A Love to Last

ALTL: 5

"So, this story is from an author who's written for us before. Her writing style is quite predictable but she's  reliable. We are taking an easier project just to show you how these things goes" 

"All right! That sounds good" 

"So, for the next two weeks, we'll have this copy editing. Grammar and continuity errors" 

"Got it" 

I smiled to him but he looks away "Well, as I was saying, we're going to go through this and copy edit. Like this" pagpapatuloy pa nito

He motions for me to watch as he scans the page, occasionally circling something and taking notes.'We continue looking at the manuscript for about half an hour. Every so often, I glance at Nathan who seems to be more restless.

"I think you've got the idea. You don't have to worry about finishing this. I'll do the rest of the edits in my own time. I have another task for you to do"

He brings out box and inside there are stacks of papers "You'll organize these. Karamihan sa papers na nasa loob ng box ay hindi na natin kailangan pero may mga papers pa rin naman na nasa loob na kailangang i filed" 

"Ano? Napakarami naman?! Paano ko malalalaman?" 

"I'll give you some examples. We need the ones with this label right here"

"Pwede kitang tulungan Roxanne!"  pag o oofer naman sa akin ni Nathan 

"Wag na Nathan, Kaya ko na to" I said in a lower voice

"May sinabi ka ba Roxanne?  

"Nothing" 

Every moment is busy between us.

"Looks like your day is over" Vincent says as he points to his watch "Just don't be late next time"

"I won't. I promise" Nakipag kamay ako sa kanya at nagpasalamat dahil sa tulong na ginawa niya sa akin ngayon.

"Don't worryabout it. Like I said, It's my job" 

"Tss jerk" narinigkong bulong ni Nathan sa sarli niya at binigyan ko siya ng masamang tingin

I rush out of the office, Nathan trailing behind me. Sunset just begun ---- the clouds are streaked with orange. Tumigil ako sa paglalakad at tumingala sa langit. Sa tingin ko maglalakad nalnag ako pauwi. It might take a while to get back, but Nathan and I could have some talk.

"Gusto mo ba akng samhan maglakad pauwiat magkwentuhan?"

"Talaga? Sige!"

Nathan matches my pace as we walk side by side along the path. He lightly floats with each step.

"All right, Nathan! You better explain"

"Well, sorry to let you down pero wala rin akong masyadong alam" and gives me a sheepish smile "Namatay ako. Naaalala ko yun at base na rin sa sinabi mo kanina that was years ago?"

"Oo, tama"

"A life for a life....love  never dies. You...made a wish, didn't you?" suddenly, he looks me straight in the eyes. Napaka seryoso niya.

"Uh.." and right on cue bigla na namang sumulpot yung itm na pusa--same one from before.

"Hey, it's you!" Nathan picks her up and meows tentatively.

"Nakita ko itong pusa to sa panaginip ko kanina. Sinundan ko lang siya down a tunnel and with a bright light------you were there!" 

"Wait! Anong ibig mong sabihin? Aren't you skipping a bunch of story? Paano yung---pagkatapos mong mamatay?  Nakapunta ka ba sa langit?  Was there anything at all?"