SIMULA
The facility was big. It was one of the biggest and most respected hospitals in the country, having helped many people and being a desired workplace for many employees. Being called to serve here is already a great opportunity for me.
But why do I feel like it was a mistake to take this task and come back here?
Kailan ko naramdaman na mali ang pagbalik ko rito? Baka siguro dahil ayaw ko nang bumalik? O dahil wala na akong babalikan pa? O dahil....
"Ms. de Guzman?" My train of thought was interrupted by one of the hospital directors.
"It states here that your company suggests you to work here..." The interview process and the introduction of the company continued.
I was offered a transfer back when my company abroad heard that I was planning to take leave to return to this country. They told me that staying here would be a great opportunity and a big break for me and that my service is needed here as a nurse.
I took a deep breath when I stepped outside the hospital. Maybe it's not too bad?
I looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar structures outside the facility. And it hits me.
It really has been 5 years, huh?
The hospital told me that I could start in 3 weeks. Compared to my previous work time I am only needed 3 days a week. The hospital lives up to its name. The schedules are not hectic and they give employees fair treatment and opportunities.
"Hoy girlll!! Narinig mo ba na may nakakita daw kay Ali reto?!" I was waiting for my cab when I heard two girls, who, according to their uniforms, were still interns at the hospital.
The other girl squealed and shook her friend's shoulder.
"Medyo nalungkot nga ako at hindi ko sched kahapon! Pero sino ba naman ako para malungkot? Kung totoo man na nandito siya kahapon edi sisinghutin ko lahat ng daanan sa hospital nato!"
Tumawa silang dalawa habang papasok sa pasilidad.
Ali was seen here?
E ano naman?
It must have just been someone who looked like him.
When a cab finally arrived, I went inside.
The majority of billboards you could see has only one face plastered on it. Even though it had been 2 or 3 years since it still hadn't been taken down.
You could still hear that person's voice on every radio and see his face on every television screen. Despite retiring a year ago and becoming less frequent in the world of showbiz, his name continued to be heard everywhere.
My phone rang.
I answered the incoming call while the cab's radio was introducing a new song.
"Saan kana bes?" my bestfriend voice was heard.
"Malapit na ako. Pinuntahan ko lang ang hospital para ma process ang paglipat ko" I said when I was interrupted by the song that is being played.
One of the songs in that album.
"Oh sige, Ingat ka! Nag luto si nanay nang paborito mo--- ay shet sabihan mo si manong paki-tapon nang radio niya!" I felt my breath, which I hadn't realized I was holding, gradually return to normal as I chuckled at Fely's remark.
How long was it when I stopped listening to anything that had to do with him?
"It's okay, I was just shocked on hearing it again" I replied to stop my friend from hyperventilating.
"Ay goods din yan at talagang marami ka pang maririning dahil andito ka sa lungga ni top star" I laughed at her term.
"Oo naman. It's been 5 years already. Matagal na iyon"
It's true though. When I was abroad, I could also see his face anywhere. Kaya hindi na ako nagulat na mas marami dito. His face is everywhere that one would think na baka picture or standee niya lang ang nakita ng mga stuffs sa hospital. Wala namang balita na pumunta yun sa hospital. And why would I care actually?
Natapos ang call namin ni Fely.
I closed my eyes as the song on the radio continued.
He did it. He became someone people looked up to. His music touched hearts and was enjoyed by many.
As I closed my eyes, memories slowly crawled out through the cracks made by the song that is playing.
Habang nasa taxi pa talaga kayo lumabas?
I paid the fare at lumabas ako ng taxi. My friend was standing outside their house.
"Hindi mo naman kailangan pang lumabas para namang others to" I went to her and gave her a hug.
"Ay talagang lalabas ako baka mag kacrush pa ang kapitbahay namin sayo, noh!" We both laugh and entered her house.
Fely was a friend I met when I was still in college. We took up the same course and worked at the same hospital before. She is like a sister to me. Kaya nong sinabi niyang magpapakasal na siya ay hindi ako nag dalawang isip na umuwi.
"Susukatan ka ulit ngayon for adjustments para sa susuotin mo" Fely said as I looked around her house, which was packed with people busy sorting out her wedding plans.
"Pero kain muna tayo! At may binigay ka na rin namang measurements before ka bumalik rito" she added.
Her wedding will take place in 2 weeks. She and her fiancé have been planning the wedding since last year. I went back here a month ago.
"Kamusta naman ang tita mo?" She asked.
"Andon at pumunta nang probinsya para sa mga kamag-anak namin don." I replied as I followed her to their kitchen. Despite being new, her place felt homey. Together with her fiancé, they had built a home where they would start their family.
"Edi ikaw lang mag isa sa bahay niyo? Dito ka nalang kaya muna?" She said while preparing the plates.
I went to her and helped prepare.
"Okay lang, at kailangan ko ring masanay sa bahay na yun" I replied.
While I was abroad, I had the means to build a house here in the Philippines. My aunt lived there while I was still abroad. When I came back a month ago, she saw it as an opportunity to return to the province, which she did two days ago. Ani niya, namimiss niya na raw sa probinsya.
"Wag ka nang masanay! May isang kwarto diyan at pinagawa ko para sayo" I was touch by what Fely said.
"Salamat, pero hindi siguro ako makatira dito pang matagalan at baka marinig ko ang pagdidilig niyo sa gabi!" I bust out laughing habang sinapak ni Fely ang braso ko.
"Ang laswa ng baba mo!" she exclaimed.
"Pero sana talaga gabi-gabi" she added which made both of us laughed.
We were so busy talking that we didn't notice the house become silent.
"Babe, I'm home!" We turned around to see where the voice was coming from.
Fely ran into the arms of the man standing at her kitchen door.
I smiled as I saw the both of them hugging.
"Oh, Aria you are here!" I was about to greet Hans when my smile and greeting slowly faded away.
Standing behind Hans was a person who could rival the Greek gods.
His eyes met mine. Inside it reflects nothingness. There is no more warmth that was always there.
What are the odds?
"Ali and I saw each other at the racing track earlier...." Hans began his introduction to the man standing beside him. Fely looked at me with wide eyes and lips agape.
Really. What are the odds?