NOSTALGIA (La Mémoire #1)

XXVI

XXVI
hand

Mangha ko siyang pinagmasdan. It's not even a big deal but my heart sank at the gesture.

"You don't have to walk with me."

We trailed the pavements that are blanketed with dry leaves. The same path was shaded with proud Acacias. Sa malayo, tanaw ang pagpapalit anyo ng kalangitan. The sun has died in the sea of clouds, and now the skies are turning dark.

"I know, but I want to."

Tahimik kaming naglakad. Paminsan lamang na naiistorbo ng mga sasakayan, ng mga estudyanteng naglalakad, o ng mga taga-labas ng campus na mukhang narito lang para mag-jogging o magbike.

"Ang layo ng binyahe mo. Hindi ka ba napapagod?" Nilingon ko ito.

Malawak naman ang sidewalk pero pinanatili niya ang pagitan namin. Nakapamulsa ito habang naglalakad.

"Worth it naman ang pagod." He glanced at me.

"Next time, you shouldn't do it. Kung may klase ka pa, 'wag mo na akong sunduin. I want to be independent too."

"I support you on being independent. But just let me be there for you when you need me."

"Okay, but I don't need you."

"Pinapaalis mo na ba ako?" Kunwaring may tampo sa tono nito. Huminto pa sa paglalakad at nag-akmang lilihis ng direksyon.

"Hindi kita pipigilan."

He stepped out from the side walk towards the road but I didn't mind him. Nang hindi ko pinansin ay bumalik rin sa tabi ko.

"You're so cold."

He kicked some of the golden leaves on the asphalt road.

"Bakit nga ba gusto mong maglakad?"

"Walking requires patience and time."

"And?"

And you'll realize the amount of a person's love for you if they're willing to give you both their patience and time. Naalala kong sinabi sa akin iyon noon ng Daddy ko.

"Nothing. Will you walk with me up to the sunken?" Tiningala ko ito.

Stav nodded.

"How about up to the oblation?"

"Kahit ga'no pa kalayo 'yan, sasamahan kita."

I supressed a laughter.

"You're good with words, aren't you? Is that how you win your girls?"

His brows shot up before the other arched.

"You're the only girl I ever tried to win."

"You'll walk with me even if it wastes your time?"

"Why do you think you're a waste of time? You're worth the time."

Pinigilan ko ang pagngisi. I felt like I have never had a conversation this light with him. Madalas kasi nag-aaway lang kami. Ngayon, habang magkasabay kaming naglalakad, parang balewala ang oras o ang layo ng pupuntahan. All that mattered were the small talks in between the long walk.