The Final Wish (English Version)

Epilogue

A month later after Emma's death, lots of things have changed. Some changes are happy, yet some are sad. It is the final day of March in the year of 2015. Professor Diwa visited Emma at her cemetery. He is still in the period of mourning after a whole month that passed.

"I remember," Professor Diwa said as he talked to Emma's grave. "I was a member of a choir at a church during my high school days. Before I moved to Santa Lucia, I was a soloist at the church near my parents' house. Your sister said it was a stupid idea, but I never mind. I always wanted to sing you a song. The only song that I ever sang to you was my harana to you. I courted you that full moon night in August 2013. That was the first time I became honest with my feelings. I sometimes dream of the moment where you'd play the piano and I am standing by your side as I sing you my song. Now, I'm a bit shy to show my talent once more. I kind of lost it after I focused on teaching."

Harana was a traditional form of courtship in the Philippines wherein men introduced themselves and/or wooed women by singing underneath her window at night. It was widely practiced in old Philippines with a set of protocols, a code of conduct and a specific style of music.

In this endeavor, the most trusted instrument was the guitar. Its intimate sound complemented the sweetness of Spanish-influenced songs combined with the poetry and lyricism of the Tagalog language as it wafted through the breezy, tropical night. It is still being done today.

"Emma, where do I find another girl like you," Professor Diwa asked to the lifeless grave that is right in front of him. "Where could I find a girl as kind, as great, and as clumsy as you. Yes, I emphasize the clumsy part. One month has passed and nothing. Nothing ever happened."

And then suddenly, Professor Diwa's phone rang.

"Hello," Professor Diwa said.

"Sir," Professor Lopesillo said through the phone. "Where are you? The graduation ceremony is about to start. Wherever you are, hurry up! You are the master of ceremonies!"

"Of course, sir," Professor Diwa said. "I am on my way."

He dropped the call and stood up to leave the cemetery. 

"I shall leave you for now," he said. "I have something important to attend to. I'll be back next time."

Professor Diwa went to Ferrydell University for the graduation ceremony. It was a great day. The school is highly decorated and the seniors are finally going to graduate and leave the school. Eloisa and Rose are overjoyed with their graduation. They both received Latin honors for their excellency in school performance. 

"We are now graduates," Eloisa exclaimed with joy to Rose.

"It's a pity that Emma isn't here," Rose said solemnly.

"I know," Eloisa agreed. "But at least, she is up there in heaven, where she's happy, free from all the pain she suffered in her final days."

"What are you planning now," Rose asked.

"Nothing," Eloisa exclaimed. "I just want to party since everything is over!"

Later, Professor Diwa approached the girls to congratulate them for their success as graduates.

"Congratulations for graduating," Professor Diwa said.

"Thank you sir," Eloisa said. "Will you still be teaching literature here?"

"Of course," Professor Diwa answered. "I still want to teach."

"Oh, alright," Rose said. "I'll miss our former adventures."

"Don't worry dear," Professor Diwa said. "I'm currently writing a novel about our adventures. It was accepted by a publishing company, and it shall be published at May. I wanted it to be published at May 25. The company that accepted my book is the company of my biological parents. They offered me to be a part of their publishing company but I denied the offer.  still want to be an English professor. "