Orion's Belt or The Belt of Orion is consists of the three bright stars: ζ Ori (Alnitak), ε Ori (Alnilam), and δ Ori (Mintaka), scientifically speaking. But for me it’s simply the three stars that made my world so peaceful every time I look at it. It’s like I’m in a different world, a world where I can be me.
I’ve been judged by random people all my life. “You’re too big, you’re too small, and you’re too short, too fat.” Well, I say “bring it on!” You’re not the captain of my ship, I am. Give me your best shot and I’ll give you mine. Strong words aren’t it? This is me, frequently misunderstood by the majority and always mistaken as an egocentric person. Maybe they’re right. Maybe I am arrogant, so what? At least I’m real. I’m not like some of those who pretend to be someone else.
I remember back when I was a child I used to play with those small cars called “matchbox,” action figures called “G.I Joe” and my favorite sports, basketball. Those things got me addicted. First time I’m in love. In love with things I want to do most. But what do I know? I’m a kid.
Surpassing that addiction was the thought of “I should act maturely.” I’ve learned to interact with people of my age. It was fun. I needed to be socially active because I’ve been spending my time alone with my dog, which is not very helpful. Talking to my dog didn’t change the fact that my parents are parting ways. They are now legally separated. I remember back in high school my Math Teacher told me “What is happening to you? From a grade of 97, you now have a grade of 79. Is there something bothering you?” I didn’t know what to say. I used to love her subject yet I’m out of focus. I wanted to tell her what was going on but I can’t. No one should know about my disorderly life, I’m not a celebrity. Unfortunately my life was going nowhere. I failed numerous time in school. I started drinking and I almost lost all my friends. It’s a good thing I saw those three bright stars on the sky above. It felt like it was talking to me. I’m hearing voices, voices that counsel and understand me. You might think I’m crazy but I know it’s just me. That’s when I realized “What the hell am I doing with my life?” This is not the right way to live my life. I need to get back on track. The best way to do it is to start from scratch.
I begged my dad to give me another shot, my last chance to prove myself that I am worthy of his trust. I got my wish. I enrolled in a university nearby taking up a not so popular course. There I met Coleen. As bad as it looks, I’ve been stalking her for quite a while. She’s pretty amazing, talented, jack-of-all-trades! Is it just a coincidence that she’s in my class or am I just really lucky? She was even seated beside me. This is my chance; my chance to finally talk to her, only problem is I don’t know where to start. On the day of our examination, she unintentionally forgot to bring her Permit. You won’t be able to take the exams without it. She was asked to proceed to the library. I don’t know why but it made me think that it’s time to talk to her. I quickly raised my hand and told our professor that I forgot my Permit as well and he ordered me to proceed to the library too. Finally, the moment I’ve been waiting for. Coleen and I are alone. I felt a severe pain in my chest but I didn’t mind it. I was with her.
I can’t forget the first time she talked to me. She asked me “You don’t have your permit too?” I felt like my heart was melting. We sat together in one table and started sharing stories. From there on, we became close. After weeks of sharing, I asked her out on a date. She gladly said yes. We are now a couple. I can’t believe it, she is whole-heartedly mine. Only problem is she didn’t know about my illness. I am suffering from Ischaemic heart disease. It is a disease usually due to coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries) and it’s risk increases with age, smoking, hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol levels), diabetes, and hypertension (high blood pressure), and is more common in men and those who have close relatives with ischaemic heart disease. Unfortunately for me, I’m a smoker and I have a big body.
