(UNTITLED)

Entry No. 6

X

I would never forget that afternoon. We had the grandest time. We went to every store that perked our curiosity. Acting as if genuinely interested, we’d ask the salesclerk a litany of questions then get out with brochures at hand. We ate ice cream, read a few good comic books at the bookstore, and had a long walk.

We also went to the same park we were before. We held hands like it was the natural thing to do. We talked, we played, and we watched couples become extra sweet, much to our amusement.

After eating a quick dinner, we knew we were both exhausted. Coming back late at the boarding house, she excused herself and said she was ready to sleep.

I knew it was a crazy idea but that was the time when I woke up in the middle of the night. I went to her room and found her sleeping like a child. I silently approached her. I sate beside her bed, looking straight at her pretty face. I didn’t care whether she’d go angry or not. What I knew was that I had to let this feeling out.

I thanked her for the kindness she had shown me. In audible whispers, I told her that I wish I were born on a different circumstance so she’d find in her heart to more than just like me. I was so sorry. Damn sorry for not being able to help her.

But what pained me more was the idea that I must let her go. Like a child letting go of his first blanket, I was afraid. Why does love have to come in painful packages? I knew she’d never be mine. With school finally over, I may never see her again. With that thought, tears welled up on my eyes. Before she could hear me sob, I ran back to my room.


XI

Before the sun had risen, I already had my things packed. As I was about to leave the apartment, I could hear Mina crying inside her room. I decided to see what’s going on.

“Mina, I thought about what you said about my family and stuff. I’ve decided to go home.”

She tried to wipe the tears away from her face. I came near her and we embraced like old friends do.

“Hey, everything’s gonna be alright,” I said.

She was sobbing so hard that my shoulder felt wet. After a few minutes, she managed to smile.

“So, you’re leaving. That’s good. Your parents may already be worried sick.”

“Are you sure you can manage?”

“Of course I can, kid,” she was trying to laugh.

“Well, thanks for everything.”

As I stood up, she dried her tears away and led me to the door. She gave me one last hug and kissed my forehead.

“Be good kid. I’ll miss you.”

With that, I turned to leave.