[“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’.
No comments:
Post a Comment