A Prelude

This is a story of how two unlikely friends came to be and forever changed each others' lives.

Façade never showed his emotions. He was insensitive and impervious to the actions or words that people throw to him. How he treated his friends and the people around him was often with what he thought people should be treated. He was very self-centered.

Sentient expressed his emotions vividly, almost too vividly. The actions and words of others would affect him deeply. He truly loved his friends and the people around him and cared for them ceaselessly. He was very selfless.

The World would say that friendships like these never came to be. However, Façade and Sentient didn't bother about what The World had to say.

They took the chance.

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Chapter One: A Meeting

The sun was dusking as Sentient sat under the Autumn Maple tree at the top of the hill that overlooked all other hills, gazing out into the wilderness. As he sat there, in the silence, he heard the rustle of the Maple Tree. He didn't think much of it until he heard a loud thud beside him. The masked figure stood up. He was about Sentient's height, slightly shorter. He wore a smile and introduce himself.

"Hi, I'm Façade."

"Hi, I'm Sentient. What were you doing up on that tree?"

"Just looking out into the wilderness. It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is."

"The view's better from up there."

And so, they climbed up the tree. By the time they reached the top, the stars had appeared and the sun was fast asleep. The view, indeed, was great. They spent the night talking and getting to know each other. They fell asleep on the branches.

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Chapter Two: The True Side of Façade

Since that fateful meeting, they had been friends. As the years went by, Sentient grew weary of the friendship. One day, Sentient felt really upset. Façade went on doing everything that was 'important'. Sentient could not take it anymore.

With much frustration and anger, he said: "Thanks for being a really 'good' friend!"

Façade retorted and kept insisting that he was always there. "So what's the problem?"

"Being there isn't about just you standing or sitting beside me. It's about giving me your attention. It's about listening to me intently!"

"I am."

"You say you are but there you are kicking up leaves."

"But I am listening while I do these things."

They argued. Sentient was so angry and frustrated. He walked away from the maple tree that they were quarreling at.

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Chapter Three: The Reconciliation

They didn't see each other for about three days. Façade finally came to see what a friend he was and he felt sorry. He went to find Sentient under the maple tree. He apologised.

A piece of Façade's mask chipped off.

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Chapter Four: Wearing a Mask

Sentient was always upset by the things Façade says because it seemed hurtful. Façade would say things that are what he truly means and it was in all good intention. Yes, it may seem fake when he says it being who he is but he meant it with all good intention.

Over the years, Sentient grew to learn how to wear a mask. Sometimes when you're upset by something menial, it's best to pretend that nothing's bothering you. You'll forget what bothered you.

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Chapter Five: As Years Went By

As the years went on by, Sentient's selfless acts helped Façade learn about life. Each time, pieces of Façade's mask came off. Over the years, the once normal maple tree became a tree of significance in their lives. It was a point of growth, a point of reconciliation, a point of hope.

One day, as they sat under the maple tree, Sentient told Façade his innermost secret - that each time Façade learnt something about life, a part of Sentient's heart was lost. He was dying. Sentient removed the mask over his heart that he had put up a long time ago to reveal a small part of what's left of his heart. He took it out, placed it in Façade's hand and asked that he keep it safe.

With is last breaths, he saw that Façade's mask was gone and what was behind his mask was a heart of gold.

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A True Friendship, A True Love is when one gives till it hurts, till there's nothing more once can give. It is about fogiving someone for not being a good friend or a lover, knowing that he will learn from this and try to be one.

Labels: Stories