Bifemme Short stories

Sampaguita

💐
You’re the symbol of fidelity, purity, devotion and divine hope.

I was feeling different today and I feel like I need to breathe fresh air, if the air is still fresh, and do some brisk walking. Next month, GCQ is planning to implement again by our Government because of high volume case of virus. My planned visit to Baguio, to celebrate Flower Festival with my few friends and if possible with my love, did not go ahead. I sighed of the thought. I suddenly question myself. How long does this virus last?

I use my electronic bike and went to park. The wind is still a bit chilly. It’s the second week of February. Not yet hot in a tropical country that used to humidity. I can still feel the cold winter season of other country which is caused by the surge of cold northeast monsoon winds or what we know as Amihan. While driving, I’m thinking if it is right coming back in our country and left my beautiful jasmine with issues going on. I shake my head a bit and focus on driving.

While at park, I look for a clean grassy ground area to lay down and feel the atmosphere while eyes close. I suddenly smelled a familiar scent. Sensually-sweet yet exotic scent.

You are considered as strength, dedication and love.

“Ale! Ale! Bili ka na.”

Looking one eyed open at the kids, I get up and sit. They offered a bunch of small, white, necklaced flower.

“Ah! Sampaguita!”

I knew it!

The kids, which was happened as siblings, left with wide smile after I bought all the necklaced aromatic Sampaguita. Staring, wondering where to put these flowers. Half smiling, unsure of what I did. I bite my cheek inside. I am not a Catholic so I don’t have statues of Saints in our house to hang the flowers with. While thinking, I put it near my nose and inhaled it’s royal with rich warmness and distinct sweet, heady fragrance, which is its unique feature, that fills the air at the park. Very feminine, like my jasmine. The smell of nutmeg undertones while fully blossomed.

Laying down again, I remember my old folks (which are now dead by the way), that Sampaguita is good for relaxation and stress-relief.

Right! That’s it!

I will stuff the flowers in a piece of cloth bag and put it on bed beside me, like my grandmother always did. Hoping that this might helps me sleep sound and fast tonight.

With a joyful heart, I decided to drive around near park. Stuff the Sampaguita at the front basket while wearing two necklace of this pure white, dainty, star-shaped, five-petals blossoms around my neck so I can smell the scent of it. But I'm still missing my jasmine.

💐

You are my happiness and the sign of my new beginning.