Closing Time: 11 PM

10. No Sunny Day

You showed me a new life

And you'll always, you'll always be my friend

But I don't think, honey, that I can keep from tryin'

And I'll be tryin' and I been cryin' for you

-Farewell Song, Janis Joplin

#

Chad took a deep breath and smiled.

It was a warm night and the moon was quietly shining on the sky, the cricket making its night sounds.

It was only ten in the evening and most lights are already off.

"I like how the stars look here," he said. "Ang dami nila."

"Ganito talaga sa province. The stars are still visible since there's less polution here unlike in Manila," Kara said and took a seat beside him.

"I miss my farm," he said. "Don't you find it amazing that the moon looks so small from where we are but even if you are here and I might be in Texas, we still see the same size and the same light at night?"

She smiled. "And even if you don't see it, you know that it is there, just hiding beyond the clouds."

They remained silent staring at the vast array of the stars. No one spoke for a while as they marveled at the serenity of it. Chad has always loved quietness and peace and he found it that time. He misses his place but could not find the heart to leave at that time. As to why, he doesn't know.

"So, will you tell me as to what my father told you earlier?"

"Nothing too much," he said and looked at her.

"I don't think I'll buy that. My father says a lot of things when he is drunk. He becomes a prophet, a philosopher, a magician. So, what did he ask of you?"

He smiled. "I don't think you would have to know. Besides, I think I'm already doing it," he said.

"Sana naman hindi nya ako ipinilit sayo. Nakakahiya naman kung ibenebenta na ako ng magulang ko sayo," Kara kidded.

"If they are, I must say that you're of higher value this time compared to before," he said.

"Thanks to you," she said and stayed close to him. "I feel good that I'm like this. When are you doing your final test after your Operation Kara Make Over?"

"Gusto mo na ba?"

"Depende. Ano bang nasa isip mo?"

"That's for you to find out," he smiled. They were still both staring at the stars when Kara saw a meteor pass by.

"Did you see that? C'mon, make a wish!"

"What?" he asked him curiously.

"I saw a meteor pass by. Make a wish," she told him and closed her eyes, made a wish. When she opened it, Chad was watching him. "O, nagwish ka ba?"

"I did. It was actually granted," he laughed.

"Granted agad? Ganun ka kalakas kay Lord?"

"Of course. Some heartfelt wishes are given right away if it's right for you," he told Kara. "And for now, my wish is to get a good night sleep."

Kara's family sleeps on the floor. Kara's father was drifting soundly beside Aling Criselda. Beside her was their second eldest Krisanta, then Karlo. There was enough space left for the two of them.

"Makakatulog ka ba kahit sa sahig ka matutulog?" Kara asked him.

"What do you think of me? Of course I can sleep on the floor," he lied. He never have slept on the floor his entire life but he doesn't want to have Kara think of him any less. He immediately took the space beside Karlo and lied down. "Are you not sleeping yet?"