Walang Kapalit

something to look forward to

Leni lounged on the couch with Rocco sleeping on her lap. A show played on the TV at a low volume as she used her phone to scroll through social media. She paused when she saw Risa's story from the Akbayan event earlier that day. The photos showed Risa on stage with her fellow kabaro, their fists raised in solidarity. The caption read, "Tayo ang oposisyon! Atin ang Bukas."

Leni's heart swelled with admiration. Without hesitation, she tapped a response: "Ang ganda ganda mo naman in red."

She smiled and continued scrolling, catching up on the day's updates and replying to a few messages. Just as she was about to put her phone down, it buzzed.

Risa had replied, "Thank you 😊💜 and thank you na rin sa heart-warming video message mo kanina."

Leni's heart skipped a beat. She stared at the message. After a moment, she decided to be bold.

"Always fighting with you. Kamusta 'yung event?" she typed, hitting send before she could second-guess herself.

She watched the typing indicator appear and disappear a few times before Risa's response came through.

"Super! It would've been more fun if you were there. Namiss kita."

Leni felt warmth spread through her chest. She hesitated, fingers hovering over the keyboard. "Namiss din kita. Maybe we can catch up this weekend?"

"G! Sabado, free ka ba?"

A grin spread across Leni's face. "Oo, free na free. Saan tayo kita?"

"Sa usual resto natin? 3 PM?"

Leni quickly agreed, excitement bubbling inside her. "Okay, kita kits sa Sabado."

Leni's excitement was clear as she set her phone down, but in her haste, her thumb accidentally hit the call icon. She realized too late when the phone started ringing.

Her heart raced. Should she hang up? Before she could decide, she heard Risa's voice on the other end.

"Hello? Leni?"

"Hi Risa! Sorry, I didn't mean to call."

Risa chuckled softly. "No worries ano ka ba. It's actually nice to hear your voice."

Leni's nerves eased at Risa's laughter. "Same here. Kamusta ka?"

"I'm good! Just tired from the event, but it was really special. A lot of our friends were there too. Ikaw?"

"I'm alright. Just been busy kanina sa AB office," Leni replied, feeling the usual comfort of their conversations return.

There was a brief silence before Risa spoke again. "I'm really looking forward to Saturday. It feels like it's been ages since yung last hang out natin."

"I know, maski ako rin naman. I miss our usual catch-ups."

"Me too," Risa echoed. "You know, I really appreciate how you always check in on me."

Leni felt a rush of warmth. "Sino pa bang magsusuportahan kundi tayo lang din. Andito lang ako sa likod ninyo."

Another pause settled in, filled with comfortable silence. Leni could hear the faint sound of Risa shifting on the other end.

"So," Risa began with a teasing tone, "did you really accidentally call, or was this your way of hearing my voice?"

Leni laughed. "Totally accidental, I promise. But I'm glad it happened."

"Yeah, me too."

"Patulog ka na?"

Risa's response came after a brief pause. "Not yet. I'm just finishing up some work. Why?"

Leni smiled. "Curious lang. I was hoping you were getting some rest na."

"I will soon," Risa said, her tone softening. "For now I should let you go so you can rest. But I'm really looking forward to see you again."

"Me too, Risa. Take care."

"You too, Leni. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

As the call ended, Leni lay back on her bed, a contented smile on her face. The accidental call had turned out to be a happy accident, and now she had Saturday to look forward to.

~

best kumares yan sila online kahit walang layag in real life sure ako 🤭 belated national gf day pala, mga bading 🌈💖 follow your bliss!