The Pain Of Daffodils

Prologue

“Congratulations, Ms. Herrera!”

“It’s a success, congratulations.”

“You were awesome back there, Ms. Herrera. Congratulations.”

It was the middle of the night, I am tired with our company’s annual celebration. Ginaganap ito kada taon upang kilalanin ang iba’t-ibang achievements na natanggap ng kumpanya. Idagdag pa rito ang isang project na ako ang naka-assign na mag-monitor.

As the head of the finance department, we conducted a fund-raising project to help our chosen charity and bahay-ampunan. Because of the success of the said project, we received lots of praises and compliments.

Kakababa ko lang mula sa stage matapos kong mag-speech. Bukod kasi sa pagiging head ng Finance, I am also one of the company owner. Of course, with my older brother as the CEO.

“You okay?”

Nilingon ko ang aking nakababatang kapatid na may inalok ding wine sa akin. I accepted his offer and walked with him. We’re smiling whenever there are people congratulating us, I can’t afford to say anything because I am really, really tired.

I smiled at Sean, “Of course.”

Iginiya kami patungo sa reserved table namin. “Should we just go home? You look tired.”

Hindi maikakaila ang pag-aalala sa mukha niya para sa akin. Well, ikaw ba naman kasi ang ginawang event organizer. Hindi ka kaya manlata?

I sip on my wine as I looked around.

Nakakahilo ang dami ng tao. Mukhang mas mabuti ngang umuwi na muna ako, sumasakit na ang ulo ko from all these noises.

“Yeah, I think I should.”

Tumayo na ako at inalalayan naman ako ni Sean. “Are you going home na rin?” I asked him.

Umiling siya habang nakatingin pa rin sa dinadaanan at tipid na ngumingiti sa lahat ng nakakasalubong.

“Not yet, Kuya still needs my help later.”

“Hindi pa ‘ko nakapag-paalam kay Kuya..”

“It’s fine, sinenyasan ko na ‘sya kanina.”

Nakarating na kami sa lobby ng hotel. I looked at the antique clock placed at the middle, it says quarter to one. It’s really late, huh?

Si Sean na ang tumawag ng valet para sa akin. Kalaunan, natanaw ko na rin ang BMW M4 Coupé. ko.

“I’m fine here. Go back inside,” I tiptoed to kiss his cheek.

“Drive safe, call me or kuya when you get home..”

I nodded at him and turned my heels to the exit door.

Iniabot sa akin ng valet ang susi ng sasakyan. He bowed as I closed the door of my car.

I then started the engine and heaved a sigh.

If it isn’t another tiring day..

“Tss..” I hissed as I faced traffic along my way, madaling araw na, ba’t ang dami pa ring sasakyan?

I was tapping my finger on the wheel when an idea crossed my mind.

I pictured the place in my head.

Maaga pa naman..

As soon as I saw a U-turn, I turned my wheels on the different direction.

I kinda missed being there. I relaxed remembering the whispers of the wind on that place, it was very calming.

Isa’t-kalahating oras ang tinagal ng biyahe papuntang Rizal.

I turned off my engine and moved out of the car.

I stood there, looking at the city lights below me. They’re very bright, they’re like stars that fell on Earth.  I wonder what it is to shine like that.

Someone introduced this place to me. It was a long time ago, but the feeling of being here with that person.. it’s nostalgic.

For a tiring day like this.. memories are stirring my emotions, also calming them.

The wind is blowing from the west, the dried leaves touched my feet as the wind carried them away. It seems like they’re bidding their goodbyes at me.

Farewell and goodbyes.. I wonder if everything really paid off? Does leaving made everything fine? Are the sacrifices all worthy?

Seven years ago, on this same spot, where the stars from Earth are seen and everything is serene… this is where it all ended.

Seven years ago, my heart left me.. alone, and numb with pain.

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Hi! Thank you for reading, I edited something on this part so you might want to check it.