Writers' Voyage: A Story of Hope

03

Garden

Tinanguan ni April ang ilang nakakasalubong sa hallway, papunta siya sa garden upang kumuha ng clips at pictures para sa vlog niya. Tapos na ang unang parte ng kanilang Writing Convention at nagkaroon sila ng pagkakataon upang maglibot sa resort. April saw a butterfly with bright blue wings so she grab her camera to take a short clip. She smiled when the butterfly, like a paid actor, landed on a flower and slowly flapped its wings.

Wala pang limang segundo ang clip nang mabulabog ang paru-paro dahil sa mabilis na yapak kaya lumipad ito palayo. Nilingon ni April ang paparating, isang babae na pabalik-balik ang lakad. The girl didn't notice April because of the bushes around her.

"Argh!" the girl shouted, habang bahagyang sinasabunutan ang sariling buhok.

She must be part of the convention. April thought because of the familiar shirt she's wearing.

Napalingon sa ka niya ang babae nang tumayo siya. Nanlaki ang mga mata nito sa hiya. Gustong umalis ng babae pero ayaw niya naman basta na lamang talikuran si April.

"Pasensya na po, Miss April. I didn't know that you were here," the girl said with a soft voice.

"It's alright. Are you okay?" April asked.

"Y-yeah. Yeah," the girl lied. "Medyo nanibago lang po sa lugar."

Tumango si April kahit na alam niyang may iba pang dahilan ang babae. They stand there awkwardly when April decided to invite the girl to sit at the near bench.

"What's your name again? Sorry, madami-dami kasi kayo kanina kaya diko maalala lahat," she laughed.

"I'm Theena po, part of Shrekys Pub," inilahad ni Theena ang kaniyang kamay gaya ng nakasanayan. April accepted it and smiled.

"So tell me about you... Is there something bothering you?"

Nang marinig iyon ni Theena, ay tila may kumirot sa puso nito at parang nanunubig ang mga mata. It looks like her heart recognize the warmth of April, parang gusto nitong iiyak lahat sa kaniya.

"It's just something from my past, kanina while I'm with my co-journalist, I can't help but remember my old squad. I used to do a lot of things with them too, and the Shrekies remind me of them," Theena started.

"The bardagulan, the comfort of their presence, the words that are full of passion. I know this event will surely remind me of the old times and I really hate this feeling, Miss. I want to understand but... gusto na lang umiyak. I have this friend na kasabay ko lumaki at gawin lahat ng bagay. I've been always there for her and supports her sa lahat ng gusto niya..." Theena closed her eyes, she was trying to prevent her tears to fall. 

"But our squad fell apart years ago. Nagalit siya sa isa pa naming kaibigan and I don't know what to do. I love them both kaya ayaw kong pumili ng kakampihan. The other has already moved on and was unbothered. But the other one looked like a wreck, I'm worried but she keeps on pushing me away." Hindi na nito napigilan ang luha nito at tuluyan na siyang umiyak. April rubbed her back for comfort.

"Some friendships really ends like that. It just happens and that's what hurts the most. Yung unexpected at hindi mo alam kung saan nagsimula," ani April.

"But I badly what's to save our friendship. Sila na lang ang meron ako. I've been trying for years but it looks like the destiny is against me. She said that she's been alone but I have always been here. Hindi siya nag-iisa, hindi ko siya iniwan. Bakit parang hindi niya ako makita? Kaibigan niya rin naman ako. Narito pa rin naman ako, bakit? Bakit pakiramdam ko na... pakiramdam ko na hindi niya ako napapansin? I badly want to help her, to ease her loneliness, dahil alam ko ang pakiramdam nang maiwan. Alam kong sila yung mas close noon pero narito pa naman ako, she doesn't need to shut the world out, I'm willing to listen."

"I'll be honest, Theena. There are doors we can't force to enter. It's just made like that. We can't force our way in because it's not for us. I'm not saying to give it up but think it through, is this friendship worth saving?"

"I'm happy when I'm with them but..."

"Would it give you peace or a constant worry? If the constant worry is draining you and affecting your being I think you know what to do. Not all things are worth saving no matter how we want to save them."

Like a snap, Theena realizes that maybe it's not for her. Perhaps that friendship isn't for her. The three of them deserve better. A friendship that won't drain her and is worth saving.

Theena thanked April and gave her a tight hug. Now that she realizes many things, letting go is much easier. She loves them still but she will love herself more this time. She wishes nothing but healing for the three of them.