INCENSE

Chapter 35

A memory…
I was dreaming. It has some fuzziness. It was from my time in Edessa at the moment. There was wind and sunshine. I was standing on a steep cliff. The town was visible up here. Oh, right, the view of the sunset was stunning. I won't soon forget this. Because of the strong wind, I brush my hair back toward my right ear while bringing my skirt up tight to my legs with my left hand. It was serene and comforting. I'm hoping I can stay here for a while. Wishing the sun would not set. Its sunshine emerging from those tangerine clouds mesmerized me. I wanted to become an artist so that I could paint these view. I can't get over how fantastic the time and the scene were. I adore the sensations that enliven my body and spirit. I am fully awake.

“What are you doing here?” someone asked.
Napalingon ako. Hindi ko maaninag ang mukha niya. All I know is the voice is deep. A tall man wearing a white shirt. Kinisap-kisap at kinusot-kusot ko ang aking mga mata pero hindi ko pa rin siya maaninag. I can see everything except for his face. Hindi ko siya maalala. I don’t know this person but he looks like not a bad person. Is he someone I knew? Lumapit ito sa kinatatayuan ko. He stands next to me. Mukhang nakatingin ito sa paglubog ng araw. Napatingin din ako doon.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” I asked.

Hindi ito nagsasalita. What a peculiar one.

“Do I know you?” I asked again.
Nakita kong lumingon ito sa akin.

“You know me.” He said.

“Ah, yes? I’m sorry, I can’t remember you. Then, can you tell me your name.”

“Only you can find it.”

“Find what?”

“What you’re looking for?”

“Looking for what?”

Hindi na siya muling nagsalita.

“You’re mean.” I said.

“You don’t have to know me. My existence will cut your limbs apart. For I was your darkness and your misery.”

Huh? Ang lalim non ha?

“What do you mean? If I know you, why can’t I remember you?”

“Coz you’re an idiot.”

“Ha! Me?!”

A moment of silence comes in.

“Live Adel. Save yourself.” He uttered.

“Are you saying goodbye.”

Hindi na siya nagsalita at tumalikod na ito sa akin.

“Sandali. Saan ka pupunta?” hinabol ko siya ngunit biglang umihip ng malakas ang hangin. Napapikit ako. Pagdilat ko ay hindi ko na maaninag pa ang anino nito. Sino kaya iyon?
I feel uncomfortable. I suddenly realized that it was only a fleeting moment. The parting was difficult even though it was only a brief encounter; even though no one said goodbye, the heart already knew it was ended. I hope to recognize his face and hear his name if we cross paths again.