Cure in His Soul

Chapter 3

    "Ako na ate Malia," saad ko sa kaibigan ko.

    "Andyan ka pala, hay nako mabigat, kaya roon ka na," pagsuway niya sa akin.

    "What's the use of my muscles, then?" I fired back.
 
    "Pretty well with English, huh?" she teased.
 
    "I got a good tutor." I proudly tapped my chest and ceased saluting.

Ate Malia is the only one from our rural area to study in town; she has a plethora of opportunities, and her determination can't be doubted for a second. She is assertive in pursuing her dreams and deeply engrossed in her studies, which I admire about her. Fortunately for me, I'm the one she chose to learn about her legacy.

Since my grandparents moved from here and lived in the city for a long time, we are prone to city life. But we are always in touch with living here, so even if it's not summer, as long as we have time, we will go back and live here. It depends on our minds and wants.

    "Fond of excitement, Sonomi." We both chuckled.
 
    "You don't have plans to go back to the city?" I asked her. "No"
 
    "Ouch, it looks like you're resentful of me," I remarked.
 
    "Maybe not you, maybe the city." She looked at me and hit the bag in front using her right foot.

It's our bond to train randomly near the river. Aside from covert space, the water's sound is calming.
 
I walked to the side and stopped the bag. She glares at me, full of clues.
 
    "Maybe the unforgettable love," I smirk.
 
    "Stop," she warned me. 

I chuckled again and positioned myself to start my training. "One, two, three."
 
Malia tried to strike my back as she turned around to avoid my arnis, but I instantly lowered my height to hit her leg, which dropped her to the ground.
 
    "Nice fight," she smirked. "I trained you well, didn't I?"

    "What a shame to say no!" I laughed. It's undeniable; she's absolutely dashing!
 
We laughed and sat at a table near our practice area. I drank from my tumbler and watched her ponder. 
 
    "Pretty thoughts or reminiscing?" I ask.
 
    "Shut up," she said, raising a brow.

    "Honestly, I'm curious if you trained him," I openly said.
 
    "He doesn't need a trainer," she answered. "You do!" She jumped from the table and picked her weapon.

    "Gunslinger," I despair.

I pick mine too, and I follow her to our next spot, not far from our first area.

    "Fire," she commanded, and I actioned.
 
    "Seven heads hit," she shrugged. "Better than me?'' I rolled my eyes at her last statement.

She got straight ten headshots and I got seven, tho I ace the three in the body part!

After the training, we go back to our first spot to simply chitchat about life and rest for a while.
 
    "I'm glad you came over here. I'm bored," she said.
 
    "Then visit me!" I punched her elbow slightly, not giving hard force.

    "No. Way." Diin niyang sagot

    "Te, ang laki-laki ng lugar hinding hindi kayo magkikita!" Irita kong saad.

    "Pag-iisipan ko. Ikaw ba, may nagugustuhan kana?"

    "Bakit napunta sa akin?" Taas kilay kong sagot.

    "None so far miss, ma'am," I continued.

  "Well, let's stop talking about love; let's just start doing things we love." She handed me a box.
 
It was full of strings and beads; on the side compartment are shells. We'll make bracelets and necklaces.
 
We start forming it while gushing into our lives. We discussed our future plans and gave advice when we could.

It was a great day of stay. Before heading home, we swim in the river and fight like little kids. 

    "Ha. ha. ha," pikon na siya. "Ha ha ha," natatawa ako.

Umalis na kami bago pa tuluyang dumilim sa langit.  I feel safe today.

    "So, next time ulit?" I nodded and hugged her. She hugged me back.

I am attached to her; to here. Each time I'm with her, I can't feel that I am different. I can't feel or hear my malady. I'm just totally me, especially in nature.

It enfolded me to just be me for a moment. It is my life to hope for, survive for, and live for.
 
    "Salamat, sa susunod ulit, ate!" I waved my hand before entering our car.
 
    "Breathe."