of Shizuoka. 

Several birds were seen perching from one branch to another without a burden. The children cheerfully laughed with their parents while carrying candy in their right hand. Jace loved seeing this sight. His mind felt free as if he had not even thought about work.

"Dear myself, ten years ago. You have worked hard and this is the gold of your efforts. Sorry that I often make you lack of sleep. Sorry that sometimes I forgot to think about myself. But really, I'm very proud of you. You have stepped up until this far." Jace muttered to himself on a bridge around the park not far from where he was staying.

Memories of his childhood began to dance in his mind. Starting from his dream of wanting to become a pilot, then changed to become a dancer when he was still 10 years old─ he didn't even have time to think that his dream could come true. 

Well, reality sometimes gave him so much pressure that he could barely stand up. The feeling of wanting to give up did not just land once or twice in his mind. Thank you to his parents who are always loyal to give him all physical and mental support when he feels useless.

Flowing of tears often greet his night before going to sleep. 3 AM thoughts will always be his friend after having a hard time during practice.

Previously, he had always been afraid of being happy. Because after that he will definitely feel a powerful sadness.

Then one of his friends said with a smile on her lips, "Isn't that a fun part of life? Guessing what will make us happy tomorrow without feeling afraid of sadness. Because in fact, sadness and happiness must be complete each other." 

She also added, “If your head feels full, just take a few hours to look around. Sometimes just by looking at people passing by or just looking at fallen leaves, you can realize how beautiful life is. How happy you are because you are still breathing.”

Jace feels very fortunate to have such a great, positive friend. The friend who gave him a hard punch by sending warm words. So, should he feel life is so evil when in fact he can find everything in life? His eyes became very open with all kinds of problems that had been passed and those that were waiting for him in the front of line.