Dandelions in the Wind

31

Maaliwalas ang loob ng board room, nakahawi ang kurtina na tumatakip sa bintanang salamin, kaya't malayang nakakapasok ang sikat ng araw. Makikita sa labas ang nagtataasang gusali, makapal na ulap, at ilang ibon na lumilipad sa bughaw na langit.

"Would you like me to close the curtain, Dionne?" malumanay na tanong ni Tracy nang lumapit sa kinauupuan nito. Bahagyang nasisinagan ng araw ang balikat ni Dionne. Umiling na lang siya at ngumiti kay Tracy. "It's fine. Thank you," nakayukong tugon ni Dionne.

Kasama rin sa board meeting sina Rachel Castro, isa sa mga curator, at si Luis Beltran, ang executive finance ng museum.

Napahawak si Dionne sa noo nang maramdaman ang pagpintig ng kaniyang sentido. Kulang siya sa tulog dahil sa dami ng gumugulo sa isip niya, at hindi pa nakatulong ang natanggap na text mula kay Marcus. Napasandal sa kinauupuan si Dionne habang naghihintay sa pagdating ni Miranda. May natitira pang limang minuto bago magsimula ang board meeting.

Bumukas ang pinto, pumasok si Miranda, at agad siyang umupo sa dulo ng mesa. "Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for gathering for today's board meeting. Let's begin by discussing the upcoming museum party. Dionne, could you please update us on the preparations?" panimulang pahayag ni Miranda.

Agad napatuwid ng upo si Dionne. "Certainly. We've been working diligently on organizing the party to ensure it's a memorable event for all attendees," marahang inusog ni Dionne ang folder sa dako ni Miranda. "As part of our plans, we're considering introducing a painting exhibit featuring local artists. This would add a unique touch to the event and highlight the rich creativity within our community. Additionally, we're exploring the relevance of street art and its impact on contemporary art culture."

Napatango si Miranda habang tinitingnan ang laman ng folder. "That sounds like a fantastic addition to the party. Have we reached out to any specific street artists or considered including street art in the exhibit?" tanong nito, mataman ding pinagmasdan ang isang polaroid picture ng isang art exhibit.

"Yes, we've begun discussions with several notable street artists in our area, such as Antonio Laurel and Leah Dominguez. Their work has played a significant role in shaping modern art movements, and we believe it would bring an edgy and urban flair to the exhibit," wika ni Dionne. Inabot din niya ang mga pictures ng binanggit na artists.

"Including street art would also broaden our museum's appeal and attract a younger demographic, enhancing our community engagement efforts," pagsang-ayon ni Rachel.

Napatango rin si Luis Beltran sa narinig. "Agreed. Street art adds a dynamic and contemporary element to our event, reflecting the evolving landscape of the art world."

Tumikhim si Miranda at ngumiti. "Very well, let's ensure we showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions, including traditional and street art forms, to provide a comprehensive experience for our guests." Maayos niyang inilapag ang hawak na folder at tiningnan ang iba pang nakalista sa papel. "Before we conclude, I have an important announcement," dagdag na pahayag ni Miranda, napatingin sa kaniya ang mga kasama sa board meeting. "We have a new investor joining the board members, Charlotte Del Pierro. Miss Del Pierro has made a significant investment in the museum and now holds one of the shares, demonstrating her commitment to our institution's success," pagbabalita ni Miranda.

Saglit natigilan si Dionne sa narinig, hindi maiwasang mapakunot ang noo. "Uhm, Miss Del Pierro is one of the big investors?" nagtatakang tanong niya.

Tumango si Miranda. "Yes," walang anumang tugon nito. Saglit munang nag-usap sina Rachel, Luis, at Miranda, habang nanatili pa ring naguguluhan si Dionne sa nalaman kaya pinili na lang niyang manahimik habang nakayuko.

I thought she's not serious about buying a museum, napailing na turan ni Dionne sa isipan.

Pagkalipas ng ilang minutong pag-uusap, napatikhim si Miranda. "Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Charlotte. While she couldn't be with us today, we look forward to her contributions in the future," malumanay na saad niya bilang pagtatapos ng meeting. "Thank you all for your dedication and hard work. Let's make this museum party a memorable and successful event for our museum and community, showcasing the richness and diversity of art in all its forms," dagdag na turan nito at tumayo na rin. "Meeting is adjourned, until next time." Nakangiting pahayag ni Miranda.