Been Hunting Home | Suarez III

Home Hunted

When I was a kid, I had my parents wrapped around my fingers. As the only child, I usually get what I wanted without having to ask for it twice. I felt like the whole world was revolving around me. That's why when I learned about my father's affair, it felt like my world has stopped.

I wished I stayed as a kid and didn't grow up.

But my experiences gave me a new perspective, they taught me that everyone has their own story. I am in the same setting with everyone else. It's just often, I am too focused on my own.

I have my own narratives where the people I rarely interact with are just side characters. But the truth is, they're also the main characters of their own lives.

I thought it was fascinating. It made me feel not alone. Someone out there might have gone through the same tunnel I had. Someone out there might be feeling lost in familiar places too.

Someone out there could be hunting a place the map can't locate . . . like a home.

Hindi ko pa lang siya kilala, hindi ko alam kung nasaan siya. Ngunit may isang sigurado, hindi ako nag-iisa.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have just landed at El Dorado International Airport. Suarez Airlines welcomes you to Manila. The local time is 10:51 p.m. . . ."

I think it's my experiences that taught me to be compassionate and emphatic to people. When I fly planes and see my passengers, I always read their faces as if I'm reading stories.

One might be an OFW going abroad. One might be celebrating his birthday. One might be visiting a relative. One might be going back to his family. One might be happy, the other one might be miserable. Being a pilot, I had this burden of carrying a hundred stories in one flight.

There might be people waiting for them. A spouse, a child, a family, a pet . . . or a home. I have to land them safe no matter what. Because their stories should not end on their way to their happy endings.

I didn't care about mine. I care about theirs.

"At last, this is Captain Yohan Thaddeus Suarez. Captain Diez at your service. Thank you for choosing Suarez Airlines. Have a safe trip home."

I smiled though they won't see me. Malalim akong huminga bago huling umalis ng eroplano.

I always bring people closer to their homes, wondering how long must I wait and how far must I go to find mine.

"Great flight, Captain Diez." My co-pilot bumped my shoulder.

"As always." I grinned.

"You're busy these days. Wala ka bang plano magbakasyon?"

Vacation only means time to overthink about things I can't control. "I have a lot of things on my plate to take a break."

"Kaya nga kailangan mo ng break, Captain. You need to recharge before digging in your plate."

I never learned how to do that since I started walking. "I appreciate your suggestion, Officer Keith. I have to go now."

He jokingly saluted at me. I shook my head while chuckling.

"Thank you for your assistance."

"You're welcome, Captain Diez. Have a safe trip home." He mimicked my line.

"Home." I chuckled. Ironic. "Safe driving!" Sumigaw ako nang hindi nililingon ang lalaki sa likuran.