Love, Anon (COMPLETED)

Epilogue 4/4

J U L I E T T E

(E S)

I took a deep breath as I came out inside the train. Riding a train is always fun in Madrid, unlike in Manila, because you have to push someone in order for you to be included inside, no matter how kind you are.

I smiled widely when I saw a bouquet of pink tulips on Jorge Juan street. I didn't look at the price as I immediately bought it for myself because I know I deserve it after a tiring week at work.

Now, I've been saying yes instead of no to myself. I traveled everywhere as I spoiled myself every weekend. Knowing you'll be alone doesn't scare me anymore—kasi sarili muna.

I stopped walking when I heard my phone vibrate from my pocket. I smiled when I saw that it was from a group chat.

Somehow friends

Joshua: @Juliette,'di ka ba nahihiya? Daming namatay na bayani para makalaya tayo mula sa Espanya tapos ikaw, tatlong taon nang nakatira d'yan.

Kai: 'di ka ba nahihiya, @Joshua? high school pa lang tayo favorite mo ng country yung Japan, daming namatay na sundalo dahil sa kanila.

Joshua: HAHAHAHA OO NGA NO

Kai: tapos ang lakas mong sabihin na favorite mo yung history no'n?

Joshua: Gago

Kai: uwi ka na, Juliette

Joshua: Oo nga, uwi ka na . Naka move on na rin naman na si Kai.

Kai: tanga

I laughed as I watched their weird chats keep going. I peacefully sipped from the espresso that I ordered earlier. A few years have already passed, and we had the privileged to be reunited with Kai again. Maybe this is what adulting feels like, only yearning for the people who cherished you, no matter how flawed and foolish you were. Dati takot na takot kaming tumanda, ngayon hinaharap na namin.

It's way more perfect than our daydream.

After a while, I decided to go to Museo del Prado. It's my first time going to a museum in Madrid. Kasi akala ko mas magandang pumunta doon kasama yung taong mahal ko. But as I think of my past mindset, I got cringe. I can go anywhere with or without anyone.

Madrid taught me that I don't always need company.

And sometimes it's way more fun if you're alone.

I crossed my arms and stared intently at the Las Meninas that Diego Velazquez painted. The art was like a family portrait. However, I was also aware that it was a controversial masterpiece. Above the painting, some lights helped me appreciate and truly understand every tiny detail.