CASE#817: THE UNEXPECTED JOURNEY OF A BROKEN HEART

[“Saan po?”]

I’ve got my bags packed and ready to go. It has been a busy week in the office and I am eager to travel back to my hometown to see my parents and have a bit of chill time in the countryside. I enjoy traveling to my hometown, seeing the rice fields along the way and memorizing each town names that passes by. Before going to the bus station, I dropped by a nearby fast food restaurant to grab something to eat for my trip. I boarded the bus right after and looked for a seat that is by the window and after paying for the bus fare, I dozed off.

[Bus stop]

It felt that I was asleep for almost forever. Maybe because I was so dead tired and traveled immediately after I punched out of work. I opened my eyes when the bus stopped to see how far we’ve already traveled and looked like we’re on a bus stop, which is roughly an hour or more away from where I’ve boarded. My eyes were still droopy so I went on to continue sleeping. After a while, I opened my eyes again, blinked three times and looked out the window. We are on the road again. I turned my gaze on the other side and there I saw you.

[“’Charon, ‘charon….”]

Your lips as pink and soft as cotton candy, your long, chestnut colored hair bouncing gracefully following the movement of the bus, but your eyes; though they are sparkling, looked sad while looking blankly on the seat before you. The fried pork rind vendor didn’t seem to bother you as it passes by, shouting along the aisles. A little while later, I saw tears trickling down your cheeks and you just let them flow. You did not even bother wiping them away and just continued staring blankly forward. I took out the tissue that came from the fast food and offered it to you but you did not move.

[“I’m Andro”]

So while my heart is pounding, I took the opportunity to wipe your cheek. You shifted your gaze to my direction while your tears continue to fall. You took the tissue from my hand, wiped your tears and tried to let out a smile. You looked down right after but I could still feel your sadness from where I sit. I introduced myself hoping you’d respond. There was silence for a minute. Then you tucked your hair behind your ear and looked my way.

[“I’m Kendra”]

Your voice was still shaking while thanking me for offering the tissue and then you said your name with a more relaxed smile. You were apologizing for your outburst of tears and started to laugh. I was relieved and amused to see you out of loneliness. I never asked for the reason why you were crying as I see it inappropriate for the time. We continued on our journey getting to know more about each other and laughing at corny jokes that I let out once in a while. It was nice to see you happy and knowing that I was the reason of your smile.

[“Para po…”]

I never thought that on this journey of my life, I will get to be the reason for someone’s smile. I can be the unexpected comfort in an uncertain road called life. You bid your goodbye as you will be taking of on the next corner. I took out my phone to get your number and you obliged. You don’t have to ask me to keep in touch as I already had it mind. I will be the one to keep you smiling from now on. This might be the time where we part ways but this is just the beginning of the journey called ‘us’.

THE NIGHT WAS DESTINED TO END

[ Midnight ]

The night sky and the flickering lights of the cityscape below reminded me of the day that we first met. I saw you standing at the edge of the view deck, the wind caressing your long shiny hair and the moon poured its light upon you. You were the most enchanting being I saw that night and at that moment I fell for your charm.

"Krista"

I slowly inched myself to where you stand as you stare blankly unto the night sky. I was hoping my approach would be unnoticed but as I am a foot or two away from you, you turned my way, smiled, and stared back at the glittering lights below. I was frozen in place. You uttered a word which I did not quite catch. Maybe because my heart pounded so hard, all I can hear is its beating. I turned to you with a puzzled look on my face. You said the word again without looking at me. It was then I realized you were telling me your name.

"I'm Ram!"

The cold breeze of the night didn't seem to matter as hearing your name brought me warmth in my heart. You started pointing at the sparkling buildings below and would say their names as you go. I can see that you've been to those places as they bring a smile on your face as you point at their direction. As you shift to the direction of the airport, your face suddenly became blank. You stared in that direction for quite a while then hurriedly took off. I shouted out my name so that you would know but I am not sure if you heard it.

[ The locket ]

I went off after you so that I could perhaps get your contact information but the elevator door already closed up on me. As I turned towards the stairs, something at the elevator door caught my attention. I picked it up and ran as fast as I could down the stairs, hoping to still catch you but I was too late. I was devastated for the chance I lost.

[ The quest begins ]

I turned my attention to the shiny jewelry that I picked up outside the elevator door. It was some kind of a pendant or locket of some sort. As I open the piece of metal, I saw a picture of you. This locket belongs to you and right then and there I knew that destiny is was in motion. I hurriedly jump into my car and went off to the places you pointed out earlier.

[ Never give up ]

I asked each and every receptionist and security personnel that was present in those places you've been to. I even showed them your picture from inside your locket. Some did not recognize you but most of them know your face or name but never really had your contact details. I was losing hope already and knowing that you'll be flying away to some place far I don't know dampened my confidence of meeting you again.

[ Closed ]

There was one more place I haven't visited. It's worth a try and I hope to find what I'm looking for. It was a short but agonizing drive to an art gallery building. I pulled over in front of the building but was too weak to get off from the car. The building was dead as the night. No lights shine from inside of the building and no attendants or guards were around. I guess this was the end. I will never see you again.

[ Destined ]

I turned the key and revved up the motor. I was about to drive away when I saw a well-dressed woman maybe in her late thirties at the building door. She opened the door and went in. I know that this was my chance. It's now or never! I got out of my car and knocked at the glass door. The lady was puzzled and a bit startled. Who wouldn't be? It was the dead of night when I came disturbing the silent place. She went near the door, still cautious. I opened the locket and placed it at the glass door so that she could see your picture. I saw the awe and relief on her face. Noticing that I've been meaning to talk to her, the lady opened the door. I courteously introduced myself and asked if she knew you.

[ The Search Is Over ]

She smiled, held the locket in her hands and asked me where I found the jewel. I told her what happened earlier and what I went through just to find the girl in the picture. She held my hand and told me that you already boarded your flight to Switzerland. I was saddened with the news I heard. I was about to leave but the lady told me that she could get me in touch with you. My heart was filled with so much joy. I found out that she was your aunt and she gave me your contact details. I also learned that the locket was an heirloom that was passed down to your family members from generation to generation. She was was really thankful when I returned the jewel.

[ Daybreak ]

The night sky slowly fades and sun slowly peeps from the horizon. I wear a big smile as I drive home knowing that I'll have the chance to talk to you again. I welcomed the day with high hopes. As the night was destined to end, our destiny will just start to unfold.

CASE#47: HELPLESS, A GUILTY CRY

[ Signal No. 1 ]

A storm has just formed out in the Pacific Ocean and is now making its presence felt in the islands. I watched the dark clouds release tiny drops of water as I sit near the window. The heaven’s must have felt what I feel right now and is kind enough to join me in tears. 

[ Time travel to the past ]

CASE#13: SUCCESS VS AN UNDERSTANDING MIND

Here we are under these sheets. Our bodies so close and our lips touching every now and then. The bed is large enough for four but we chose to stay cramped at the middle. Happiness is in our eyes. But that…

CASE #25: ATTACHMENT VS THE ART OF LETTING GO

[Tears fall] 

Airplanes zoom across the sky. Everybody’s busy checking flights, buying tickets and saying goodbye’s to their loved ones. Here we are, standing still amidst the restless crowd. Although I try to suppress my tears

CASE#12: PRIDE VS ACCEPTING FAULT

[phone rings…]

Ana’s awake. I knew because she sent me a text message an hour ago.

[phone rings…]

I’ve been trying to reach her for an hour. I’ve called her number several times but she never answered.

“y were u calling?”

CASE #4: LOVE VS. ADULTERY AND A BROKEN HOME

“Mahal kita.”

"I love you."

It’s raining hard and I’m outside without an umbrella. Everybody’s busy looking for a place to hide from the rain. The rain and the crowd made a lot of noise but there was silence in my head as soon as I heard the words come