Shine Bright, Love.

Chapter 1

"Wai" is a sign of respect in Thailand. The hands are pressed together (like praying) and then slightly bowing your head.

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I've been very anxious while sitting. Hindi ko lubos maisip na naisahan ako ng nanay ko. I was planning to sneak out kaninang hating gabi habang tulog si mommy pero 'di pa lang ako nakakalabas ay nakaabang na siya sa pintuan.

"I can't believed you fooled me, mom." I rolled my eyes sa nanay kong sitting pretty.

"Hindi kita niloko. Your father is in the hospital, totoo 'yon." Humarap ako sa kanya nang nakakunot ang noo.

Dad is very healthy. He is very young looking because he takes care of himself, he eats a balanced diet and even go to gym to keep him fit!

"What really happened?"

"Kim is stressed out. Siguro dahil sa upcoming KHNTV Awards. Maraming inaasikaso that's why nagcollapsed siya, over-fatigue." She shrugged like my father's situation is normal.

My mom is very tricky. Pakiramdam ko ay mahahanap ako nito kahit saan king natuloy ako sa pagtakas kanina. Hindi ako mananalo sa kanya.

"I'll just check on him tapos aalis din ako."

Eto ang kauna-unahang punta ko ng Thailand na ganito ang nararamdaman ko. Hindi ako natutuwa sa mga nangyayari, I wanna tear up while reminiscing my memories in that place.

Mom knows what happened but yet here she is, forcing me to go home. "Your friends will be happy kapag nalaman nilang nakabalik ka na."

I remember my friends, and of course I missed them too. Kumusta na kaya sila? It's been 3 years since I left and never ko silang kinontact.

The flight was short, it felt like seconds. Mula nang umupo ako rito ay hindi na ako mapakali. Nag-ooverthink kung ano ang mga mangyayari pagkalapag ng eroplano.

"Sugar, ano na? Tulala ever? Get your things. We've already landed."

"Oh!" 

Napakurap ako mula sa pagkakatulala dahil nakalapag na pala ang eroplano. Ang bilis! Sinuot ko ang cap at sunglasses ko habang kinukuha ang gamit sa head compartment.

"Sawadee kha. Welcome to Thailand! Enjoy your stay!" I bowed my head a smile at the crew. I sighed in frustration habang pababa ng eroplano. Looks like I will be in hell for a few months. It's really goodbye, Philippines. Hello, Thailand.

Hila-hila ang Louis Vuitton kong suitcase, lumakad na ako na parang may tinataguan. Nakayuko pa ako habang sumusunod kay Mommy. Skinny jeans at simpleng white shirt lang ang suot ko with matching Vans slip-on.

Hindi pa kami nakakalabas nang napatigil si mommy sa paglalakad kaya't nabunggo pa ako sa likod niya.