LOUIE (COMPLETED)

0: Sheez, almost, but not quite

It seems like hope does not only lift people, it kills them too when they are suspended happily in the air.

Two familiar figures are already discernible even though the taxi hasn't stopped yet. A familiar thump inside my chest intensified as soon as Uncle Rex starts to walk towards the car now, ready to help.

"We're here! You first! I'll pay the bill first." he said.

I almost open my pocket for the fare and almost stopped him from doing it then I realized I haven't exchanged my Philippine money yet. If only the plane took off early than expected, I would've gotten it.

"Oh, good Lord..." I said as soon as I went out of the car. Uncle got it and pulled me for a big and warm hug. "I thought it's fall season? Why's it  cold?"

Uncle is a not-so-tall man. He's only reached my neck part, a small rounded face and a mustache on that pale white face. His eyes also looking deeper than the last time I've talked to him with video.

"A short shower happened earlier. It will come back later." he answered then pat my back.

They told me not to help them and just familiarize with where we are now. Saglit akong yumuko para kumuha ng tuyong dahon, how did the leaves knew it's time to change colors and wilt? I don't know.

The suburb around me is packed with red orange trees. Its leaves are all over the ground, no one seemed to mind the litter around. But it's fine. It proves to me that it already is fall season and the fact it's quiet and no people around made me sad a little bit.

"Come on, walk now, boy!" he murmured behind while pulling my suitcases.

Shifting in my position and tucking my denim jacket tight, I start to walk towards the sister of my father. She's a small woman, dressed in a ridiculous patterned color dress while her ebony hair is tightly tucked behind her. She's shaking, I could tell, never mind the same shallowness under her eyes and her frail movements she makes every time she clasps her hands together.

"Good Jesus Christ, Leo!" she said then pulled me for a hug. A familiar touch that I've been asking for since my father died fully warmed me that neither of us wanted to break the hug. "It's a relief you arrived safely! Also a great news you found him! I forgot to send you his picture, I jusy told you that he will fetch you, right?"

"Yes, you did."

Hux made a tick-tock sound behind us, "I fancy how he walks, Auntie, that's why I recognized him right away."

"My right leg is longer than the other," I pulled my trouser up a little and Hux just punched it jokingly. "You walked better than me."

"Never mind that, boys! Come on in, hijo. I know you're tired from the flight but have you eaten? Hux, eat first before leaving! Tell Rex to load it right inside his room."

He winked at me before vanishing from sight. Laughing, I followed Auntie inside and I forgot to look at the exterior of the outside. Nevertheless, the insides are the opposite of the lawns and the road just in front. As soon as we enter, the stairs that will bring us to the next floor is the first one to see. Auntie didn't mind not me taking off my shoes before stepping on the cream carpet all over the house. On the far right is probably the bathroom. But the way towards the living room and kitchen, the walls are filled with several pictures of people I don't know. But one section is filled with the same faces of who's already gone in this world. I looked away.

The insides still have that autumn-feels but I can't relish the feeling, yet. Auntie was right, sobrang nakakapagod ang byahe at gusto ko na lang pumunta sa magiging kuwarto. However, she prepared meals for us, in spite of her condition, and I couldn't say no.