Sorrow In Solace

Chapter II

CHAPTER II

I can feel the warm water gently streaming down to my face, cascading through my bare porcelain skin. I was dancing along with the music I played before showering, even the steam were mimicking every sway I did under its dripple. Very therapeutic.

Considering that I live alone, and very much an introverted person, I always make sure that I indulge and appreciate everything I have. This way, I can romanticize my uneventful life.

Itʼs been busy this past few days since I was working on a rush project, I havenʼt been able to go outside thatʼs why I decided to go grocery shopping today and after that, Iʼll probably go straight to that café again.

I hop out before I get way too immerse on taking a bath, drying up my hair on the way to my room.

——
  

Around quarter to three when I got determined to go out and trudge across the nearest supermarket because it was just in front of our building, although I had to use the footbridge for safety. A few more walk wouldnʼt hurt, but getting hit by a moving vehicle could cause death. So... yeah.

By the time I arrived at the supermarket, I immediately took a pushcart; filling it with my monthly needs as I walk past each aisle, starting with foods and drinks, to toiletries and essentials. I even stopped by a small stall with different indoor plants and succulents. Of course, I bought one of their succulent planted in a small white marble pot. Itʼs called cuspidata– formed like a rosette, its tip were a bit thorny. This would look cute in my windowʼs ledge.

It took me about an hour or two just strolling around the market. I didnʼt bother to hurry myself given that itʼs still early to go to the café.

When I was about to queue in the counter, someone familiar approached me. “Hi. Giulia, right?” I nodded to his hesitant question. Heʼs one of that assholeʼs enabler friend. Alam kong di maipagkaila sa mukha ko ang pagkairita dahil sa presensya niya.

“Small world, ha. I didnʼt know you were living here at north.” Dagdag niya pa habang titig na titig saʼkin.

I wanted to tell him to fuck off, but I stayed calm. “Yeah, small world indeed. Actually... I didnʼt really planned to let anyone know.” I murmur, just enough to let him hear. Pinipigilan kong lumingon sa kanʼya baka kasi masakal ko dahil naaalala ko pa ang mga pag-aaya niya kay Orly tuwing may night out sila kasama ʼyong sidechick niya.

He let out an awkward chuckle. “Right.”

It was my turn to checkout my groceries, I wasnʼt able to respond anymore as I focused on getting the products scanned one by one. Although, I can still feel his gaze drilling through me, I havenʼt felt triggered for awhile until now. How can he even look at me?

Kaya ako umalis sa syudad para makalayo at makalimot, because I knew for a fact that I wouldnʼt heal if Iʼd stayed where I got hurt. Seeing myself right now, trembling and ready to explode any moment is scary.

I donʼt want to even remember how fucked up I was...

Akala ko maayos na ako, ni hindi ko nga maalala kung ano ang pangalan niya pero ʼyong hinanakit ko nandito parin at sariwang-sariwa. I always thought that if they werenʼt condoning his actions, we would have worked out. If theyʼd just considered my feelings, I would still be seeing love as innocent and serene. But it happened already, and I am just thankful that I wasnʼt stuck with him and his lies, forever.