Midnight Sky

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#RRMidnightSky

I was diagnosed with insomnia when I was eighteen years old. The psychiatrist said that my anxiety triggered it. Since then, I never had a decent sleep every night. Kung magkaroon man ako ng maayos na tulog kung saan hindi ko kinakailangang uminom pa ng medications ko, once in a blue moon nalang 'yun kung mangyari.

Back when I was eighteen, once the sun set and the twilight fell, I know that it'll be a long night for me. Before, every night was a torture for me. A lot of things are running through my mind to the point that I tend to overthink and just breakdown. Every freaking night.

But as time passes by, I became used to it. Now that I'm twenty years old, I learned to control my emotions. Madalas, nahihirapan pa rin akong matulog pero kalaunan, nakakatulog din naman ako.

Miguel and his sister, Margaux were a big help for my recovery. They were there for me all throughout, together with my family, too. They were always there for me. Para na kaming magkakapatid, to be honest.

Because of my insomnia, I eventually made a habit out of boredom. Ngayon kasing nag-aaral na ako ng college sa U.P Diliman, my parents allowed me to have my own condo. Malayo kasi ang Bataan sa Manila, kaya hassle talaga kung mag-uuwian ako.

I patiently waited for the elevator. After entering, the elevator girl didn't ask me anymore. Nginitian lang niya ako dahil alam na niya kung saan akong floor bababa.

"Ground floor, Ma'am," aniya at ngumisi. Tinanguan ko siya at sinuklian ng ngiti.

Pagkababa sa ground floor ay alam na rin kaagad ng guards kung saan ako pupunta. There were only a few people in the lobby, because it's also late. Ako nalang talaga yata ang lumalabas pa ng ganitong oras. I looked at the wall clock and saw what time it is.

1:14 A.M

"I think I'm a little bit early," I whispered to myself as I walk down the well lit street all the way to my usual spot, which is the coffee shop.

The staffs of the coffee shop welcomed me with a warm smile. I waved at them before going upwards, to the second floor of this shop where my usual spot is. Wala na ring gaanong customer at iilan nalang ang nasa first floor at siguro, ganoon din sa second floor. Maybe six or ten people are in the first floor, I think. Then there's a group of students maybe around six, focusing on their laptops up here sa second. Maybe, they're doing some school works, or thesis, I guess.

Thea, the usual waitress who's always accompanying me went to me promptly with a smile on her face.

"The usual, Rein?" I wasn't surprised anymore. Sa araw araw ko kasing pagpunta dito, naiilang ako kapag tinatawag nila akong Ma'am. Kaya naman, I told them to call me by my name instead.

"Yes, please, Thea." I beamed back at her.

"Okay, Rein. We will prepare your order right away." She uttered before leaving me.

I directed my gaze at the view outside the shop. The view of the city lights coming from the buildings and the vehicles below made me calm. This is why I love this spot, right beside the huge glass window. I can see what's going on with the environment I'm in.

"Can I sit beside you, Miss?" Napalingon ako sa lalakeng nagsalita. I suddenly jumped up a bit from my seat after realizing who it was. The man was six feet tall, or maybe higher.

Our eyes met for about a couple of seconds, I guess. Naninimbang ang mga tingin niya. His stare sent shivers down my spines that's why I directed my look outside, where the calming view is.

"There's so many vacant seats out there if you don't mind," I avoided myself from looking at him.

"But it's sad to be alone, Rein." Then there, he called me by my name. And it made me kinda uneasy with the atmosphere between us.