Mirage

thirty two

The morning was peaceful. Mira was woken up by the ray of sunlight and sound of birds. It felt like a fairytale to be honest. And when she opened her eyes, it felt cozy warm.

She woke up pretty late and after washing her face, Mira went downstairs to see Tita Ellie putting food on the table.

"Oh, good morning, Mira. Hintayin lang natin si Aliyah then let's have brunch."

"Good morning po. Nasan po si Aliyah?"

"Naglakad lakad siya sa may dalampasigan kasama si Sky." Tita Ellie looked at the wall clock, "Pabalik na dapat yon."

Mira nodded and decided to help Aliyah's mom while they waited for the girl. They worked in silence until Aliyah finally came back with Sky.

"Good morning! Gising ka na." Aliyah said to her. While Tita Ellie went to sky to feed him.

"Aayain sana kita, to walk sky out pero ang himbing kasi ng tulog mo."

"Next time gisingin mo ko." Mira said.

"I would want to take a walk with you."

Aliyah's face heated up so she started fanning herself. "Oh, uhmm hahaha, "she faked a laugh and coughed. "Sure, I'll wake you up next time, tara kain na tayo?"

They went on to have breakfast. Mira felt that it was easy to have a conversation with Aliyah's mom. She was engaging and so kind. Ang Aliyah looked so fond of her mother; Mira could see the appreciation.

When Tita Ellie went to the kitchen after brunch, Aliyah went on about her phone.

"Hala nakalimutan kong iupdate sila Jo." Aliyah uttered and then looked at Mira. "Hindi ba sumasabog phone mo ng notifs?

Mira shook her head. "Hindi ko naman dala phone ko. Nasa unit...."

Aliyah was in disbelief. "Kaya naman pala!"

"Grabe ung missed calls ko sayo! Wala naman pala sayo phone mo."

"Ano sabi nila? Nakauwi na ba si Sam sa Manila?"

"Oo daw, kakauwi lang kaninang umaga."

"Aliyah! Paki paliguan nga si Sky." Tita Ellie called out from the kitchen.

"Okay!"

"Sa bakuran may hose don."

Aliyah turned to Mira. "Kunin ko ung gamit, dalin mo si Sky sa likod?"

Mira nodded, "Sure."

The two girls were cleaning up sky, the big and hyper dog. Mira was holding him while Aliyah was holding the water hose.

Until Sky wiggled his body that ended up splashing both of them with water soap.

"Nabasa na ako!" Aliyah laughed and when she looked at Mira who was avoiding Sky's snout, an idea popped in her head.

"Mira!" She called out and then with out warning, Mira looked at Aliyah and was splashed by the water hose.

"Hoy! Lagot ka sakin." Mira let go of Sky and stood up to run after Aliyah. The latter dropped the hose and ran away.

Sky was running after them too, happy that his owners are playing.

Aliyah squealed and laughed.

Mira almost caught her but Aliyah slipped through her hand.

"Bye!"

"Why are you so fast?!" Mira shouted from behind the girl, trying to catch her.

"Mabagal ka lang!"