How Did It End? (HamBebe)

Islang Pantropiko

Awakened from a nap, Sheena felt a hand gently cover her eyes, a warmth that is both familiar and comforting. The scent that follows is unmistakable—a blend of salty sea breeze and the wildness of the ocean, mingling with a cologne she can never forget. It's as though the scent has been woven into her memories, a thread that always leads her back to one person.

"Bebe," a soft, sweet voice whispers in her ear.

Bebe.

Her heart leaps, and she swiftly pulls the hands away, spinning around to face the one she's been longing to see. There she is, the person who holds her world together. Without hesitation, Sheena wraps her arms around Gwen, hugging her as if they haven't seen each other in six long months, as if they haven't exchanged texts in weeks. The embrace is tight, filled with urgency, and bursting with a love that words can't capture.

"Bebe! Ang sama ng dream ko. Iniwan mo daw ako at 'di na kinakausap," Sheena confesses, her voice trembling with raw emotion. Known for her dramatic flair, she's never been so genuine and unfiltered.

"Aww, Bebe, that will never happen," Gwen says, her eyes softening with concern. It's so typical of her, always sensitive to Sheena's feelings, always ready to offer comfort.

"You know I'll never leave you. I'll always look after my Bebe," Gwen assures her, her voice a soothing blend of playfulness and warmth, her nose scrunching up in that endearing way that always makes Sheena smile.

Relief washes over Sheena like a wave. She can't help but strike a silly, adorable pose—hands on her face, nose scrunched up, dimples showing. She gazes up at Gwen with mischievous eyes.

"Kiss me, Bebe," she demands playfully.

"Mmmwwaaaa!" Gwen obliges with a dramatic, affectionate kiss on her forehead.

"Yey! I love you, Bebe!" Sheena exclaims, her heart swelling with happiness. Their love has always been this way—open, unreserved, overflowing.

"Bebe, I've got a surprise for you! Come on, get up na ikaw," Gwen says, excitement dancing in her voice as she pulls Sheena to her feet.

"Hala! I'm so excited, Bebe!" Sheena giggles as they walk hand in hand along the pristine beach. The sand is as soft and white as powder, the ocean a deep, inviting blue. Everything feels perfect, like a paradise created just for them. There's no need to worry about time or work—just pure, unadulterated joy with her best friend.

"Bebe, is this Islang Pantropiko?" Sheena asks, curiosity making Gwen laugh—a sound that is music to her ears.

"Parang Amanpulo naman 'to, Bebe. Parang mahal ang lahat!" Sheena added, whining playfully.

They continue walking, their laughter mingling with the sound of the waves. As they approach Gwen's surprise, Sheena's excitement grows. The place is everything she's ever dreamed of—fun, beautiful, and nostalgically perfect. Her heart races with anticipation.

But then, in a heartbeat, Gwen vanishes.

Sheena's breath hitches, her heart thudding violently as she scans the surroundings. Time slows, the scene blurs at the edges, like an old film reel. The once vivid colors of the beach fade into muted tones, and the soft hum of the ocean becomes an eerie silence. She turns frantically, her movements heavy and disjointed, as if she's moving through a viscous dream.

"Gwen? Bebe?" she calls out, her voice faltering, swallowed by the oppressive stillness.

Only the distant, indifferent crash of waves responds. Sheena stands there, enveloped in an overwhelming sense of solitude, the once-perfect paradise now marred by an unsettling void. The moment she cherished has slipped through her fingers, leaving her grasping at shadows, the warmth of her dream replaced by an icy emptiness.