One-second Reverie

            I got up after feeling a drop of rain on my cheek. The sky is getting dark, aside that it's near evening; a rain is also making its entrance.

Still sitting on the misty grass, I bent forward to look at my reflection on the small lake beside me. It's still me. Aside from the dark circles under my eyes, and showing wrinkles on my forehead, and dry lips, it's still me. The lost me.

I stood up when I saw ripples disfigure my reflection, it's raining.

Should I run? Or should I walk slowly? 'Cause one way or another, I'd still get wet.

I laughed at myself upon realizing that while my mind is still arguing about what to do, I'm already getting wet.

Then I remembered how mom hated me, being drenched by rain. I remember how she cooked soup for me but I chose not to eat it. I also remember how she would invite me to the noodle restaurant in the city during this time of the year: the rainy season. I remember how she loved me even though she thinks it's not reciprocated, but I do love her. I love her so much.

I closed my eyes and faced the sky to feel the rain on my already wet face. It hurts a bit but that's the least of my concern. I want to feel the wrath of heavens. I want to feel the mocking rain more when I suddenly stopped feeling it on my face, but I can still feel its drop on the surface of the lake.

I slowly opened my eyes only to see my fuming mad mom holding an umbrella.

"Are you really out of your mind?!" she said as she gripped my wrist and pulled me towards our house which is 15 meters away from here. "I told you to never stay under the rain!" she continued. I know she's really mad but all I can do now is smile and watch her hand holding mine.

She handed me a towel and told me to take a shower, and so I did.

I can't stop smiling.

I took a bath for I think less than five minutes and immediately headed to the kitchen where I know mom would be. I hugged her from behind. She's frying chicken for dinner.

"Can you cook a soup for me, mom?" I said and buried my face on the space between her neck and shoulder. She tried to move, maybe to face me, but I tightened my hug so she won't be able to. "I'm cold." I added.

She cleared her throat. "I thought you don't like my soup."

"Of course I do." I said shyly.

"You don't eat when I cook some. You only stare at it." I stayed silent. I heard her turn the stove off. "Aren't you going to free me? How can I prepare it if you keep on hugging me?" I immediately freed her and went to the stool across the counter.

I silently watched her do her work and she just keep on glancing at me from time to time. "What kind of rain was that?" I furrowed my brows. "You suddenly want to eat soup and you are currently watching me cook, that's new." Again, I stayed silent. She put the ingredients on the pan and gently stirred it, making sure that it'll be cooked evenly. The smell of the hot soup made my stomach groan in anticipation. I wonder why I didn't crave for it before. Mom cooks very well.

"Here." She placed the soup in front of me, together with a glass of water, and then she sat across me.

"Aren't you going to eat too?" she smiled and stood up to scoop some for herself. I smiled too, but immediately hid it when she returned.

"How was it?" she said as she watched me eat.

"It's good." -was all I can say and continued eating. It's really good. I don't how she does it but she really knows how to season a food.

"What are you doing at the lake?"

"Just sleeping." I looked at her. Mom has these very expressive eyes despite the wrinkles under it. She also has narrow nose and thin lips. Anyone who will stare at her face for a couple of seconds can tell that she was very pretty during her younger years. "Mom?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you busy tomorrow?" I said shyly. She just stared at me, signaling me to continue because she's not busy. I should know that's what she meant. "Well, it's rainy, and it's cold, maybe for the next few days too, and.. ahmm.." I rubbed my nape and looked down. "-let's go to the noodle house?"

Her pursed lips slowly turned into a comforting smile, "Ok, Glee."

I woke up early the next day to prepare our breakfast- something that I don't usually do. I cooked omelet, hotdog, bacon and fried rice.

The moment I finished preparing the table was also the time mom came in the kitchen. She looked shock seeing me wearing an apron. I know mom.

"You're welcome, mom. Let's eat." She let out a soft laugh and sat down across me. I smirked.

We ate together, which we don't usually do. I always eat late. Today's different. That's maybe the reason why mom and I ate smiling even without talking to each other.

By 11 am, we head straight to the city where mom's favorite noodle restaurant is located. I've never been here because whenever mom would invite me, I always decline.

We tried their best selling noodle soup and watch the rain outside through the glass wall. I never thought this could be a perfect date with mom- on a rainy day that is. I shifted my gaze and stared at mom, she looks very happy. I wish I made her like this sooner. I wish I made her happy.

We got out of the establishment by 2pm, and it's still raining. Good thing mom bought an umbrella with her.

We crossed the busy street together but mom stopped at the middle of the road. I looked at her and saw her crying, but plastered on her face is a genuine smile- a smile that shouts happiness, a smile that made my eyes teary. It pained me seeing her like this.

"I've always been so happy to have you, Glee." She said between sobs. I shook my head and got closer to her. I know what this is. I expected this, but I didn't know it would be this soon- so soon. "You will always be my Glee. You will always be my happy Glee." I shook my head again and held her hands.

I mouthed her 'NO' because I can no longer produce any sound. There is a big lump on my throat and my heart just can't contain it. I began sobbing while holding her hands tightly.

"Don't do this please." I said, sobbing, and begging. "Mom" I pleaded.

"Be strong. You need to be strong. And please, after this, don't ever stay again under the rain without an umbrella." I nodded halfheartedly. "I love you Glee. Be happy again for me." she closed the gap between us, caressed my hair and stared at me lovingly. She smiled for the last time and then planted a soft and light kiss on my forehead.

It's like a soundless lullaby that I can't stop myself from closing my eyes... and when I opened my eyes again, I'm back at the grassy land where my mom died and is now buried.