The Universe and Beyond

Universe 10: Detour

ZEN

I brought my drawing pad and put the drawing tools I need inside my sling bag. I carried the easel down the stairs. It's already two in the afternoon and we have plans to go to the hill. I wear my black jacket and maong shorts and black hiking sandals.

"Ma, may pupuntahan lang kami ni Rozend. We will go to the hill. Watch the sunset and maybe paint it," sabi ko habang nakaupo siya Mama sa sala at nanonood ng TV. "Baka gabihin kami ng uwi."

Umupo ako sa tabi niya. Wala si Josh dahil nakikipaglaro siya sa mga kaibigan niya sa plaza. Ngumiti siya sa 'kin. She tucks my hair behind my ears.

"How's the workshop?" tanong niya.

Ngumiti ako sa kanya at yumakap. She hugs me back and lightly combs my hair with her fingers. "It's fun. I'm really enjoying the workshop. And I'm learning a lot of things and there's Rozend who helps me whenever he can. I think this summer camp is a worthwhile experience."

"That's good to hear. Alright. Maghahanda lang ako ng pwede ninyong kainin, pangmeryenda," saad niya nang kumalas siya ng yakap.

"Huwag na, Ma. Sabi ni Rozend, si Tita Rina na ang bahala sa meryenda namin," pigil ko sa kanya. I kissed her cheeks. "Bye, Ma!"

Tumayo na ako at lumabas ng bahay dala ang mga gamit ko. Hindi ko na hinintay ang sasabihin niya. Paglabas ko sa bahay, nakita ko si Rozend habang bitbit ang isang lunchbox. He's wearing his gray jacket with white shirt inside, khaki shorts and dark gray hiking sandals. Bitbit din niya ang gitara niya, easel at backpack kung saan nakalagay ang mga gamit niya sa pagpipinta. He's talking to his mother who's now pruning the branches of the santan plants.

"Come back before dinner," paalala ni Tita Rina sa kanya.

"7 p.m.?" he bargained.

"6 p.m." she said with a serious look.

"Alright! 6:30 p.m.," he said with a smile.

Napailing na lang si Tita Rina pero napangiti na rin. Wala sa sariling ginulo niya ang buhok ni Rozend. "Sige. I won't stop you but take care of yourself." Napalingon sa 'kin si Tita Rina at ngumiti. "Andiyan na pala si Zen. Sige na. Basta bumalik ka 6:30 p.m. sharp," paalala niyang muli kay Rozend. Kumaway sa 'kin si Tita Rina. I waved back with a smile.

"Uhm," saad ni Rozend pero tumango siya. He kissed Tita Rina's cheeks and walk to me. Nauna na akong sumakay sa Ford pickup. I will drive today. Inilagay ko sa likod ang mga gamit ko. Inilagay din ni Rozend ang mga gamit na dala niya sa likod.

"Ah, Rozend, pakilagay na rin ng foldable stool. Andiyan sa likod ng garage. Ilagay mo na lang sa likod ng pickup," I instructed.

"Okay," he said. When he's done, he sits beside me and fastened his seatbelt. I started the engine and we drive to the hill. I noticed that Rozend is silent on our way to the hill. He's looking outside the window with distant eyes and I wonder what he's thinking.

"What's up?" mahinang tanong ko.

Hindi niya ako agad sinagot. Pero napansin kong sumulyap siya sa 'kin bago bumuntong-hininga nang malalim. Muli siyang tumingin sa labas ng bintana.

"Why is it hard to be free?" he suddenly asked.

"What kind of freedom are you referring to?" kunot-noong tanong ko.

"The freedom to do whatever you want without restrictions. Without worry. Without limits. A kind of freedom where you can dance under the sun and even in the rain," malalim na saad niya. He's just too deep to understand but I like hearing his deep honest thoughts.