Absentia

GRADUATION

Linnea had been counting down the days to her graduation for what felt like forever. Now, as she stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down her cap and gown, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbled inside her. This was the day she'd been working toward for years, and she wanted everything to be perfect.

Her father, waiting downstairs, was even more thrilled than she was. As Linnea descended the stairs, he beamed with pride. "All set na nak?" he asked, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

"Ready as I'll ever be, dad." Linnea replied with a smile, feeling a rush of warmth at how much this day meant to him.

They climbed into the van, her father practically bouncing in his seat. Linnea couldn't help but giggle at his excitement. It was infectious, and she felt her nerves start to ease.

As they drove, Linnea's phone buzzed. It was a text from her best friend, Kayra.

~ favorite ni kayra si aling myrna best editor in the world sent a message ~

Kayra: Chang, OMG! nakita mo kung sino yung mga guest sa graduation natin? I can't believe this. Si Mayor Alice nandoon, ang ganda non! Can you believe it?

Linnea rolled her eyes at the mention of the mayor.  Linnea couldn’t resist teasing Kayra about it. She knew her best friend was easily excited, and she wanted to see how Kayra would react. With a playful grin, Linnea typed out a message, exaggerating her sarcasm just a bit to see if she could get a rise out of Kayra.

Linnea: Why are you excited about a spy showing up? I'm not aware na you're into corrupt politicians pala?

She hit send, her sarcasm evident in every word.

Kayra: alam mo chang? ang OA mo! She's not that bad naman. Besides, ’di pa naman na confirmed na she's a spy pala. Ba't mo inuuhan vacks, korte ka ba Linnea?

Linnea laughed, satisfied with Kayra’s response. It was just like her best friend to defend someone she admired, even if it was someone Linnea didn’t like. They’d had these kinds of bantering conversations a hundred times before, and it was moments like these that reminded Linnea how much she valued their friendship.

Kayra: anyway before i forgot, congratulations Chang! Galing mo talaga. Love you! kitakits~

Kayra texted.

Linnea: likewise kayrang, take care. Congratulations as well kaykay! see yaaa!

Linnea sighed and put her phone away, focusing on the road ahead. She didn’t want to let anything dampen the joy of the day, not even thoughts of a politician she couldn’t stand. Today was about her, her achievements, and the people who mattered most in her life—like her dad, who was practically glowing with pride beside her.

✦ . ──fast forward ── .✦

As the master of ceremonies welcomed the graduates with a warm, proud voice, the atmosphere in the stadium buzzed with excitement. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the crowd, and families filled the stands, eager to celebrate this milestone.

Linnea, dressed in her cap and gown, walked with her fellow students, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and pride. As she made her way down the aisle, she glanced around at the sea of faces, her father’s smile steadying her nerves. But suddenly, her gaze locked with that of a woman seated prominently near the front.

It was the lady mayor of Bamban, poised and elegant, her presence commanding respect. For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Their eyes met, and Linnea felt an inexplicable pull, as if something deep within her recognized this woman. The mayor's gaze lingered on Linnea, her brow furrowing slightly in curiosity, though the connection between them was yet unknown to her.