A Little Lost

Chapter Three: New Rhythms

LOUIE

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the thin curtains of my apartment, casting a warm glow over the room. It was the weekend, and with no classes scheduled, I figured it was a good opportunity to start incorporating some exercise into my routine. I had searched online for a nearby gym, only to discover that Laoag, with its small-town charm, had none. The thought of the city's hustle seemed so distant from here. I sighed and decided to go for a jog instead.

Laoag, though far from the bustling city life, had its own distinct charm. I laced up my running shoes and stepped outside into the cool morning air, which felt refreshing against the warmth of the apartment. The town's streets were quiet, and the serene surroundings were a welcome change from the noise I'd grown used to in my old town.

As I jogged along the roads, I took in the scenery. The town was surrounded by verdant fields and gentle hills, and the horizon was dotted with traditional bahay kubos. Their thatched roofs gleamed in the morning light, and the distant mountains, shrouded in mist, added a serene backdrop to the landscape.

I followed a route that led me to a small beach I had discovered during one of my earlier explorations. The beach wasn't a typical tourist spot; it was more of a local secret, with golden sands stretching out towards the tranquil blue waters. The peacefulness of the place was exactly what I needed. I slowed my pace to a walk and made my way to the shoreline, feeling the warm sand beneath my feet.

I found a spot to sit, letting my tired muscles relax as I gazed out at the shimmering water. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore created a soothing background, and I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the tranquility wash over me. It was a welcome escape from the pressures of college life and the challenges of adapting to a new environment.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky with brilliant hues of orange and pink, I watched in awe. The colors blended together in a spectacular display, and the sight made me feel both small and connected to something larger. It was a reminder of the beauty that existed beyond the confines of my daily routines.

Eventually, I stood up and began my walk back to the apartment. The fading light cast long shadows across the beach, and the calm atmosphere made the journey home pleasant. As I neared the edge of the beach, I noticed a car parked nearby. The windows were fogged up, but the outlines of a couple inside were visible. They were kissing and flirting, their display of affection starkly contrasting with the solitude I had just enjoyed.

For a moment, the guy's eyes met mine through the misted window. I felt a jolt of discomfort, a mix of surprise and disapproval at their public display. Despite my initial disgust, I couldn't deny that the guy in the car was attractive. His eyes, though fleetingly glimpsed, were striking—intense and full of an emotion that I couldn't quite place. I quickly averted my gaze and continued my walk, feeling a swirl of conflicting emotions.

Back in my apartment, the silence was interrupted by the familiar chime of my phone. It was a video call from my mother back in my town. I answered with a smile, seeing her familiar face on the screen.

"How are you, anak?" my mother asked, her voice filled with warmth and concern.

"I'm doing well, just getting used to everything here," I replied, trying to sound more upbeat than I felt. The distance from home was still a challenge, but I didn't want to burden my mother with my struggles.

My mother added, "We're proud of you, you know. It's not easy being so far from home, but I know you'll do great anak"

I nodded, feeling a mix of pride and homesickness. "Thanks, ma. I'm doing my best."

After exchanging a few more words and expressions of love, the call ended. I sat quietly for a moment, reflecting on the brief connection with my mother. It was comforting to see her face, even if only through a screen.

Feeling emotionally drained, I prepared for bed. I changed into my pajamas and crawled under the covers, the day's events replaying in my mind. The peaceful moments at the beach and the unexpected encounter with the couple had highlighted the complexities of my new life.

As I drifted off to sleep, the image of the sunset lingered in my mind—a symbol of the beauty and unpredictability of my journey. And as I closed my eyes, the striking eyes of the guy I had seen at the beach surfaced in my thoughts. They were mesmerizing, their intensity echoing in my mind like an unanswered question.