Pocket Memory

Memories can bring back what once was lost, hidden, and forgotten. In order to relive these important memories one must cherish them and preserve them. Age and grief took hold of Jayce with a vice grip, leaving him trapped in a safe haven where the memories he kept would not scatter to the four winds.

During the night his room would be locked. Minutes after that the lights would flicker and a slight rumbling noise can be heard from within only to dissipate in a matter of seconds.

Tick-Tock.

Tick-Tock.

After a few minutes the rumbling noise and flickering lights would return, and time after time Little Marko would rise from his bed and investigate what was causing so much noise at the middle of the night. His grandfather's response would always be the same.

“I was cleaning my room.”

It is a mystery that Little Marko tried to solve ever since he was young. Yet, each attempt failed one after another. By the time he grew up his curiosity too never waned. He promised himself that this mystery that boggled his mind would be solved in no time. Now that summer has arrived, no one can stop him from unravelling it. Marko considered summer as the worst season of all seasons. The clammy sweat would cling to his shirt and the winds have nothing to give but scorching heat. The destination on where his summer vacation will be is a different story. Marko’s parents dropped him off of the usual place where he would go during summer vacation.

“We’ll be back after one week okay Marko?” his father said, raising his voice to catch Marko’s attention.

“Take care sweety and remember to not let Grandpa Jayce out of the house!” his mom said with a smile.

“Yes mom!” Marko replied with a kiss goodbye.

Marko watched as the blue Honda Civic disappeared into the morning heat. He grinned mischievously as he thought of his plan. He had one week to find out grandpa's secret and one week was enough. Marko’s gaze turned to his grandfather and was greeted with a familiar smile.

“Cheer up kid! You’re gonna be with me for a couple of days so I bet we are gonna have fun just like old times. For now head upstairs and rest. I’ll be here to tend the garden,” he chuckled and ruffled Marko’s raven hair.

“But grandpa the sun is still up. Aren’t you worried that you might get sick right after?”

“The sun doesn’t bother me!” Jayce flexed his burly muscles, “I can take care of myself.”

Marko rubbed his chin and admired his grandfather’s confidence. In his eyes, his grandfather was a frail man. This didn’t dampen the admiration Marko held for that man. He loved his grandfather greatly so word on his part was bound to happen. man that he admired so being worried is bound to happen.

“If you say so,” Marko chuckled and gave his grandfather a high-five.

Jayce ruffled his grandson's hair, just as the young man was about to enter the house Jayce tapped him at the back of his shoulder, “Don’t forget to remove your shoes before going in.”

Marko nodded and did as he was told. Everything from within felt the same as it was a few years ago. The pictures of Grandma Theresa and Grandpa Jayce were pinned up to the wall right next to the stairs that lead up to the second floor. He placed his shoe on the shoe rack, hurried upwards and the first thing he did was check up on the door. To his amusement, the door was unlocked.

His quest might just end today but he could not do it right now, not in plain sight. He brought his backpack and placed it next to his grandfather's room.

Once inside, a handful of memories swelled up inside him The standard beds still had their navy blue sheets and the white pillows were already puffed up as if his grandfather knew that they would be coming during this day. Next to it was an old nightstand that had been refurbished to look new. Lastly, the table placed underneath the side window remained the same. Empty, except for a complete family picture that made him smile.

He plunged himself on the comfort of his own bed, sinking in the softness. “God, I miss this place,” he rested his hands behind his back and stared at the white ceilings above. He ruminated on the strange aura and energy that flowed from the room next to him. The past felt so distant yet so near. All he could do now is reminisce about the days when his grandfather visited their home along with grandma, but it happening now was quite impossible.

The sun had sunk deep and the moon peeked to rise among the glittering stars that hid behind the clouds that marched among the sea of bronze. A gentle knock on his bedroom door awakened him from a deep sleep. Marko stretched his arms and looked at his watch, his eyes went wide.

“Five hours! I’ve been asleep for five hours?!” he exclaimed, brushing his messy hair as he gave out a deep yawn.

“You must have been pretty tired huh?” Jayce smiled and tilted his eye glasses.

“Do you need help with anything?” Marko asked as he jumped out of bed.

Jayce shuffled into the room and looked up with his hand under his chin and said, “Well i tended the garden, cleaned the living room, and made dinner.” He raised his eyebrows and looked at his grandson in a joking manner. “I’m letting you off easy today so come down and we will have an early dinner. I made your favorite!”

Jayce raised his arm and gave a thumbs up with a wide smile then proceeded to ruffle Marko’s hair before exiting the room. “Of course, how could he forget.”

Marko sighed with a grim face and followed after his grandfather. Just from the stairs alone he smelled a delicious aroma that instantly made his stomach rumble. He watched his grandfather set up everything on the table. Garlic fried rice with eggs and chicken were set aside in one medium sized pot. Utensils and plates were neatly arranged before each seat, one for each of them.

The main course they waited for was contained in a bigger pot placed in the middle. Marko walked towards it and when the lid was lifted a burst of aroma hit him straight in the face. To his delight, he saw Tender beef enriched with thick tomato sauce, bell peppers, and potatoes. Just like how Grandma Theresa used to make.

“For the final touch,” he said with flourish. Holding up two things that made his cooking better, a pair of scissors and a handful of red peppers. He scattered them all around the pot and mixed them with a wooden spoon.

“Lets dig in!” Jayce said with pride, gesturing to his dish with a wide grin..

Both of them enjoyed a hearty meal that satisfied their hunger. Marko gobbled up his plate in no time while Jayce took his time on every bite, balancing a spoonful or rice and beef drenched in sauce. Mark loved the added spice but it still put his mouth to the test to the point that needed water. He gulped down a glass of the refreshing cold liquid as he glanced at his grandfather. He shook his head, a loving smile on his face, when he saw him unphased.

“How do you manage to make such meals?” Marko asked as he panted.

The wrinkles on his face stretched wide as he smirked, almost as if he were young again. “My lovely Theresa taught me everything that is to do in the kitchen.”

He tapped the side of his forehead. “I might be frail but I'm sharp as ever.” Then he reclined back from his seat with a satisfied look, taking another bite of beef and rice.

“I do miss her cooking too,” Marko said in a low tone, his fork grazing over the left-over beef on his plate. “Hey grandpa!” he raised his voice, trying to catch his grandpa's attention.

“Yes?” he raised his head with pouted cheeks.

Marko paused, taking his time to think carefully on his choice of words, “Do you remember anything from back then?”

“Hmm,” Jayce rubbed his grey stubble.“Can you make it a bit more specific?”

“Ever since grandma Theresa died you,” Marko stuttured. “You just like forgot everything.”

“What do you mean? I remember everything.”

“Yes but only when you are in this house. When you’re outside or when we bring you over to our house it seems like you’re a different person, like a blank slate.”

“A blank slate. I don’t understand what you are talking about,” Jayce answered, taking another bite of his meal.

“Grandpa! I’m taking this seriously. I just want to help you-”

"Hush now Marko. This isn't the time for such talks. I worked hard on this meal and all I ask is to be able to enjoy it with you. Just know that I'm ok," Jacye interrupted, his voice raised and hands tense on his fork and spoon.

Silence fell on them, neither of them wanted to talk to one another. The argument prevented Marko from seeking out the answers that he needed. He knew better than to press on, his grandfather would grow suspicious. Instead, Marko would go another route.

“I’m gonna go to the bathroom,” Marko said, making his way to the stairs.“I just wanted to help.”

Walking up the stairs, Marko took a little detour and entered his grandfather's room. He made sure to close it without a sound. The room was quite big and rather different from his. The wallpaper was beige with Lilac floral patterns, the fluffy carpet tickled his feet, and the king sized bed was big enough to fit two people on it. Next to the king sized bed was a huge cabinet, the biggest furniture in the room. In a rush, he searched the drawers, study table, and bookshelf but found nothing.

He shuffled towards the cabinet and opened it. The suits were all color coded from brown to black, his fingers trailed on to one cloth. Then another.

Then another.

Then another.

No dirt or dust, all of them seemed to be used on a daily basis. But why?

Marko scratched the back of his head, “Why would he be wearing these? It's not like he can go outside and use them." He took a few steps backwards, hands touching the edge of the bed. The texture his fingers grasped were less smoother.

Marko stood up with the black suit in his hands. His fingers glided over the fabric as he admired the outfit. It was both sleek and smooth. He could imagine his grandfather attending special events dressed in the fine clothing. Black as onyx with a tinge of grey lines that zigged and zagged in a vertical pattern. One of the finishing details that caught Marko’s attention was the grey handkerchief folded into a rose within its front pocket.

The anticipation that led him to this moment felt anti-climactic. The mystery Marko sought for were just normal things. Maybe the reason why grandpa laughs so much during the night was because of these beautiful and sleek looking suits. These are grandpa's treasure, these are what kept him sane.

“God, I feel stupid. I shouldn’t have argued with him over nothing,” He whispered to himself, his grip tensing around the suit. It was over, there was no mystery to be solved.

“Marko! Why are you taking so long?” a loud husky voice pierced through the second floor.

“Just a second!” Marko replied, his voice was deeper and heavier. He then spun the suit around and admired it once more. Despite still being in his teenage years the suit seemed like a perfect fit for him. He wondered that when the time came for his birthday, would his grandfather give him this or any of the other suits he found in the cabinet.

“Well there’s still a few months left before my birthday sooo,” he reasoned, pulling on one sleeve at a time and buttoning up the blazer. When his fingers fastened the last button his vision darkened until he couldn't see. Marko blinked blindly, panic slowly seeping into him.

He tried to move his arms and legs but he found himself frozen. Speech could not escape his throat. He could not cry for help. A silent panic seized him. It embraced him, dragging him further down below an infinite dark abyss. When the bottom of his feet clacked against something concrete, Marko’s sensation flourished back inside him. Sweat trickled from his head down to his neck, his legs trembled and a strong pulse rang inside his head. The sudden burst of energy soon subsided and it forced his body to stumble backwards against what seemed like a door. The strange silence coaxed Marko to open his eyes, his vision still blurred and hazy. He stood up, brushed his suit and pants.

“Ow, what in the world just happened.” His voice echoed back at him causing him to tap both of his ears. “Ugh i don't feel so good.” He wobbled forwards and stretched his arms out into the open space. When the tip of his fingers touched something metallic he tapped it twice.

“The faucet? Did I pass out and grandpa just brought me to the kitchen?” he flipped the sink handle and splashed a decent amount of water onto his face. He squinted and rubbed his eyes, and the first person that greeted him in what looks like a window. He waved and smiled but when his vision got better Marko was frozen in place. He was not looking at a window but rather a mirror and what he saw left him in utter shock.

He stared at his reflection in disbelief. A face so familiar, a pair of blue eyes and a sharp chin that he saw many times in old photos. He blinked once, twice, thrice. His mouth was ajar as he leaned towards the mirror hoping that the man he saw right in front of him would move opposite of him and yet it did not. He patted his cheeks and pinched his nose, they were way smoother and sharper compared to his that had a few bumps on the cheeks.

“No, no it can’t be.” He ran his fingers through his hair and turned his face every which way as he inspected his image. His hands dropped to his chest as he patted and tugged his clothes.

“I’m dreaming.. This has to be a dream.” Marko’s voice reverberated in a low and huskier tone. He grasped the ends of his hair and shifted his gaze from left to right and tried to make out of where he was.

Gone were the four walls covered in beige and lilac flowers. What replaced them was an unfamiliar place that he had never seen in his entire life.Marko spun around and saw three empty cubicle doors. They had no piss pools from underneath and the tiles were spotless and shiny.

“This isn’t home,” Marko said in shock, his eyes wide. He shook his head and looked for the exit. Marko said in shock, his eyes wide. He shook his head and looked for the exit. He bolted outside of the bathroom.

“Jayce!” a young woman called out to him. That tone, it was rather a familiar voice. Marko halted and spun around.The young woman who yelled his grandfather's name was dressed in lilac with floral patterns, her eyes glowed bright blue and her cobalt-black hair flowed like smooth cloth down to her shoulders.

“Grandma?”

Theresa gasped, “That’s rude! I’m no way close to becoming that old.”

Marko could feel tears swelling up from his eyes as if he had seen a ghost. The old black and white pictures of her that he saw pinned to the walls bloomed in full color as if he travelled back in time.

“Baby whats wrong?” Theresa pouted and tilted her head to the side.

“Grandma!” he ran to her and hugged her as tight as he could. He did not care if all of this was not real. He did not care if this was a dream or something else. What mattered to him most is that he was able to see his grandmother once more.

“I missed you so much,” his lips quivered as tears fell from his cheeks.

“I’ve only been gone for a few minutes. I didn't expect you to miss me that badly,” she said as she ruffled his hair.

Marko realized the dozens of faces that stared at them, they were all confused to see why a grown man cried on the shoulder of a beautiful maiden. When one of the waiters dressed in black and white was about to approach them he sniffled, gestured to the waiter that he was okay, and looked at Theresa with watery eyes. “I’m sorry, people are looking at us and-”

“Who cares!” she smiled and patted Marko on the back. “I bet they are just jealous, now come one we gotta go dance!”

Marko wiped his tears away and without a second thought Theresa grabbed Marko’s hand and led him to the middle of the grandeur hall. Her hands were smooth and delicate, not wrinkly or shaky like the last time he remembered. Tonight she radiated a sense of wonder that pushed Marko to follow her lead.

Their slow-pace gave Marko time to observe his surroundings. The chandeliers from above swirled and twisted around each other, their ends were like branches that glowed dim orange. A couple of winding stairs came into view. The bannisters were golden, thick and metallic. The carpet, red and velvet. It stretched from the bottom up to the top and looked as if it was made for royalty.

“Wow, this place is gorgeous,” Marko said in astonishment, his mouth hanging open as he glanced everywhere.

“Gorgeous? I thought you never liked these kinds of places because they are,” she said, raising her free arm in an attempt to copy Jayce’s voice and way of talking. “Too expensive and classy.”

Marko pursed his lips and covered his mouth, trying his hardest not to laugh. This was an iconic line, one everyone knew his grandpa would say every time they recommend a fancy restaurant for a family dinner.

“You laughed! That means I'm right,” she scoffed and quickened her pace. Marko followed and glanced at the people around him. Each of them wore elegant suits and vibrant gowns. They moved gentle, well-mannered like the nobles he read in fiction. Theresa stopped in her steps, looking to him as she pointed to the two huge mahogany doors with her lips. Marko’s hearts raced in his chest as he realized that she was telling him to open the door.

“Right!” He heaved open the doors. The atmosphere was clearly different from the grandiose hall. It felt more serene and peaceful. No one stared at them and instead they locked eyes with their partner.

“Wooah.” Marko was struck by awe. The people inside were holding onto one another, swaying gracefully. The speakers that hung from each corner of the room played a familiar one. A song that his grandfather hummed when cooking or tending the garden.

“Beautiful isn’t it?”

“Y- yes.” Marko felt overwhelmed and when his grandmother clasped her hand around his rough yet well tended hands his heart began to sink deep. All of this felt too real. The music felt real. The people, the place, the atmosphere, all of them felt real.The touch of his grandmother, her smile, and her presence were all real. He believed, he tried to believe that he wasn’t dead. This isn’t heaven or hell but something else entirely.

“Grandma, would you take this dance with me?” Marko bowed.

“Grand- Grandma! I told you I’m not that old!” she pouted with red cheeks and kneeled. Thwick she flicked Marko’s forehead.

He yelped in pain. He felt her move towards him and she hugged him tightly. Unlike the many other partners who held each other's hands, they swayed back and forth in their embrace. Marko placed his chin on her shoulders, a serene moment that he would like to last for a lifetime.

“If only Grandpa Jayce was here,” he muttered.

“If you’re calling yourself a grandpa then I wouldn’t mind you calling me a grandma,” she joked, causing them both to laugh.

That night seemed like it would last forever as if time had stopped. Marko enjoyed the tender touch and warmth of his grandma. He never got the chance to see her this young until now. As minutes passed by he began to wrap his head around how all of this was possible. It’s the suit, it has to be. Real as this world may be, it's best not to feel attached to it. It's unfamiliar, different, and strange. Marko let his hands fall to his side and gave his grandmother one last look, remembering every facial detail that he could.

“What's wrong, you seem awfully silent today?” She questioned.

“I just wanted to say that Gran, no, that I love you. That you and I are gonna be the best grandparent in the world. You are such an amazing person.”

Markos words reached through her heart and blocked out the music that played in the background. She bit her lip and her cheeks flushed red. “Jayce! Why are you being so sweet today?”

“Goodbye grandma,” Marko smiled, turning his back to her as he unbuttoned the blazer and pulled out his arms from each sleeve

The dark and tight grip he experienced not so long ago came back and he did not try to resist. He relaxed his body to float within the infinite abyss. This time his feet didn't meet with concrete. Instead his back came in contact with his grandfather's soft bed. The young man, now back in his usual body jolted upwards with the suit next to his lap.

“Beige, I’m home huh. Grandpa. Grandpa!”

“Yes?” a husky voice replied to him from behind.

“I saw grandma and, and,” he stammered on his speech while waving his grandfather's suit. “And this suit, I didn’t mean to sneak in. Ijust wanted to know why.”

“Take it easy and let go of the suit okay? Be careful with it.” Jayce sat next to his grandson to comfort him.

“Do you really want to know?” Marko nodded in response.

“That suit and the others you saw in that cabinet contain precious memories.”

His grandson creased his brow in confusion, “What do you mean? Are you saying that you know.. You know-”

“Magic” Jayce waved his hands, trying to lighten the mood.

“But how?” Marko was at a loss for words and the only thing he could do was press more questions.

“Everything changed when your grandmother died. I can’t do what I used to back then and I wanted to bring her back. I used what little energy I had to manifest my precious memories into objects. In it you can interact and change the story at your own will but. I needed to sacrifice a bit of my memory.”

“Is that the reason why you can't remember anything once you go outside?”

“Precisely. It's the price I needed to pay in order to see her again. I want to cherish the moments I had with her when she was still alive.”

Marko understood his grandfather's wishes and gave him a pat at the back, “Grandma was beautiful and sarcastic.”

Jayce straightened his back and chuckled for a bit, “Really now? What did you say?”

“I called her grandma.” Marko creased his brow and crossed his arms.

Jayce bursted out laughing as he slapped his knee, “Oh my god, she doesn’t like getting called old. The last time I called her old she sucker punched me in the gut.” He ruffled his grandson's hair and hoped his humor would lighten the mood “I know it's hard, that I can't go outside but these,” he pointed to the suit and to the cabinet. “These memories are all I need. They can take me to wherever I want to go.” the somber tone in his voice lightened up.

Marko looked at Jayce, “Grandpa, is it fine for me to wear one of those in the cabinet?”

Jayce let out a long sigh, “I suppose, only if you don’t tell your parents.You need to let me know where you want to go and you can only visit ONE memory for each summer vacation.”

“Why just one?” Marko asked.

“I don't want you to grow attached to them. I still have a long life ahead of me and if you go through all of these in just one week then where's the fun in that.”

“Hmm," Marko pinched his chin and gave his grandpa an analytical stare,from the looks of it he was not joking.

"Deal!” his grandfather agreed, accepting Marko’s hand in a shake.