Garden of Words (Compilation)

06 - Under Air

Dedicated to: Kichona_Shinko

Trigger Warning: Suicide

I always saw this girl behind the tall tree alone inside our campus.

Gusto ko siyang lapitan, but I’m always hesitant to approach. Feeling ko kasi, gusto niya talagang mapag-isa.

Minsan nga ay nakikita ko siyang palihim na umiiyak.

“Shin, halika na! Ma-li-late na tayo sa class!”

Napalingon ako sa tawag ng kaibigan ko. I nodded and immediately follow her.

Nang makarating kami sa classroom ay hinintay ko talaga ang babaeng makapasok. I’m really curious about her. At the same time, concerned.

Her figures show how stressful she is. Her eyes are both covered by black circles. Her lips are extremely pale. Everything you can see about her are all weak & unlively.

She’s also always wearing hoodies.

“Hays present na naman ‘yang walking dead na ‘yan.”

“For real, nakakatakot.”

“Nakakasira kamo ng araw.”

Nagpintig ang tenga ko sa narinig. Nanggaling ‘yon sa boses ng classmate namin na nasa harapan ko.

I always hear them talking shits about that girl and it’s annoying.

“Pwede ba, ang aga-aga puro panlalait ‘yang mga nasa bibig n’yo! Ang pi-perfect!” I almost shouted.

Napalingon ang dalawa sa akin at inismiran lang nila ako.

“Mind your own business gurl!”

And I laughed with that stupid response.

“Kayo pa talaga may ganang magsabi n’yan ha? Sino ba rito unang nangialam?”

My friend beside me stop me from creating some chaos. The girls in front of me just rolled their eyes.

I groaned inwardly and finally looked at the girl.

Nakaupo na siya ngayon sa may gilid ng bintana. She’s just looking at the table, walang pakialam sa nangyayari sa paligid niya. Maybe she just wants some peace of mind.

When last period comes. Naglakas-loob na talaga akong lapitan siya.

“Pwede makisabay?” I asked gently.

She didn’t respond. Nanatili lang siyang nakayuko habang hawak ang kaniyang bag.

“Silence means yes,” konklusiyon ko at tuluyan ng sumabay sa kanya sa paglalakad.

Minutes passed at hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita kaya tumikhim na ako.

“You’re Erika, right? Classmate tayo pero ngayon lang ako naglakas-loob makipag-usap sa ‘yo. Gusto kong makipag-kaibigan. Ayos lang ba?”

This time, she finally turned her head towards me. And I clearly see now her tired and depressing eyes.

“Why? Why are you acting concerned?”

I’m taken a back with her sudden question. Hindi agad ako nakatugon at naunahan niya akong magsalita.

“If you’re just curious about me. Just, leave me alone.”

“No!” agaran kong sinabi nang maramdaman kong iiwan na niya ako.

“Erika, kailangan mo rin sa buhay mo ng taong malalabasan mo ng problema, masasandalan sa tuwing nahihirapan ka. You really need a friend.”