It was a cool and windy day for Samuel, a man of his mid-40s. He had less grey hairs than the average man of his age, but they weren't as dark brown as they used to be when he was a child. He had mahogany brown eyes that were covered by red-framed spectacles since Fourth Grade and skin that was flawless and naturally tanned to a rich brown. The eldest of three children, he was the most responsible. Until then, he was single, not because he didn't want to look for love but because he hadn't met his soulmate. But he did live a good life, considering the nice apartment he stayed in and his monthly salary.

   That afternoon, Samuel went out for a walk at the park where he used to play during his childhood. After ten minutes he sat on the old wooden bench and threw breadcrumbs to the hungry birds. Out of the blue, a paper airplane whizzed through the air and landed on Samuel's lap, scaring the fowls who saw the delicate handcraft. A young boy who looked like he was seven ran up to the man, quickly apologizing. Samuel, however, barely paid any attention, for there was something too familiar about the paper plane.

  And the memories flooded his mind.

   "Hey, Sammy!" called out a Sixth Grade boy. He had jet black hair that was neat, fair skin and honey brown eyes that were hiding behind blue-framed reading glasses.
   "Hi Jeremy!" Samuel greeted back.
   "So Sammy, do you have your paper airplane?"
   "Yes, and I can't wait to fly it with my best friend for six years."
   "But I doubt you'll win again. I've been working on this paper airplane, and I've tried it and it flew fast! Probably even faster than yours."
   "Well then let's see, Jeremy."

   The two hurried to the basketball court, which was strangely empty. The wind blew very softly, the sun shone brightly and the noise was barely heard. Samuel gestured to his best friend.

   "You first." Samuel told him.

   Jeremy took a step forward, holding his plane with the ends of his nimble fingers. With the flick of his wrist, he threw it up and the plane soared high quickly. When the plane reached its peak, however, its nose dipped down and the plane crash landed a few feet away from the half line that divided the basketball court. Samuel was next to throw his paper airplane.
   Unlike the rest of the paper planes Samuel made by himself, that particular plane was his absolute favorite. Not only was it festooned in his favorite colors, but it also had his signature penned in dark blue ink. The plane never disappointed him since its maiden flight, and since then it was a regular flyer.

   Samuel took a deep breath and hurled it slightly upwards. The paper plane gradually rose and flew gracefully. It hovered over Jeremy's plane and gently landed right on the half line. Samuel won! Jeremy congratulated his best friend for once again winning the paper plane contest. Samuel thanked him and also congratulated him for a good try. That was Samuel's favorite pastime; having fun with his friends. It had to end, sadly.

   Samuel's parents were hard-working citizens whom stayed up late so that they could earn enough for their family. Two months before Samuel's Christmas holiday, his father was offered a quick promotion. He would earn twice as much money and he would work in a desirable work environment; but his family would have to move to Singapore. His parents made the decision and Samuel was set to migrate on February 27 with his relatives.

   It was the day when the family of five had to move. The house was sold to a well-off family of four. Their close friends were there to wish them goodbye and good luck. Jeremy was there too. Samuel received a gift from his friend, which was a photo album of all the moments he had with his schoolmates. The last page was a collection of names, signatures and good-luck wishes. In turn, Samuel gave Jeremy his favorite paper airplane. His best friend vowed to conserve it, promising that he would never let it fall into the wrong hands. Samuel and his family climbed into the taxi and headed to the airport as they bade the family goodbye. Jeremy waved goodbye as the taxi faded out of his sight.

   When he was done reminiscing, Samuel closely examined the paper plane. He could tell that it was colored using felt-tip markers; the same tools he used for coloring. The folds and creases were also the same! What caught his eyes the most was his signature; penned in dark blue ink. It was Samuel's plane! But wait, how could it end up in the hands of a young child?

   "Aaron!" called out a familiar voice. The little boy turned around and ran into his father, who looked oddly familiar. The man and his son apologized to Samuel. Just when they were about to leave, Samuel stopped them.
   "Wait!" Samuel told them. The father and son froze in their spots and rotated to face him.
   "I just want to ask you something. Is that you, Jeremy?" Samuel asked.
   "Yes," the man nodded, "I am. Wait, is that you, Sam?"
   "Yes, yes!" Samuel replied elatedly.

   The two friends gave each other a warm hug, reunited after more than thirty years. The two conversed and Jeremy introduced his son, Aaron, to Samuel. The three went to the heart of the park, where the fountain was located. After Jeremy gave back Samuel's plane, Samuel threw it lightly; the first time he flew the plane in more than thirty years.

   And the plane flew gracefully.

THE END