Comeback

Chapter 1

NAILA

IT WAS early dawn and the humidity of the atmosphere embraced my dry skin. The sun hasn't risen and the birds haven't even chirped. May tamang liwanag lang mula sa langit na sumisilip sa mga ulap. But here I am, already awake, getting ready for the moment I've been waiting for.

I don't usually wake up so early, but today is different. It's the day I'll meet my special someone again. We've been far apart for years. We had communication but it wasn't enough. Less than an hour of talking over the phone once a month isn't enough to tell him how's my day for the past few days or am I okay or... to simply feel his presence even though we're apart. It would never be enough.

That's why now that he's finally coming home, I can't help but feel excited, happy, and... nervous. It's been a while. Kahit nakakausap ko siya sa telepono ay iba pa rin ang pakiramdam kong nand'yan siya sa tabi ko. Iba pa rin ang pakiramdam nang magkasama kayo at ramdam ang presensya ng isa't isa sa araw-araw.

Before I started my day, I went to my altar and started praying. The Republic of Lorton has a lot of religious people and activities, including praying every morning without fail. We pray to Anemje to express our gratitude for another day in our lives and to ask for guidance as we take another chapter in our journey.

I lightened one candle and three incense sticks. I clapped three times and bowed my head and then started expressing my thoughts to Anemje. I thank him for this day that I was able to open my eyes, I thank him that I can continue the life he has given, and I thank him that I can see one of the most special people in my life.

When I was done with my prayer, I then clapped three times and bowed my head again.

I started stretching my body for a bit and readied my stuff. Naligo na ako pagkatapos maghanda at sinigurado na ako'y malinis. I used the most expensive and sweet-scented body wash that I rarely use. I usually hate cleaning myself so thoroughly but now, I am more willing to do it.

Nang matapos maligo ay naghanda na ako para sa aking pang-umagahan. Hindi pa rin umaakyat ang araw, ni silip ay hindi pa nagawa.

I guess I was really too early.

I was humming slowly the whole time I changed clothes, getting ready to go and meet him. Ilang ulit pa akong nagbihis. I was too conscious of how I would look in front of him. I mean, it's been so long since we saw each other. And I would be very much happy if he sees me again in my most beautiful state.

In the end, I ended up wearing a slightly loose blouse that was tucked in my high-waist wide-leg jeans. I let my medium-length wavy hair on loose and put a single silver pin in my side hair.

Ilang sandali ay pinagmasdan ko ang aking repleksyon sa salamin. Is this okay?

I started fidgeting and getting more nervous. I tried calming myself down. It's okay, Naila. It'll be okay.

I glanced at the photo of us two on my wall. I was smiling so brightly while clutching on his shirt. He on the other hand had a small smile plastered on his handsome face.

He doesn't smile so often but I can definitely say he has the most handsome and beautiful smile in the world.

Bago pa lamang umakyat ang araw kaya hindi pa ito masakit sa balat. People started opening their shops and houses. A lot of people also started to jog and run. May mga nag bi-bisikleta at nilalakad ang kanilang mga alagang aso.

This is the usual scenery of the usual day we have. Pagsikat pa lang ng araw ay nagsisimula nang magbukas ang mga bahay at tindahan at ang mga tao ay lumalabas na rin.