Feeling lost and questioning her life, Aiah sets off on a solo trip in search of answers. She never expects that this journey will lead her to a deep, meaningful connection that changes her forever.
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AIAH’S POV
I headed towards Colet with a big smile on my face. She’s smiling too.
Umupo na ako sa tabi niya. “Alam mo, parang naniniwala na ako sa Siargao Curse. This is just my third day, and I haven’t explored the whole island yet pero parang ayoko na umuwi.” I said while looking towards the blue sea in front of us.
“Totoo talaga yun, yan din nangyari sakin. Di na ako nakauwi the moment I set foot on this island.” Colet replied. What? Hindi pala siya taga rito?
“Really? Hindi ka pala taga dito?” I asked her.
“Hindi. I’m originally from Bohol.” She answered.
"So, what brought you here?" I asked. She looked at me and then back at the sea.
“A few months before I graduated college, I lost both of my parents in an accident.” She paused.
"I'm sorry to hear that. That must have been very hard for you," I replied sympathetically.
"Then soon after, I lost my first and only girlfriend," she sighed heavily. I was shocked by everything she just said.
“Wait, namatay din siya?” I asked out of curiosity.
She giggled, “Hindi pero parang ganun na nga. After namin grumaduate ng college, she went to the US to pursue her dreams pero dapat sabay kami. That’s the original plan pero hindi na niya ako hinintay.” She paused.
"I was grieving the loss of my parents, and I lost my focus. I didn't really think about my future anymore. What happened was so tragic that I lost everything in a single snap," she explained sadly.
I think anyone who has gone through the same thing as she did would also feel lost along the way.
“My ex was very future oriented, lahat nakaplano na bago pa kami grumaduate. Hindi ko pa kaya na umalis na lang ng basta-basta because of what happened. I asked for another year pero hindi niya ako pinagbigyan.” I’m speechless. Ang sakit ng pinagdaanan niya, parang dinouble kill pa ng ex niya.
“She said she couldn't delay her dreams any longer para samahan ako magluksa kasi sayang yung panahon. She flew to the US and insisted I come along, but I wasn't ready. So, it became a major fight between us for the longest time, and that's how our relationship ended," she said with a smile, but I knew it was painful for her.
“Ang sakit naman nun, syempre you need to process what happened to your parents kahit paano.” I spoke.
“That's why I came here sa Siargao—to do just that at para tumakas na muna sa Bohol at kalimutan na muna lahat ng nangyari for a while.” She paused.
“I see my parents in every corner of our house. And every corner of Bohol reminds me of my ex since we literally grew up there together. I feel like if I were to stay longer in Bohol, baka nabaliw na talaga ako ng tuloyan," she confided.
I listened attentively as she shared her story. It felt like a rare moment of openness between us.
“Nakakalungkot na lang kasi kung sino pa yung inaasahan mo na hahawak ng kamay mo while you try to process everything, yun pa yung taong bumitaw at nang-iwan din sayo.” She sighed.
"I understand. It must’ve been painful for you to stay there." I empathized.
“Yes, that's why I came here. The island is so peaceful that it calmed every storm within me. Dito ko nahanap yung peace of mind na hindi ko na experience ng napakatagal sa bohol or anywhere else. Dito kumalma ang puso ko, dito na din ako naging kontento sa buhay.”
I understood her feelings deeply because I was currently going through it. Nawala lahat ng pagod, burnout, at pressure to be the best all the time. Wala kang image or reputation na kailangan imaintain dito sa island. Just live.
“If you don’t mind me asking, how did the hostel come about? Was it part of your initial plan nung pumunta ka dito?” I asked out of curiosity.
“When my parents died iniwanan nila ako ng trust fund. I used half of that trust fund to buy land and build the hostel. I decided to stay here for good kasi wala naman na akong babalikan sa Bohol except for our house there.” She explained.
“What happened to you was quite tragic, I’m so sorry to hear all of this. But at the same time, I’m genuinely happy for you. Hindi ko man alam if you’re completely happy na, but I wish you a kinder sea.” I looked at her and smile.
"I appreciate that," she said, smiling at me before turning towards the blue sea in front of us.
She continued, “It's ironic how the 'Siargao Curse,' as they call it, can actually be your biggest blessing." She looked at me and smiled. I smiled back at her, agreeing wholeheartedly because it was indeed true.
She stood up and dusted off the sand from her shorts. "Tara na?" She offered a hand to help me stand up.
This girl has gone through so much at a very young age. Her constant grumpiness made sense—it was a defense mechanism. The pain she endured was overwhelming, making it natural to shield herself from potential hurt by keeping people at a distance.
With only a few days of knowing Colet and hearing her story, it's clear she puts up a tough exterior as a shield. But deep down, she's a soft-hearted person and genuinely good. I can't help but wish for the universe to be kinder to her because she truly deserves it.
