One to Tale (II)

Boundless Remoted

"Mark? Are you ready to present your work?"  rinig kong tanong ni Ma'am. Muli na naman akong napasulyap sa hawak-hawak kong DIY post to pic with fam.

Bumuga ako ng isang malalim na hininga bago tumayo. Nakatayo ako ng mga limang minuto sa gitna habang binubuo ang mga salitang sasabihin ko sa kanila.

"Good afternoon classmates. So, this is my DIY post to pic with fam where Ma'am told us to do last week. It look so awful but I put a lot of effort in it."  Nakita kong may mga napangiti sa gawa ko yet I didn't mind it.

"Go on Mark, design doesn't matter but your story is."  Napangiti ako sa sinabi ni Ma'am. Totoo nga naman.

Inumpisahan ko nang ipresent ang gawa ko.

"So this is me together with my Grandma and Grandpa at my father's side. They're Lalita Cruise and Immanuel Cruise both 83 years old yet still alive and kicking. This photo was taken back year 2026 where my 7th birthday was celebrated. Next is my photo together with my only sister. She's Margaret Cruise, 16 years old. This photo was taken back when we were at the nuptials of our dearest Tita, so memorable day for them. Finally, the last but not the least, my picture together with my beautiful Mom. She's Marcela Cruise, 49 years old. She owned the Cruiser Restaurant down the sea road and managing it for how many years. Luckily she's having a healthy life now and we wished more longer life for her."  After the presentation done, I immediately took a bow. But before I can leave my position, Ma'am suddenly interrupted.

"Mark, I think you forgot your father?"  I look intensely on each person in the classroom.

"Wouldn't you mind Mark?"  Ma'am asked again so I just gave polite smile.

"My father? I'm sorry if didn't make it to present him earlier. Sad to say I don't have any picture together with him. Wayback 2019, when I was born, this pandemic virus suddenly strayed in every different country and unfortunately we are one of the victim. So, as my father being a Doctor. He was designated to save many lives, take care of their health, and put them into a stable line. My father never have a chance to go home, to take a proper rest and to eat Mom's savory dishes. Every life he was holding was so much precious for him for the cause that he didn't take a look back at himself. I'm so angry and devastated when I first know this. How could he resist not to see her baby boy? How could he resist not to hold me and hear me say his name for the first time? How could he resist not to hug me and carry even for a single time? How could he?! "

I paused for I while when I feel that my throat started to rankled and tears starts to roll. I know that I'm hiding this pain and longing for so much long. I'm just a kid who seeks for a Father's love but unfortunately that was disclaimed because of that strained virus!

"At first, I thought that I was angry with him. But as time goes by, I realized that he just did what is right and what is good. He never thought of being selfish. He choose to save lives even though it cost his life. Even though it will lead for boundless remoteness with us. Now, I want all of you to know that my Father was one of the real example superheroes where he fought monsters, where he once fought Covid." 

Those presentation of mine was soulfully ended with a tears on my both eyes and proud at my heart. I love you Father. We love you Frontliners.