The tale of the lost poet

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 12: THE SILENCE BETWEEN US

The sun had barely risen when I found myself sitting at my desk, notebook open, a pen tapping rhythmically against the paper. Aurora's lessons had sparked a creative fire within me, and I was eager to capture the fleeting images and emotions that danced in my mind. Each word I wrote felt like a step closer to understanding not just poetry, but myself.

It had been weeks since our poetry sessions began, and our conversations had grown deeper, more meaningful. Aurora had become more than just a mentor; she was a friend, a confidante. Her guidance and our shared moments had become an integral part of my life. But there's something more. I just... couldn't put my finger in it.

As I penned the last line of my latest poem, my phone buzzed. Notification from a local book fair happening this afternoon. The thought of spending the day surrounded by books and literary enthusiasts was too tempting to pass up.

Pagka dating ko sa place, agad akong winelcome ng amoy ng maraming libro. Hindi ko alam kung bakit mas adik pa yung iba sa amoy ng mga gasolina kasya sa amoy ng libro eh. 

I wandered through the stalls, browsing an array of titles and soaking in the vibrant energy of fellow book lovers.

As I perused the books, I stumbled upon a section dedicated to local authors. One title caught my eye—The tale of the lost poet by Aurora CS.  I picked it up, a sense of pride welling within me knowing Aurora was the author. 

"Naks naman, kung san san na napapadpad yung libro niya." I said to my self and smiled. 

I bought the book and found a quiet corner to sit and read. Hindi kopa kasi ito tapos, madalas kong nakakalimutan dahil andami kong inaasikaso. 

Habang binabasa ko yung libro, nakalimutan ko atang nasa ugali talaga niya ang mag sulat ng mga poems na malalalim. Hays, hindi talaga siya pumapalya sa pang gugulat. 

Lost in the pages, I didn't notice the time passing until my phone buzzed again. It was a message from Xiamira.

"Kupido! Nasa book fair ka? Kape tayo."

I smiled, grateful for her company. "Yeah, sige. See you at the café near the entrance in 15 minutes."

I made my way to the café, still clutching Aurora's book. Xiamira was already there, her eyes lighting up when she saw me.

"Ayow waszzup, Kupido! Ano kinuha mo?" she asked, nodding towards the book in my hand

I showed her the cover. "It's Aurora's book."

Xiamira raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Meron kana niyan eh. Inlove ka talaga sakaniya."

I blushed slightly and looked away. "Ewan ko sayo."

We ordered our drinks and sat down, chatting about the book fair and our favorite finds. As we talked, my mind kept drifting back to Aurora and the connection I felt through her poetry. I couldn't wait for our next session, eager to share my thoughts on her work and continue our literary journey together.

The afternoon slipped away in a pleasant haze of conversation and laughter. As I walked back to my apartment, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something special. Aurora's enigmatic presence in my life had sparked a new passion within me, and I was excited to see where this journey would lead.

Back at my desk, I opened my notebook, inspired by the day's events. The words flowed effortlessly, each line a tribute to the discoveries and connections that had shaped my day. And as I wrote, I knew that whatever the future held, I was ready to embrace it with a heart full of poetry and a spirit eager for new adventures.




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Days turned into a week, and the anticipation of my next poetry session with Aurora grew. I had so much to share—my thoughts on her book, the poems I had written, and the inspiration that had blossomed within me. But as the days passed, I noticed something unsettling: Aurora's replies to my messages became sporadic, then nonexistent.

At first, I told myself she was busy. After all, she was an accomplished author with a demanding schedule. But as the silence stretched on, unease began to gnaw at me. I found myself checking my phone constantly, hoping for even a brief response. Each time, there was nothing.


Kinakabahan ako. Nung una, okay pa naman nung una ah? Eto naba yon? Yung sinasabi niyang...


It wasn't like her. Aurora was always attentive, always engaged. This sudden distance was perplexing, and I couldn't help but wonder if I had done something wrong. Had I said something to upset her? 

One afternoon, I sat at my desk, staring at the half-written poem in my notebook. The words that had once flowed so easily now felt stilted, forced. My thoughts kept drifting back to Aurora, to the silence that now hung between us like an invisible wall.

In an attempt to clear my mind, I decided to visit our usual café. Maybe the familiar setting would provide some comfort, some clarity. As I walked in, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me, a small but welcome solace.

I found a quiet corner and ordered my usual drink. As I waited, my eyes wandered around the café, half-expecting to see Aurora walk in, a smile on her face. But she didn't. I pulled out my phone and typed a quick message:

Emrys Rowan: Hey, Ms. Aurora. Just wanted to check in and see how you're doing. Miss our sessions. Hope everything is okay.

I hit send and stared at the screen, willing a response to appear. Minutes passed, and then an hour. Nothing. The ache in my chest grew, and I felt a pang of loneliness that I hadn't experienced in a long time.

Bakit siya nagiging ganito? Anong nagawa ko? 

Wala akong nagawa, diba? It must be something else...

I left the café and wandered aimlessly through the streets, lost in my thoughts. Every corner, every familiar spot reminded me of her—our conversations, her laughter, the way her eyes lit up when she spoke about poetry. The city felt emptier without her presence.

Back at my house, I tried to immerse myself in writing, hoping to find some solace in the words. But the silence was deafening. I found myself scribbling lines of frustration and longing, each one a reflection of the turmoil within me.

"Kupido! Kamusta?" Xiamira's message flashed on my screen, a small ray of light in the darkness.

"Hey, Xi. Been better. Aurora's been distant lately. Haven't heard from her in days, nag aalala na ako." I replied, grateful for her friendship.

"Hay, baka may pinagdadaanan lang. Give her some space. Pero if you need someone to talk to, andito lang ako."

I thanked her and put my phone down, her words echoing in my mind. Maybe Aurora did need space. Maybe there was something she was dealing with that she wasn't ready to share. But the not knowing was the hardest part.

Di bale, in-expect kona to. Hindi nako nagulat. Alam kona naman kung ano yung pinapasok ko, unang una palang. 

*****


As the days turned into another week, the silence persisted. I tried to focus on my poetry, on the small moments of beauty in everyday life, but the void Aurora left behind was ever-present. I missed her guidance, her warmth, her presence.

One evening, as I sat on my balcony, watching the sun set, I decided to write her a letter. Maybe, just maybe, it would reach her in a way my messages hadn't.

"Dear Aurora,

I hope this letter finds you well. I miss our sessions and our conversations. Your silence has left a void that I can't quite fill. I understand if you need space or time, but know that I'm here for you, just as you've been for me.

Your guidance has meant more to me than you can imagine, and I hope we can continue this journey together. But if not, I hope you find whatever it is you're seeking.

Take care, Aurora.

Emrys."

I sealed the letter and placed it in an envelope, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. I didn't know if it would make a difference, but it was the best I could do. For now, all I could do was wait and hope that the silence would eventually break, and Aurora would find her way back.