Night and Day

11 - An Offering

The first rain of summer washed the city on the last morning of the final exam week. Tom looks out the window and contemplates on how the life of the labyrinth will soon see its end, like how the earth reclaims its sons and daughters.

Tom checks his answers for one last time after the last student before him stands. There is already a loud noise outside the classroom. He stands up, gets his bag, and hands his test paper to the proctor.

As he goes out of the room, a loud cheer from the fellow seniors filled the halls. He goes around to everyone to congratulate the batch. Carlos smiles at him at the end of the hall and flings his arms to Tom as they celebrate their last day. The group continues with their chatter until they reached the grounds.

Carlos motions for his friends to go ahead as he joins Tom by the deck outside the amphitheater.

"May papasukan ka na Tom?"

"Pinag-iisipan ko pa din Loy, baka umuwi muna ko sa mga Lolo ko. Doon nalang ako mag-de-decide."

It was half-true, but it is the least of his worries for now.

"'Pag nagawi ka ulit ng Manila, tawagan mo 'ko ha? Pag-isipan mo kung gusto mo din i-try sa Advertising, i-re-recommend kita agad-agad."

Tom nods. He feels happy that the new friend has found his path again.

"Ah, natanong din kita kasi akala ko talaga sasama ka kay Bert sa Palawan. Kayong dalawa pa naman ang magkadikit palagi."

Tom's gut has tightened from hearing the news. He tries to hide his shock by forcing a laugh. He has not asked him his plans after school ever since. He seems to be just always there for him but knowing that he will be gone soon as well sent anxiety crawling down his throat.

"Baka mas may nangangailangan kay Bert doon. Masyado na din s'yang maraming naitulong sa'kin."

He stoops his head to look away from the young man, staring at his soiled shoes.

"Tom, wait, sorry."

He looks at him again. Carlos looked like he said something he should not have. He gives him a smile and shakes his head, reassuring him.

"'Wag mong isipin yun Loy."

The young man laughed nervously and tapped him.

"Basta 'pag kailangan mo ng kausap, tawagan mo lang ako ha. Tagal din natin nagkasama, 'kala ko 'di tayo magiging close eh."

"Halimaw ka kasi. Ayaw mong patalo," Tom cracks.

"Oh, buti hindi na Demonyo?"

"Para kay Shi nalang daw yun."

"Mabait na ko kay Miss Park. Nag-promise na ko sa kanya. Wala nang init-ulo."

He squints at him curiously and Carlos laughs as he gets what he means.

"Opo Kuya, aagalaan ko po s'ya."

Tom sulks teasingly and holds out his hand for a formal good-bye but Carlos pulls him quickly in his arms for a tight squeeze.

"Ingat ka palagi, Tom. Maraming salamat sa lahat."

⸙

Tom finds himself walking back in the building in hopes of finding him. He reaches the faculty hall and heads towards the club room.

He opens the door and looks at the empty room. On the front wall, the posters of the past and present Art Festivals were suspended alongside the others. Tom approaches the glaring stag on the rightmost. The original has been preserved in a wooden frame with a glass cover.