Austin's Condition (COMPLETED)

CHAPTER 48:

Austin's P.O.V:

It's the third day of the medical mission when I decided to have a morning jog. After putting my shoe lacess into a knot and making sure the airpods fit into my ears, I silently slip out of my hotel room and heads to the lobby via the staircase. It's only 5:30 in the morning that's why only few people can be seen strolling in and outside the hotel. Somehow I find it peaceful hence after setting my foot on the misty pavement, my pace gradually starts changing. I must say that having a jog in the province is way better than the metropolis. Here, you can tell that the cold breeze is still fresh which can make your lungs cheerful, trees in all sizes can be seen anywhere which is beneficial for both human and nature. I even had the chance yesterday to pick a perfectly rounded cotton fruit which I proudly showed to mom when we had a videocall 'cause it's my first time harvesting such a delightsome fruit. And lastly, it's not steaming hot. Not sure if this is normal here or maybe because it's already December but yeah, I just like the weather that I could actually sing.

My morning jog plus sight seeing took only an hour because I have to go back to the hotel before 7 in the morning. Our medical mission starts at 8 A.M therefore me and the gang should be in the site before the expected schedule. Aside from that, we are also expected in the municipal office today for the reason that the municipal mayor and his colleagues will be giving us a simple token of appreciation for the free healthcare assistance that the UFMC has provided. As per them, it's their way of showing gratitude since their municipal healthcare system and their people truly needs an aid.

"Taho! Taho kayo riyan mga ma'am at sir."

I'm in the middle of catching my breath from the long run when a soy pudding vendor energetically starts calling the attention of customers near the hotel where I and the whole medical team are staying. Since I haven't eaten anything from the moment I woke up, I decided to grab a cup of the well-known Filipino snack food which sometimes can be a nice breakfast too. Apart from feeding my empty stomach, might as well take advantage of the health benefits of it since soy pudding with tapioca pearls is said to be a fountain of youth due to its antioxidant components. The said food also has vitamins and minerals such as omega 3, folic acid, calcium, Vitamin B1, which are actually good for the heart and lowers the risk of heart diseases. Do I sound like delivering a lecture? Well, I was a teacher anyway. Haha!

"Good morning po."
"Good morning din, sir. Taho?"
"Opo. Magkano?"
"May 10 pesos at may 20 pesos po."
"Dalawang 20 po."
"Two yummy taho para kay sir pogi, coming right up."

I failed to supress a duchenne smile when I heard the 'yummy' word from the exuberant vendor as he prepares my order. Retrospecting of what happened last night in my hotel room, it was like a fog has been lifted in my head. Thanks to the parcel I received from Daddy Zeke which contains my journal before I lost half of my memory, I now have a full picture of my relationship to each and every person who calls me 'McYummy' especially to my girl, Candice. At first, I was joyful to know that my heart still beats for her until the overwhelming emotions began to show and flow through my eyes. All this time while I am living in a blur, imagining all the shit she's been through because of me and still manage to smile and acts as if everything's fine makes me wanna beat myself into a pulp. I am just so guilty and angry because I realized how complete asshole I was before the surgery took place. But all of that were in the past. As much as I badly want to change the history but that's not possible. So, instead of being an immature and pessimistic grown ass beast, I came up with an idea which will surely surprise my beloved beauty. Enough is enough for Austin's bullshit conditions.

"Heto na po sir, mainit init pa. Kasing init ng titig ng mga kababaihan dito sa inyo, sir. Hehe!"
"Si kuya talaga. Salamat po sa taho. Mag ingat kayo."

After handing my 100 peso bill to him and telling him to keep the change, I hurriedly eat my two cups of soy pudding before heading back to the hotel. There, as soon as I enter my room, I instantly remove my trainers and socks before taking off my green moss coloured hoodie exposing my upper body covered in sweat. I am about to take off as well my sweatpants when my phone suddenly rings. Like what One Direction said in a song, the caller's name showing on the phone screen immediately lights up my world like nobody else hence I quickly pick up my phone and slide the screen to entertain Candice's phone call. To be honest, I am expecting a sweet and cheesy morning greeting from her but to my dismay the reason why she's phoning me it's because of an order from her senior.