Simple

Kabanata 9: Rason

♯♪
Liza

"I have found a reason to live
Again."

Naramdaman ko ang paglagay ng braso ni niel sa 'king balikat. He ruffles my hair and I heard his chuckle as he do so.

"Tara na, hatid kita."

Tumango ako at naglakad sa gilid n'ya habang inaakbayan niya pa rin Ako.

Teka! Bakit s'ya nandito?

"Wait," I stop walking and he did as well, giving me a raised eyebrow in confusion. "Ano 'yun?" I get his arms off of me and pushing him slightly away from me.

"Pa'no mo alam na nandito ako?" Taas-kilay kong tinanong sa kan'ya. "Stalker ka 'no?" Nanlaki Ang mata n'ya at hinawakan ang dibdib. Exaggerated na exaggerated ang reaksyon.

"Hi-"
"Wow, manyak ka na nga. Stalker ka pa?"

He frowned at what I stated. That made me giggle as he look so confused by my accusations. I enjoy teasing him like this.

"Well?"
"No,"

He sighed and walk closer to me again. "Hindi natuloy 'yung practice kaya naisipan kong bumili ng soft drinks. Eh, hindi ko naman alam na sa katabing café ka lang pala. Kaya hinintay nakita, tapos ilalakad na kita sa bahay n'yo."

"Wow ha, ano ka boyfriend ko?" Maldita Kong sagot sa kaniya. "Ayaw ko pa munang umuwi."

"Huwag muna tayong umuwi."

I lean closer to the railings of the bridge, showing a small soft smile as I watch the sun fall down on the river. I glance at him. Ano'ng nangyari dito, naging statwa. He shakes his head before leaning on the railings as well, ruffling his own head. Weird talaga.

We watch the sunset together in silence, together in each presence. The fresh air hitting us feels peaceful. I want this feeling forever.

Ang tahimik ng mundo kapag kami'y magkatabi. Ayaw ko pa talagang umuwi.

I can watch the sunset forever in this silence alone, but it does feel better with him. I feel more secure.

After five minutes of silence, I heard his mumble. "P'wede naman." Napalingon ako sa kan'ya at nakita ang nakakainis na mapang-asar na ngiti n'ya. "Ano 'ng p'wede naman?" Inis kong tanong.

Napaisip tuloy ako kung ano'ng tinutukoy n'ya. Wala naman akong tinanong. "Ano ka boyfriend ko?" Sumagi tuloy 'yon sa isip ko at bumalik ang mga tingin ko sa kaniya.

"Mali 'yang iniisip mo, ibig kong sabihin ay p'wede naman dito muna tayo." Namula tuloy ako sa hiya, kung ano-ano pinag-iisip ko. Nakakahiya.

"Wews, ayun nga sasabihin ko." Palusot ko sa kaniya. Staying silent with him doesn't feel awkward, but I feel like I have to start a conversation. "So . . ."

"Hm?"
"Ano, uhm . . ."

I look down, wondering if I should tell him this. I can feel my heart sink as I'm thinking about this. Not from sadness, but from pity and hopelessness.