Steady Rhythms of Love (Ryker Series #2)

SROL [26]

One night, I found myself in the garden sitting beside my father. Dito sana kakain ng dinner sa amin si Blade kaya lang mukhang dumeretso ang tulog niya kaya hindi ko na rin siya pinagising pa kay Axel. Iyon kasi ang sabi niya kung sakaling hindi siya magising kaagad.

"Berlin. Six months at Berliner Concepts."

Napatingin ako kay Daddy nang bigla siyang magsalita. Nasa loob pareho sila Zeke at Mommy dahil hinahanda nila ang dessert namin na matagal nang gustong gawin ni Mommy. Ngayon lang siya nagkaroon ng time dahil off duty siya.

"You're really doing this. I can't tell you how proud I am of you, Gray."

"Thank you, Daddy," nakangiting sabi ko. "I wouldn't be here without you. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous."

"I'd be surprised if you weren't," he chuckled. "Berlin will be different. Different styles, different ideas, even different ways of working. It'll push you. But that's exactly why you should go."

I shifted on my seat. Inabot ko ang maliit na unan na nasa gilid ko para yakapin. "What's the best way to prepare? I know there's a lot I still have to learn."

Saglit na nag-isip si Daddy. Natawa pa siya dahil ginawa kong kunwaring mic ang kamay ko at nilapit sa kanya. He then leaned his back on his chair as he crossed his arms, sinasakyan ang trip ko na kunwari ay nasa interview session kami.

"For starters, remember that architecture isn't just about the buildings you create but the people you create them for. That's what makes your work meaningful. Observe their approach, their design philosophy, and be open to adapting. Berliner Concepts is known for their emphasis on cultural integration in design. They'll want you to bring something of your own heritage into your projects."

"That's what I'm afraid of..." pabulong na sabi ko. "Standing out in a way that doesn't...fit."

"No, anak. Stand out because you're bringing something they can't. You're not there just to fit in. You're there to show them a perspective they don't have. Our culture, our approach, our emphasis on blending tradition with innovation... that's a strength. Show them that."

I took a deep breath upon hearing Dad's words. "So I should focus on what I bring, not on what I lack?"

"Exactly. And don't be afraid to make mistakes. They're how you'll learn the fastest," he continued. "Find a mentor there, someone you admire, and learn from them. And keep your connections close. The best architects are the ones who know how to collaborate and communicate."

"Any other words of wisdom from the great Mr. Alvarez?" I asked teasingly.

"A few. Find time to enjoy Berlin, explore its architecture, the layers of history in the buildings. And don't forget your roots. Stay grounded, remember why you fell in love with this field in the first place, and let that fuel you."

I pouted. Mabilis akong lumapit sa kanya para yumakap. "I love you, Daddy," mabagal na sabi ko. "I'll do my best there to make you, mom, and Zeke proud."

"You already have, Gray," sabi niya bago bahagyang ginulo ang buhok ko. "Just go out there and keep pushing forward."

Four days before my flight and my things are ready. Three days before, Blade and I went to church together. Naging biglaan pa ang paglabas namin after the mass.

Two days before my flight, I went to their family house. Gusto akong pabaunan nila Donya Elsie at lalong-lalo na si Tita Maxinne ng napakaraming pagkain pero pinigilan sila ni Blade dahil madadagdagan lang ang bibitbitin ko.

Sobrang saya ng puso ko habang pinapakinggan ang mga advices ng family ni Blade sa akin. Nakakataba lang ng puso na nakatanggap ako ng mga iyon mula sa kanila.