My Ever After

i'll see you soon

Batanes, called the Home of the Winds, is a province that is located at the northernmost part of the country. It is popularly known to be included in the list of the UNESCO for the World Heritage List and is famous for its breathtaking views and kind locals.

First, let's get you some smell of saltwater. Lee takes Tay to the Valugan Boulder Beach. As the name suggests, it's known for its shoreline filled with boulders and stones.

Ei Tay, have you visited this beach since you got here?

No, I basically roam around town and the lighthouse of course, Tay shrugs.

Hmm, if you intend to make your vacation longer, I suggest you come here often.

Tay projects a puzzled look.

You know, the sea breeze will be good for you. The salty air will help you clean your lungs and ease your breathing. Then it will be good for your heart. You sure will have a healthier heartbeat, Lee explains with a smile.

Trying to be funny huh? Tay glares at him. I don't like it here. What's a beach when swimming isn't even allowed.

But you've always loved this place, Lee reminds him.

Yeah, but not today. It's just that, there's too many stones.

That's what makes this beach uniquely different.

I know, I just can't stand too many stones right now.

Huh?

There's just.... too many... Hins, Tay whispers with a deep breath.

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Let's go get some fun snacks, Lee suggests and drives themselves to the Honesty Coffee Shop. It's a small store that sells simple snacks (biscuits, candies, cola) and souvenirs. What makes the store interesting is that no one looks after the store. The owners rely on the honesty of the guests. People get what they need, write whatever they take, and drop their payment in a box.

Tay was going through the little snacks box and was having fun discovering that some of his favorite go-to snacks when he was a kid are still available on market. He took every piece of snack that reminded him of the old times.

You're paying for all of these, Lee. I didn't bring any money with me, he tells him.

Lee took all the snacks from Tay and placed it on the table, oh sure! But let's play a little game.

Another round of nonsense Lee Thanat?

Come on, don't be a baby. Let's call it, truth or lie, the honesty game! Lee replies while wiggling his eyebrows. You take a snack with every truth you give.

Lee!! Can we just let this go? Tay complains.

First Question: Lee starts, are you happy I'm here?

Tay rolled his eyes, took some coconut flavored biscuits and started munching.

Lee laughs. See, it ain't hard to tell the truth. Are you missing someone right now? He asked in a loud whisper.

Tay lets out a smirk, too easy, of course, I do. He directed himself to a bag of banana chips and took a mouthful.

Are you in love right now? Did you run away this time because you know it's really for real? Like real real real? Are you afraid that this won't work again? Are you afraid that you'll get hurt again?

Tay was caught off-guard with the train of questions. He paused for a second, then pushed all the snacks back to Lee, annoyed. I'm not hungry anymore. You can take them all.

Lee grabs a bottled water and jokingly offers it to Tay. He points at the store slogan, "this store is too small for dishonest people."

With increasing unease, Tay grabs the bottled water and admits reluctantly, fine you win, Thanat.

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They continued to check out their favorite places. The view of nature was overall a soothing experience for Tay. It was definitely a good idea to go around.

Tay, remember this place? It's one of their favorites here. It's one thing they made sure to visit before going back to Manila.

Tay recalls vividly, it's the San Carlos Borromeo Church, home to the Batanes Blank Book Archive. Near the Church's entrance is a place with shelves after shelves of hardbound books with blank pages where visitors can leave messages about basically anything they want to express in writing. Messages can come in poems, prayers, and letters. Tay and Lee loved spending a great deal of time here. They would write their own messages every year, but mostly, they found joy in reading and re-reading the entries of other people.

Come on, let's check the books. I'm sure it will be fun and heartwarming, Lee beams.

Tay replied with a nod and smile.

I wish that you let go of your fears and let me hold your hand. (theearthe, march 2017)

I would often have doubts. It didn't feel true before, but now it does. (krist p, 082016)

I can think of infinite reasons why ilove him, but I can narrow it down to just plain, ilove him... (perthts, 102018)

You said you're scared? Well, I am too. Can we both be scared, but still choose to be together?Please say yes.  (saturn meets the sun, 2018 jan)

You make me smile. I can smile the whole day when I'm with you. Therefore, I conclude, it's not really where we are but who we're with. Sometimes all we need is just to be with the right person - wjmild2016

Ilove you more than I can bear; More than i can ever imagine; More than I thought I was capable of.   -secret, no time bound-

no regrets, only hope (anonymous)

Why crawl alone when you can fly with me, nikki 01 feb 2014

Tay closed the book and laughed softly. Hey universe, you throwing darts at me again? He teased himself.

Lee hands him a pen, we don't leave until we write our own. It's tradition, right? He winks at Tay.

Tay grins, a pink pen, really?

He opens the book and turns to a blank page and starts writing.

I'm sorry for hurting you. Even a thousand apologies would not feel right for the hurt I'm probably causing you now. Truth is, I've always known the answer to my questions. It may seem unreal, but the moment you stepped into my life, I just knew it feels right to be together. I hope you're waiting for me. I will see you soon Hin. (tawan v, december 2020).