Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
This place didn't change at all. I'm not saying that it did not meet its economic development, but I'm saying that it didn't change to give me nostalgic memories. It was morning when I was wearing my button up jacket paired with cycling shorts and sport shoes as I had a run in the neighborhood of Del Rio Manolo, it was a huge town in the countryside. It was part of the Provinces in Bukidnon. The morning was calm, and I had to stop running to talk to people I had known for since I lived here my entire life, but after 7 years of leaving this place, I was back here again when I vowed I won't even be back here.
This town was named after my great grandfather who used to be the Governor in the province. Del Rio Manolo was his name. After his passing, his descendants followed his footsteps in politics to retain his legacy. I've heard a lot about him, how he was a great Governor, and how he became less evil and less corrupt from other politicians. His descendants, especially his eldest son ruined his legacy that's why our family's plans to maintain peace and advocate change in this municipality were corrupted. As the repercussions of such an act, it was a painful past I didn't want to remember. I lost my family because of politics.
After I ran, I stopped at the farmer's market to get groceries. Since it's sunday, I was happy that I was able to catch the flea market. I just bought fruits and vegetables, I also bought chia seeds because I was bloating recently.
"Buti naman at nakauwi ka, Langga! Grabe, wala na kaming balita sayo ah." That was Uncle Tino, he was old now, kaibigan sya ng papa. He was a dedicated farmer. I was buying potatoes from their store.
I timidly smiled while taking out some money from my wallet while I was struggling to carry the paper bag full of fruits. "Ah oo nga, Uncle. It's been 7 years na rin."
"Dito ka na titira?" He asked before he put all the potatoes in the net bag.
I abruptly shook my head. "Mga apat na araw lang po ako rito. May aasikasuhin lang po ako tungkol sa transfer of title sa lupa. Iyan kasi ang bilin ng papa."
He smiled then handed me the net bag of sweet potatoes. "Ilang taon ka na pala noong nawala si pareng Roweno? 3rd year ka na ba sa law school non?"
"2nd year pa po..." My voice became small as I handed him my payment.
"Naku! Huwag na, Langga. Libre na 'yan. Para ka namang hindi namin kakilala." He insisted on just giving me the potatoes for free. Ayoko namang tanggihan. Madali akong kausap kaya tumango ako kaagad at nagpasalamat. I didn't want to stay longer just to chitchat because I was so hungry already that's why I started walking to leave the place not until I saw a familiar man na barkada din ni papa, but this time I was feeling nervous and guilty for no particular reason when our eyes met.
"Estelle? Nakauwi ka pala, hija." He started talking after he put down the box of lemon on top of the table. He reminded me of my dad so much, and I don't want to look at him now. He looked happy when he saw me, but I was acting the opposite. I actually didn't know why I was sweating hard, but a part of me was in a deep relief seeing him now still alive and kicking in this life.
I started composing my words, but I felt like I just couldn't speak straight. "Ah... Good morning po, Uncle Dado. Oo, nakauwi po." I timidly said like crazy.
"Opo ka muna, ang laki na ng pinagbago mo ah. Mas lalo kang gumanda. May asawa ka na?" He asked while getting so amused that I was back.
"Ah, huwag na po. Nagmamadali kasi ako." I replied, almost wanting to just run away from him. "Sige po, alis na ako."
"Teka lang, kailan ka mananatili dito?" Pinigilan nya ako sa tanong na 'yan.
I stopped walking to look back at him. I was thinking hanggang kailan lang ako dito. "Babalik na po ako mamaya sa Manila." I replied hurriedly, and I started walking fast again while leaving him behind even though I still hear him say a lot of things.
I was definitely agitated when I got back home. Tatay lang naman ni Saide ang nakita ko pero bakit parang halos mamatay na ako sa kaba? Paano na kaya pag sya ang makita ko? Baka ilibing ko nalang ang sarili ko ng buhay.
Saide's his son, his eldest son. My greatest love.
