As The Sun Sets

Sunset.

WHEN THE SUN SETS.

If sunrise represents new beginnings, then what do sunsets represent? Ending, change and beginning of darkness.

Have you experienced a sunset that mesmerized you? Pulled you right in and made you stop when the sky turns itself into a brilliant display of colors?

The sun going down. Amongst a few clouds, the backdrop an array of colors. The sky fires with a golden glow. Breathtaking, isn't it?

"You'll go home already?" asked by my officemate. She's new, that's why she probably don't know that this is my normal. And we don't really give a damn about each other's private lives here.

I ignored her and walked my way home. Aklan is known for its beauty especially in its beaches. I'm lucky enough to live near the shore.

Sitting here at the beach wearing my dress and watching the sunset is my favorite part of the day. It calms my whole system and this is my kind of rest. A different kind of medication.

"I always see you here.." a stranger approached me. I looked up at him and he sat beside me.

"I've been here for months and I can always see you sitting here wearing an office clothes. You love sunset that much?" he asked. I don't really talk to strangers but he seems creepy. He's been watching me all these time?!

"Sorry for that. I didn't want to sound like a creep. I just want to get along well with you. Rum is the name," he offers his hand so I accepted it. Maybe he's not a stalker, right?

"Sunny." he looks amazed. Why would he? Sunny is a common name.

"Is your obssession with sunset connected with your name?" oh. I didn't think of that.

"No. My family is kinda addicted to sun. My mother and brother loves watching sunrise. While my father and I loves sunset," I told him reminiscing the old times. When Dad kept telling me that my mother loves me even if we're not  together.

"Wow. So it runs in the blood, I see." he became quiet after a while. He ran out of topics, maybe. I don't have a boyfriend. Because I don't really socialize. I don't know how to properly talk to someone. So Kuya Gin and Ate Summer's the only people who understands my language. But Kuya Gin was gone so I only have Ate Summer who's now busy with her life and totally forgot about me.

"My sister loves sunset, too. She told me that she loves sunset because of its deep meaning. I can clearly remember her saying, 'Many people resist change and hold on to what's universe is telling them to release. But for me, we should embrace positive change and make it a part of our lives. The sunset tells us that the day is almost over. It reminds us the importance of time and how we should make good use to it.' That's why I also grew fond of sunsets." he said. So his sister loves sunset too? I suddenly have the excitement in me.

"Where is she? Can I talk to her?" maybe I can finally have someone, aside from my siblings, who'll understand me. Finally.

"She's gone. Last last year. Car accident," I felt bad for him. I felt bad for myself too. I lost my family and I don't have any close relatives. I'm alone in this world.

That's why I love sunset. Because it's the only thing that's giving me hope. The only thing that stayed with me. But also leave and replaced by mere darkness.

"Sorry for that." I said but he just smiled at me. He looks so strong. Like, no problem can defeat him. I hope, I can be like him, too.

"I.. actually lost my family too. Mom, Dad and Kuya. They all left me alone in this cruel world," I felt his eyes turned to me. He's listening but he also seemed worried. I wish.

"Truth be told, Rum, I don't know where to go. I don't know where I truly belong. I'm lost in this wide, empty space and no one seems to care. No one can find me. I'm left all alone," I folded my knees up and rested my chin. I hugged it while looking up at the sky.

The sky looks majestic. The dark and light is now battling and the colors are too much. It looks so magical.

----

I'm here at my usual spot again and unexpectedly, Rum was there. Sitting at his position yesterday. I wonder where do he live?

"You left without goodbye," he told me but I ignored him. I don't feel happy with work anymore. I'm not enjoying. Office works isn't my passion. That's not what I want.

"Do you know that sunrise brings hope for a new day? But sunset brings a sense of peace that everything's gonna be alright. It serves as a promise. It's an opportunity.. to reset and start a new tomorrow. Everything will soon fall into its proper place, Sunny." I smiled hearing those words that came from him. It sends me comfort down until my spine.

----

Years had passed and now, I'm marrying the one who watched the sunsets with me. The one who understands my language and stood as my family.

Wearing my white long gown, I walked in the aisle. Silently crying while the flashbacks started overflowing. Ate Summer served as my mother. She assists me until I reached Rum.

"I met you at my worst. My mother died that day. But I saw a single soul holding her bag at the right and shoes on the left looking at the sunset. You scream loneliness that's why I approached you, finally had the guts to do so. Sunset witnessed our story. Because that's the role of it. To hear and witness the story of every people. When I look at a sunset, I don't try to control it. I watch it with awe as it unfolds... Just like what I did when you bloomed, Honey. You're my sunset. My favorite scenery. My favorite part of the day. Thank you for marrying me, I love you, Sunny."

I was teary eyed as he finished his vow. I can't help but to feel all the love that life failed to give.

"I watched the sun setting everyday from the start until it was fully covered by darkness.. because when one is terribly sad, that person loves sunset. I love sunset more than sunrise because innately, I fear the dark. And the strange thing about it is.. we actually don't want the sun to set. We want it to stay right on the horizon, not below it, not above it, just right on it. But later on I realized, sunset is fine. It was the best, actually. Because it is a proof that no matter what happens on you that day, you failed or succeed, everyday can still end beautifully. And you are also my sunset, Rum. My comfort zone. I love you,"

And with that, above us is the setting of the sun below the horizon, witnessed another chapter of our story.

---

"Mommy, what can you say about sunset?" asked Samantha, our daughter.

"It was beautiful, Sweetie. When the sun has set, no candle can replace it. Because it has a unique glow. It symbolizes the completion of a journey. When the sun sets, it's time to end the day. As the sun sets, light fades. It's the end of the day, you survived it, time to take a break." she mouthed thanks and wrote it to her notebook.

For me, a sunset is connected with a deeper part of myself. The bright colors, coupled with the comforting stillness of the surrouding sky makes for an image that shines beauty on everything it touches. Let's be a sunset to the people we value.

Because sunsets made us focus on the present, stop worrying about the future and move on from the past.