Chapter 15: Glowed
The seawater shimmered with soft, blue-green light, producing an unearthly and calming glow on the sand and rocks.
"This is so beautiful," I whispered in awe.
I watched the waves roll in and out, leaving a trail of shimmering light that sparkled like glitter in the sand. Sometimes, it felt like even forever was not enough to grasp the entire wonder of this world. There was always something to discover.
Celeste agreed in her calm voice, "It really looks so pretty. But don't be deceived by its beauty. It's dangerous."
I smirked, "You mean it's dangerous for humans?"
"Even for aquatic animals," Celeste replied seriously, quickly pulling me back as I attempted to step closer to the water.
"It's not good to get too close," pagbabanta pa niya.
"Is that so?" I decided not to push it and backed away. "I guess not everything that looks good from afar looks good up close. Some things are better left admired from a distance."
I watched Celeste sit on the shore, away from the water, while I remained standing facing her. We both took in different views of the scenery.
"So, can you tell me about your girl back in your hometown?" tanong niya habang nakatingin pa rin sa malayo.
I sighed and turned to face the sea. Hindi ko mapagtanto kung kilala na ba niya ako o guni-guni ko lang ang lahat. Alam ng utak ko na hindi ako maaaring manatili rito. Ngunit ang kalooban ko ay nahahalina rito.
"I had a girl back in my hometown," I replied, feeling the gust of wind on my face. "The reason why I came here is because—"
"To move on?" she interrupted.
I shook my head.
"To forget her?" she prodded further.
I chuckled as I moved closer and sat beside her, leaving a gap between us. Celeste leaned over to scoop up sand in her palm and then slowly released it.
"Anything about yourself, I want to know," she said.
"Tell you something about myself," I said, pausing to think. "Besides being Oscar, I am also known as Cardinal."
"So, you are Oscar Cardinal," she confirmed.
I looked at her, and a simple, gentle smile played across her lips as she gazed out at sea.
"Say it again, please," I requested.
"You are Oscar Cardinal," she repeated, her eyes locked on mine.
My heart ached as I heard those words for the third time, still feeling the same pure and innocent connection I had felt the first time I looked into her eyes. I've always known that Celeste was too good for me.
"How about you?" I asked. "Sino ka?"
"Celeste," she said. "I am Celeste."
I just stared at her.
"Well, I am the owner of Spark and Fly Tavern. I only have three but best employees. I don't see them as my workers, though. They are my friends."
"Am I your friend?"
"Of course!" Tumawa siya saka mahinang hinampas ang balikat ko. Inayos niya ang kumawalang hibla ng buhok sa kanyang mukha.
I sighed and looked back on the sea. Nawala na ang ilaw sa tubig. Ang tanging naiwan ay ang kadiliman at ang hampas ng alon sa dalampasigan.
