Under A Different Sky

ONE

*Beep beep*

Ma'am? Jade's already here!

Gab, Paul come quick! Your sister is here.

The whole family rushed to the door for the arrival of the most loved Tanchingco member who wandered the world for months. Trying to find herself.

How was your trip, Shobe? Asked Jade's older brother, Gab.

It was great Dihya. I never knew Europe could be so much fun. I think I'd go back there next summer. You guys should come!

These words came out of the mouth of a beautiful, young, lady in pink as she tried her best to hide the pain she felt.

Is there anything wrong Jade? I hope you won't go off like that again. We miss you. And I know he misses you.

Said Gab. Jade exhaled a long sigh as she wiped the tears that started to fall. She still misses him everyday.

Shobe, it has been a year. In fact, it's well over a year. You should be okay now. I know he misses you. He misses us. But he's gone now.

Paul tried his best to comfort his sister while he himself listened to his voice cracking. In deep pain and loss.

Thank you, Ahiya Paul. I know he wants me to be okay by now. But I just can't believe that it has been thirteen months since.....

Jade paused and couldn't continue what she was saying. Amanda approached her daughter and gave her a tight hug. A hug that can be felt through the bones and past the soul. It's as if she was trying to tell her daughter that everything will be okay. That everything is okay.

Thank you, mama. I still just can't believe that Dada is gone. I miss him so much.

I know Jade, I miss your father too...

I still can remember the last words he told me. That he wanted me to be happy. And I know he knows that my happiness is not with David. He told me that he wants me to find someone who would really mean the world to me. Like how much you mean to him, mama.

Jade and Amanda recalled how a good, loving, and affectionate father Oscar Tanchingco was. He was someone who wanted the best for his children. Oscar did everything he could to make his family happy. Gab, Paul, Jade, and Amanda loved him very much.