Dandelions in the Wind

47

"Alright, I think we've covered everything on our agenda. Does anyone have any final thoughts or questions?" pormal na pagtatapos ni Miranda habang nakaupo sa dulo ng mesa at kaharap ang ilang empleyado sa loob ng conference room.

"I believe we're all set. The action items are clear," nakangiting sagot ni Mr. Vargas, ang Marketing Director, habang inaayos ang suot na salamin at maingat na pinatong-patong ang mga papeles na nasa kaniyang harapan at inipit sa puting folder.

"I'm good. I'll send out the updated financial projections this afternoon," pagsang-ayon naman ni Melanie Suarez, ang accountant ng Flavell Museum.

Tipid na napangiti si Miranda at tumango. "Excellent. In that case, let's wrap this up. Thank you all for your input today." Pinagdaop ni Miranda ang kaniyang mga palad bilang taos-pusong pasasalamat. "Remember, we need those quarterly reports by Friday. Have a productive week, everyone." Isa-isang isinalansan ni Miranda ang mga nakalatag na papeles sa folder at maingat na inayos ito.

Narinig ang kaluskos ng mga papel at iba pang gamit nang isa-isang nagsipag-alisan ang mga empleyado. Nanatiling nakaupo si Miranda at pansamantalang inangat ang tingin habang may pinipirmahan. "Miss Lucas, can you stay for a moment, please?" malumanay na pakiusap ni Miranda habang abala sa pagpipirma.

"Of course, Miranda," walang anumang tugon ni Dionne at lumapit sa dako ni Miranda. Hinaplos ng kamay ni Dionne ang harapan ng suot na bestida nang maupo sa bakanteng upuan malapit kay Miranda. Napatuwid sa pagkakaupo, nag-dekuwatro, at sinandal ang likuran.

Binaba ni Miranda ang hawak na pluma at itinabi sa kumpol ng papeles. "Dionne, I heard you're thinking about resigning. Is your decision final?" banayad na tanong ni Miranda.

Napatikhim si Dionne at tumango. "Yes, Miranda. I've made up my mind. I've accepted a job offer abroad."

"Wow, that's a big step!" humahanga ngunit may panghihinayang na namutawi sa mata ni Miranda. "Are you absolutely sure about this? Maybe you should think it over a bit more," paniniguro ni Miranda.

Tipid na napangiti si Dionne. "I appreciate your concern, Miranda, but—" saglit napatigil si Dionne magsalita at napayuko. "But I've given it a lot of thought," determinadong wika nito.

Napabuntonghininga si Miranda. "I understand that, but we value you so much here. Is there anything we can do to make you stay? A new project, perhaps, or a different position?" pangungumbinsi nito.

"I really appreciate that, Miranda. It's not about dissatisfaction here. I just feel this is the right move for me at this stage in my life."

"I get it, but think about the impact you have here, especially with the art lessons and scholarships. You're making a real difference," pahayag ni Miranda.

Napatikhim si Dionne sabay napahaplos sa kaniyang buhok. "That means a lot to me, and I'll always cherish my time here. But I believe I can also make a difference in new ways abroad," determinadong saad ni Dionne, pilit itinago ang lungkot sa kaniyang mata nang iniwas ang tingin kay Miranda.

Pinagdaop ni Miranda ang kaniyang palad at napatango. "Alright, Dionne. Just promise me you'll take a few more days to consider it before making anything official. We'd hate to lose you," huling pakiusap nito.

Ngumiti si Dionne at malumanay na nagsalita. "I promise, Miranda. I'll think it over again."

++++

"Dionne, are you going to attend the pride parade in San Felipe?" tanong ni Tracy habang isa-isa niyang tinanggal ang mga polaroid pictures na nakadikit sa bulletin board at maayos na hiniwalay ang mga thumbtacks.