Tala
"Sana po magbreak sila ng girlfriend niya. Ako na lang, ako na lang ulit."
I looked down and for a second, I almost expected to see an actress practicing a scene. "Ay leche. Itigil mo yang drama mo! Hiniwalayan mo, di ba?!"
"O, mainit na naman ulo mo," Mak chuckled, appearing beside me.
"Kukulit kasi ng mga ito eh."
"Calm down. Gusto mo pasyal tayo ulit? Where do you want to visit?"
I thought about it and went, "There's this undiscovered island sa Pacific. Let's go there! Swimming tayo."
"Okay, halika na." He took my hand but just as we were about to move, he stopped and heard a whisper. "I just have to go and see a little boy."
The boy was at the hospital, in the final stages of his life. "Hi Mr. Angel, are you the healer I asked Papa God for?"
Mak nodded. "The doctor says they cannot make my wounds better, so can I just wish for someone else?"
"Sure. What's your wish, little man?"
"Make my mama's heart better when my guardian angel takes me to heaven okay? She said to Papa God not to take me because her heart would break."
I could not help but tear up at what I heard and at how this was hurting Mak as well. "Of course, I will grant your wish. I will heal your Mama's heart okay? But, you know that she will always miss you."
"Yes. In heaven, can I still see her and watch her?"
Mak looked at me. I stepped forward so the little boy could see me, "Hi Baby. My name is Tala, I guard the stars and make wishes come true, too."
"You do?!"
"Yes. Tell you what, when you get to heaven, you can visit me often and we'll watch your Mama on Earth when you want to see her, okay?"
He nodded and gave a weak smile. "Kahit po everyday?"
"Kahit everyday."
He fell asleep soon after Mak touched his head and just as we were about to leave, we saw Death arrive. "You will care for him as he goes up, understood?" I ordered.
"Always."
I nodded.
Mak and I were silent when we arrived at the island I wanted. We have seen much in our years but passing was never easy - especially of little ones. "He did not seem ill... why...?" I asked Mak.
He looked sad. "Drunk driver hit his bicycle."
Anger engulfed me and I wanted to summon lightning to strike. "Tell me he will be dealt with."
"Tala, you know that it is not at all up to me."
"I will pester Bathala then."
For once, Mak did not talk me to calming down. He just sat by the shore and looked out.
"Are you alright, Lakambakod?"
He shook his head. "No. Sometimes, I wonder if Bathala hates me that is why he gave me this power but I cannot use it."
I nodded. "I do not know how humans do it. To experience that kind of pain and then move on. It is such a terrible cycle."
"But they're made of strong stuff... they're made of Bathala, Apolaki, Mayari, you..."
"And then time comes they will be able to smile again. I hope you smile soon, Mak."
"I will, Tala."
We swam and watched as Apolaki turned the skies over to Mayari and tonight my stars were shining bright.
"You're doing a spectacular job tonight, Tala."
"It's for you, Mak. Wag ka na malungkot."
"Thank you."
"Anything for my best friend."
He crumpled his face and stood. "Ay leche. Diyan ka na."
"What?! Anong problema mo?"
"Ikaw! Ikaw ang problema ko."
I looked at him. "At bakit?!"
He stammered for a bit. "Kasi! Kasi! Kasi... tingnan mo sa North! Ang laki ng patch ng langit na walang bituin! Ang panget! Ayusin mo!"
"Eh sipain ko kaya yang golden corn mo?!"
I covered my parts. It was gold and hard (heh) but have you experienced a goddess kick you? Nope, don't wish to. Masakit.
Pero dahil naiinis ako kay Tala, nag walk out ako.
Lakambakod, Protector of Crops, Healer of Diseases and Walkout King.
