Forty Years Later: A Class Reunion, Heavy Snow, and Solitude
Yesterday, amidst heavy snow, I attended my junior high school reunion, forty years after graduation.
The venue, located on the second floor, posed a challenge for me as I struggle with stairs. I decided to join from the second part of the reunion. However, anticipating that some classmates might only attend the first part, I headed to the meeting point early
As expected, one of our former teachers was only attending the first part, so I was truly glad I could chat with him, even briefly. Going early was definitely the right choice.
However, I was probably the only one who showed up in casual wear (a tracksuit), which made me stand out from the start. But wearing a suit feels too restrictive, and I end up wanting to lie down after just an hour, so it couldn't be helped. Also, being the only one walking with a cane made me quite conspicuous. Though I'm used to it, I couldn't help but feel different from everyone else.
This time, I stayed until the very end, from 2 PM to 3 AM, and just sitting there took a toll on my body. Still, it was nice to soak in the atmosphere, even if I didn't join in the conversations much.
Whenever I attend reunions or gatherings with classmates, I always feel a sense of unease, even though we're all the same age. It's as if I'm in a different world, unable to share the same vibe.
This time, I tried to change that by making an effort to talk to classmates I hadn't spoken to before. But regardless of gender, I still couldn't quite fit in.
Maybe I just prefer being alone. But I enjoy connecting with people and making friends. Yet, I can't seem to connect with my classmates.。
Perhaps there's something from the past that's causing this. Maybe it's a sense of guilt.
It feels like I'm carrying a sad burden, making my body even more rigid. Is this my fate?
But even amidst the lively atmosphere, everyone seems to have their own worries and struggles. It's not just me.
With these thoughts, I wonder if I'll be able to attend the next one.