Glasses

Chapter 8: Kambal

In two months time indeed, the eyesight of my friend fades away. He did attend school no more. He's on his wheelchair, wearing specialized glasses.

I'm always with him this past few days. I want to take care of him until... until... I can't say it. Thinking of it makes me wounded inside already.

It's hard for me. It's so hard right?

So hard to think that your best friend would never see your face again.

To think that your best friend can't play a game with you anymore.

To think that you don't have someone to defeat you.

To think that nobody would laugh at your ugly face again.

To think that now you can't do the things you used  to do together.

To think that from now on no one is there with you to laugh at your stupidities.

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To think that nobody would snatch your glasses again...

More than two months have passed and yes, Riley can no longer see.

He's still on his wheelchair. His specialized glasses are now gone.

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Jordan: Hindi na tayo kambal. (We're not twins anymore.)

Riley: Ha? (What?)

Jordan: Wala ka nang salamin. (You don't have your glasses)

Riley: Sandali, umiiyak ka na naman? (Wait, are you crying again?)

Jordan: Hindi no. (Of course not.)

Riley: Anong hindi? Ang lakas ng sipon mo. Hahaha. (Heck no. Your nose is so loud. Hahaha.)

Jordan: Eh buti na lang di mo ko nakikita. (It's good that you don't see it.)

Riley: Anong hindi, kala mo bulag na ko? Di pa kaya. Nakikita ko padin yung ilong mong malaki! (I don't see it? You think I'm blind? Not yet. I can still see your big big nose!) 

Jordan: Aba, bakit sakin lang may lait. Di mo sinabi kina Gino at Patpat yan kanina ah. (Now. Why do I have to be the only one to be ridiculed? You haven't told Gino and Patpat that a while ago.)

Riley: Eh totoo naman eh. Akin na. Pahawak. (Isn't it true? Let me touch it!)

Then a cold wind passed through us. It's a cold air that melts everything and makes the atmosphere intense and serious.

Jordan: Alam mo ikaw ang pinakamadugang player sa buong universe. Sama mo pa ang Marvel at DC multiverse, ikaw ang pinakamadayang gamer. (You know, you're the most unfair player in the whole universe! Not to mention the Marvel and DC multiverses!)

Riley: Hala. Bakit na naman? (What? And why is that?)

Jordan: Sabi mo sasali pa tayong DOTA2 tournament? Sabi ko di ba tatalunin pa kita? Magka-comeback pako eh. (You said we're joining the DOTA2 tournament. I said I'd be beating your ass right? I still have to comeback!)

Then tears came out again but I made sure that he won't hear it.

Riley: Oo nga. Tapos? (That's right. Then?)

Jordan: Ano? Pero... (What? But...)

Riley: Pero ano dahil bulag na ko? Aba, discrimination yan ah. Wala ka bang bilib sa best friend mo? (But what? Because I'm blind. Now, that's a discrimination. Don't you trust your best friend?)

I can't say anything. I just get my handkerchief to wipe off my tears. I removed my glasses.

I stared at it.

"These glasses", I thought.

Then I turned my head to Riley. He's smiling showing his perfect white teeth.

I stood up and came close to him.

Jordan: Ri.

I looked at my glasses and then I put it on him.

Jordan: Pwede mo nang hiramin 'to. (You can now borrow these.)

Ri: Hay sa wakas! (Finally!)

And we laugh together.

We laughed out everything.

Now I know. He's strong. I have to be strong too.

This is just a phase that well, best friends are facing.

LEZ FAZE IT TOGETHA! CMON!