The Visit

Memories

Pens. Books. Paper. Markers. Staple Wire. I looked and checked the items in my basket. I feel contented and went ahead towards the cashier. There were three people ahead of me at the line. it took me quite a time at the queue. Finally, it's my turn. I got the things out of the basket. As the things I were to buy are being swipe across the red laser, my attention was caught by a wistful scene. A little girl tripped by the entrance of the store. She stood up and her face was clearly holding back those huge tears. But someone called out to her. She turned around, started to run towards that person with arms waiting to be embraced. My heart felt various emotions as the man picked her up. I was about to question myself about what I'm feeling when the cashier called out to me and said the total cost. I've absentmindedly reached out for my pocket for a bigger bill and handed it out to the cashier. The bag was given along with the receipt and the change. A man in a white polo, huh? That's what I thought. Still a loss in ideas, I left the store.

Upon exiting the store, I closed my eyes as the cold air kept on hitting my face. I could feel serenity through this sound of the wind through the trees along the sidewalk. I feel contented until a pang stroke inside my heart. My steps involved slowly as I managed to open my sad eyes and my left hand was found to be holding the pain in my chest. People were passing by my immobilized self as I was lost in the thinking. I miss him. That's what I thought. My hair flew in front of me but I stood still there with one hand on my chest. I started to feel weak until my eyes met the darkness.

Coffee. That's what my nose was telling me. There was a bittersweet aroma. Half awaked, I examined my surroundings. I found myself laying on the bench on the park but turned red when I realized The situation I am in. I am embarrassed by the thought that I was having a nap by someone's lap. I immediately got up without looking at the face of the person who presumably was the one who saved me. I bowed to ask sorry for the trouble I've caused. His voice echoed the words of assurance as he said it is OK and asked if I was already all right. Something in his voice made me lift up my head and a wave of nostalgia flowed throughout my body. I knew that face. I am sure that's the face. It's the same with that picture. There's no mistake.

I panicked a bit. So it means I've been already brought to the other side? Is this for real? The man gestured me to sit down beside him. He questioned me once again if I was all right. My mind still is in a haze, so I just nod shyly and thanked him. Lifting up his face up to the sky, he casually blurted out his observation that I resemble someone. I turned to him and you can see clearly the love in his eyes. His eyes turn to mine and I awkwardly asked how did I collapsed. He said I was walking by the park when I did. And he was there nervously waiting. When I asked him what he was waiting, his polite answer made my heart thump rapidly.

He said he was waiting for his wife from the hospital, but the thing that caused my heart to feel the unexplainable feeling was when he said his excited. He's excited for the little one that his wife will bring. He said they just got discharged from the hospital after four days. His face was telling he was looking forward to it. He said he already saw the young one's face but he can hardly wait all the same. To confirm this feeling, I asked him if the first time he held his precious child was if he was wearing a white polo. His face was puzzled as he answered yes. There, I felt a burst of various realization and longing. The white polo and the coffee aroma. I knew that this for the things that always bring those pangs in my heart. So that fleeting image of a man in a white polo, the coffee aroma and this face . . .

Was it from my memory of being held for the first time?

Even this nostalgia that I'm feeling is due to the things he was wearing. Everything. All of this are just memories of my father. I cupped my face as I felt my eyes filling with tears. He panicked and asked if somethings wrong. I was holding back the tears as I turned to him and told him that his child has been looking forward to seeing him too. His face felt at peace when he said the child's name. That's where I cannot do it any longer. I stood up although I still want to stay but if I stay there any longer I'll be filled with much tears.

I said my goodbyes and thanks. But as I said that I was glad that we were able to meet, I thought the hot tears flowing down my cheeks. He was confused at my face but nevertheless, he smiled. And he replied he too was glad. I'm happy but I wish that tears didn't show up. I walked and trip, and when he was about to help me, a strong gust of wind came and I was back to reality.

I thought someone shaking me as I open my eyes. Mom is looking at me with those concerned eyes. I was about to ask what's wrong but I found myself in a hospital bed. I looked confused as I tried to recall everything that had happened. But tears give it all away, my mom was deeply worrying already. But I just smiled with tears in my eyes and said: "Mom, I met dad."

Dad, thank you for loving me. You were all that I had imagined and more.