Heart Dribbler

09 | sunflower

"Where are we heading?" tanong ko habang paakyat kami ng hagdan.

"Just wait," sabi niya na nauunang maglakad sa akin.

Pag-akyat namin, humarap siya sa 'kin at ini-stretch ang mga kamay niya. "Welcome to the rooftop garden!"

Napa-wow na lang ako kasi ang ganda-ganda dito. Maayos na naka-arrange ang flowers at maaliwalas ang paligid. Open din siya kaya pwede mong masilip ang ibaba ng rooftop at pwede mo ring pagmasdan ang langit. Ang lamig pa ng simoy ng hangin kasi papagabi na.

Kumuha si Kiefer ng pandilig at lumapit sa isang part ng garden. Sinundan ko siya at sobra akong natuwa kasi ang dinidiligan niya ay sunflowers. Sinulyapan niya ako at ngumisi siya. "You like sunflowers?"

"Yeah."

"Want one?"

"Is it okay--" bago ko pa matapos ang tanong ko nakabunot na siya ng isa. Isinabit niya ito sa tenga ko.

"Looks good on you."

"T-thanks," nahihiya kong sabi. Biglang uminit ha.

"You know, back in 6th grade, we have this project. We have to plant a seed and take care of it until the end of the year. My Mom loves sunflowers so I planted these. Still taking care of 'em until now."

"My Mom loves sunflowers too."

"That's awesome! Bring her some."

"Nah, they'll wilt before they reach her."

"No, sunflowers don't wilt fast."

"My Mom is in the Philippines."

"Oh." Tumahimik for a while bago siya nagsalita ulit. "You miss her?"

"You bet."

"She must be a great mom then."

"The best."

"How about your dad?"

I grimaced. "Let's not talk about him."

He chuckled softly. "Still, it must be nice to have a father."

"No, definitely not," mabilis kong sagot, sinamahan ko pa ng iling-iling.

"You only say that because you hate your dad."

"Whatever. By the way, congrats. I knew you'd won," pag-change ko ng topic.

"Yeah, you cheered for us, right?" Buti na lang sumakay siya.