When news broke that the lockdown was slowly being lifted and restrictions were being revised, Niko immediately spoke with Mr. Jay Hernandez, the president of his apartment building's homeowner's association.
"...Tito Jay, sige na, please..." Niko pleaded.
"Sino ba tong girl na to? Saan mo nakilala?" Tito Jay asked.
Niko explained about his online classes and about his exercise routine on the building's rooftop where he would see Riki on her roof top.
"Ah, so ngayon pa lang kayo may physical contact?"
"Hindi naman..."
Tito Jay looked at Niko curiously. They both had been living in the same building for a few years now. Tito Jay and his family had been living in their unit for a little over 8 years while Niko moved there just 5 years ago after graduation. Tita Milette, Tito Jay's wife was a close friend of Niko's mom. She was also his real estate agent.
Niko explained about volunteering at the facility nearby. He mentioned that Riki also volunteered there.
"Hmm...nag-d-draft na kami ng bagong guidelines. We all want the lockdown lifted, that's for sure, but reintegrating into society should be done carefully and still following proper protocols." Tito Jay explained.
---
In the weeks since they first met, Niko had actually made a diary of his and Riki's daily 'interactions'. He had many notebooks and planners in which he'd write about his day in bullet form. He learned this from his Mom. "...so you can see how much you've grown or improved over the year..." Mom said. She was sentimental that way and they would often laugh at many anecdotes she had of her kids growing up.
"...here o, Tito, I have a diary of how our lives have been since I met Riki..." Niko showed Tito Jay the diary.
"...impressive...o sige, I'll let you know about the board's decisions..."
"Thank you!" Niko said with a hopeful smile.
---
"What are you doing?" Niko said as he entered the bedroom and saw Riki standing at the doorway. They had just brought some of Riki's things from her apartment -- a suitcase full of clothes and things.
"Iniisip ko kung saan ako matutulog..."
"Eh di sa bed, katabi ko..."
Riki looked at Niko and smiled. Even if they were already in the same room, Riki still kept her distance. "I would love that but..."
"But what?" Niko said, taking a step forward. Riki put out her hand to stop him.
