Symphonic Waves (Ciudad de Escalante #6)

Phase 39

After accomplishing all my priorities as a writer, artist, servant of God, and my successful charity work, I decided to move forward and try the last thing I am hesitant to do—traveling alone. Since my cancer diagnosis confined me, I meticulously planned everything.

Hindi ko akalain na magiging posible talaga iyon dahil bukod sa madaming kailangan na i-consider, I'll be really away from everyone I love.

"How's your day?"

Excitement rushed through my veins when he asked me that. In a blink of an eye, memories played again inside my head.

"Fun, actually. Even though the city is really busy, loud, and filled with cars, it is also relaxing and comforting at the same time. After checking in at this hotel, I went for a short walk towards the famous sites here," pagkekwento ko habang nag-aayos ng make-up.

"Sylvan, I can't explain how, but as I stood before the colossal amphitheater, I imagined the roar of the crowd and the clash of gladiators echoing through the ancient walls." "I really felt like a child, seeing that fantastic building of the Colosseum for the first time in my school book."

Rome truly lives up to its nickname as the Eternal City. Everywhere I turn, there are reminders of its rich and storied past. It will take a lifetime to explore all the treasures and hidden gems. Therefore, I don't have the time to fully explore everything. I'm only planning to stay for a week, but things happened. For artists like me, it feels like we belong in this place.

"Tip ko rin, if you'll come here, mag-book ka na agad ng tickets in advance para hindi ka na pumila ng sobrang haba. Also, are you familiar with the Roma Pass Card?"

He shook his head a bit. "No, what is it?"

"It is a card that includes free public transport and free or discounted entrances to many museums and attractions—"

Natigilan ako sa pagkekwento nang makita siyang walang reaksyon sa screen.

"Hey, are you listening?" I chuckled.

"Yeah," he mouthed.

"I just missed you already," he said softly.

"We just met before my flight." Lumakas ang tawa ko dahil sa kanyang tono na parang nangungulila. Hindi man siya nakasama sa paghatid sa akin sa airport, nagkita naman kami bago ako umalis.

Sumimangot siya. "That's eighteen days already."

"I'll be back before this month ends and before you move to your dorm in Silverstone," paninigurado ko. I know all of them miss me already.

Kahit sina Mom, Dad, and especially Constance, pinapauwi na ako. And yes, you heard me correctly. Sylvan is finally moving into Silverstone. Nakapagdesisyon na rin siya na bawiin ang withdrawal at huwag talikuran ang oportunidad na matagal na niyang pinangarap.

"Can't you make it before the Battle of the Bands?" he requested, which sounds close to pleading. Natahimik ako at napaisip. The Battle of the Bands is next week. Gusto niya na manood ako sa performance nila. Mukhang malabo pa na makauwi ako that time, dahil madami pa akong gustong bisitahin dito pero sige. I'll consider.

"I'm sorry, that's too selfish. I didn't mean to—" agap niya nang hindi ako nakasagot kaagad.

"I'll try my best," I uttered.

Lumiwanag ang mukha niya sa narinig.

"Really?"

I nodded.

"Yep. I'll adjust my schedule and see what happens," sabi ko at tiningnan ang calendar ko sa dressing table. May naka-schedule akong visit sa isang Vatican Museum at pagkatapos, dadalo sa isang art class.