Timeless Regrets.

Going Home (Chapter - 12)

As we stood in front of the mall waiting for a jeepney to ride home, the sun was starting to set, painting the clouds in shades of orange. Birds chirped overhead while the sound of people walking and talking filled the air. Every time the mall doors opened, a wave of cool air from inside brushed against us.

Samantha spoke.

"I can't wait to open the book when I get home," she said, her voice full of excitement.

She really looked excited about it.

"Why not open it now?" I asked.

"Nooo, you're not supposed to open it right away. Besides, I want to be in my reading outfit when I read it... while drinking hot cocoa."

Reading outfit?

"So you even have an outfit for reading, huh?"

"Wuahaha, yeah," she laughed, holding the covered book close to her chest.

"Well, tell me about it after you finish it," I said.

"Mmm... how about this—when I finish it, you can borrow it. I won't spoil anything for you," she replied convincingly.

"Alright," I answered.

Then a jeepney came into view.

"It's coming!" Samantha said happily.

"Wait, you have to look at the front of it to see its destination," I said.

So we both squinted, trying to read the sign on the front of the jeepney.

"There! It's going to the train station!" Samantha pointed.

"Yeah," I replied.

The jeepney arrived and stopped, waiting for passengers to climb inside.

As the line of people started to enter it filling the jeepney.

One person shouted "There's still space for five!" Though seeing clearly only less than that can fit.

And then us. the jeepney packed and only space for one more.

"Um, What should we do Jonah?" Samantha asked concerned.

"You can sit" I answered

"But what about you?" She asked concerned even more.

The person who shouted earlier spoke "Just hang sir so you can come with your friend"

I nodded. and urged Samantha to enter. though she did hesitantly.

As she shat I began to wrap my fingers in the bar above the Jeepney's doorway.

She looked at me and spoke "Are okay there?" 

"Yeah, I can manage," I said, trying to reassure her.

"Really?" she asked, still with a hint of concern.

"Yes. Don't worry about me," I assured her.

Then, behind us, there was a mother with her child. She looked exhausted. Samantha noticed them.

The mother looked like she just wanted to go home. Another jeepney probably wouldn't come for a while.

That was when Samantha stood up and spoke to the mother.

"Ma'am, you can take my seat," she said, gesturing toward it.

The other passengers began to look at what was happening.

"Are you sure, iha?" the mother asked.

"Yes, please!" Samantha said with a warm smile.

"Thank you so much, iha," the mother said gratefully as she sat down, her child resting on her lap.