And You Became My Favorite Track

Chapter 2

Hello, Manila!

"Hello, Manila, I'm coming." The words echoed in my mind, almost like a promise to myself, but the excitement was overshadowed by a bittersweet heaviness as the day of departure drew nearer.

I couldn't push away the sadness that clung to me. Manila is waiting, full of  new opportunity and new beginnings, but in the back of my mind, all I could think about is what I am about to lose. Was this really what I wanted, or was I just trying to convince myself?

This seems like a candle with a glimpse of hope shining through but with a hint of sadness and what could possibly hurt more if that hope dissipates soon?

I was still asleep until a glimpse of sunshine went through my open windows. The heat felt like it was pricking my skin. I woke up with a heavy head and a very dull looking face.

Ang init pala talaga dito sa Vigan. Hindi ako nagigising sa alarm ko kundi sa sinag ng araw na sumisilip sa bintana ko everytime the clock hits 6 am.

Kakaiba rito. Siguro dahil sa climate change, kaya ganon?

Umagang umaga pa lamang ay napakainit na.

I rose up and stretched a little. The sheats slid through my skin as I was trying to get up from bed.

The moment i stood up i grabbed my tumbler and filled it up with water. Ugali kong uminom ng tubig kapag kakagising ko.

Habang umiinom ay nakikita kong ihinahanda ni Manang Minda ang breakfast namin. Walang tao sa kusina kundi kami lang ni Manang.

She initiated a conversation saying;

"Good morning Rylle, mukhang pagod na pagod ka yata" she said.

"Ang sakit ng ulo ko Manang, ang init kasi, pinagpapawisan kaya ako nang magising ako." sabi ko.

"Halata nga sa mukha mo. Maghilamos ka na riyan at kakain na raw kayo ng Lola at Lolo mo." aniya.

I was still wondering where is everybody that's why I asked Manang.

But you know what, It is no longer a new thing to me when everybody is not around every morning.

Because in this home, everyone is expected to be productive. Iyan ang gusto ng Lola at Lolo ko pero I wanted them to be around at sabay sabay man lang kami kumain bago ako umalis mamayang hapon.

"I want to make the most out of this day. Besides, I am few hours away from leaving this house. "

"Manang, sina lola mommy at lolo daddy? Nasaan po sila? Nasaan rin po si tito Arlando at tita Marian?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"Sina mommy mo pumunta sa farm dahil may kailangan ayusin pero pabalik na. Sina tito mo naman namalengke. Ang sabi ko nga ako nalang ang mamalengke pero ayaw ni tito mo dahil gusto ka raw nila ipagluto bago ka umalis. Magkakaroon ata ng salo salo mamayang tanghali kaya sumugod sila doon sa market ng ganito kaaga, alam mo naman, mas maganda mamalengke ng umaga para konti ang tao." she answered.

I raised my brow and looked away with a small smile on my face. Wow, they are really trying to make this day special for me but just like yesterday, I am not really excited to leave.

A random, unexpected thought lingered through my mind.

"Ganito na ang dati kong ginigisingang tahanan, lahat ay abala, lahat may kanya kanyang ginagawa, lahat alam ang ginagawa pero what does morning feel like in Manila?"

Manila, with its bright lights and limitless possibilities, could be the chance I need to grow, to find myself. I smiled with a little hope.

Siguro nga I should be happy because it's a new life that awaits me there. I may be sad right now but what if they are right? What if i should give it a try? let go of my fears, and see what lies on the other side?