Invisible Strings

3

Please rest now, Sab. Stop tormenting me.

Niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit. She smells the same even in my dreams. Hindi ko na napigilan na umiyak ng malakas. Panaginip lang naman 'to diba? Kaya makakaiyak ako ng kahit gaano kalakas.

We were lucky that she lived up to seventeen years old. The probability of having her disease is one in eight million and most live up to age thirteen only. Laking pasalamat ko nalang na may pera ang mga magulang namin at kahit papaano ay natutukan siya.

A humming sound of an unfamiliar sound started filling the room. It was a comforting sound. This never happened in this dream before. Unknowingly, that sound sent me to sleep.

I woke up feeling lightweight the next day. It doesn't help that I had numbers of Moscow Mule and a make-out session with Stephen.

Uggh, what a beautiful name. Hindi ko alam kung anong oras nakami natulog, because it feels like we talked a lot last night. Wala naman akong schedule ngayon at balak ko talagang tanghaliin ng gising pero agad din akong bumangon, only to find out that I am alone in bed now.

I let out a deep breath. It's a one-time transaction Ziyah. Don't get attached too much. Ni hindi nga nagpaalam sayo yung tao eh.

It was weird at first. My chest tugged for that reason. Was it really a one-time cuddle thingy? Bakit kasi ang sweet-sweet niya?

It was wrong to agree last night on that note, but I won't deny the fact that he made me feel good, special even.

Kinuha ko ang telepono ko at nakitang nasa Safari parin ito. I chuckled. Qofte huh.

I started checking out my instagram account and my other socials.. There were photos tagged at me by my friends. Nag-night out ang mga bruha at iniinggit pa talaga nila ako.

I was about to call them when a caller ID popped up.

"Goodmorning." Bati ko. I tried to keep my words short as possible.

"Hi Ziyah, my princess. How was your day?" Tingin ba niya nasa Pinas ako ngayon? My day is just about to start.

"It was fine, Reina. The usual. I'm about to go out and have breakfast." Ayaw niyang tinatawag ko siyang Mama o ano. She insists I call her by name, so she feels young.

"Oh yes, did I wake you up dear? Make sure not to eat too much, okay?. You've gotta keep your figure intact..." and the list goes on and on. Don't drink too much, you'll get bloated. Watch your salt intake! Watch your sugar. That's carbs, etc. Etc.

"Mom, I got this—"

"It's Reina. Ilang beses ko bang uulitin, Ziyah?" I sighed. The time difference wont be a hindrance to her temper. I knew I had to hear her rants because today is the day father died. She started drinking two years ago at this date.

"Reina" I called.

"Yes honey?" May gumuhit na sakit sa dibdib ko.

"I'll be home in a few weeks."

Natahimik siya sa kabilang linya. Naghintay ako kung may sasabihin pa siya. I always taught myself not to hang-up on her.

"How was your friend, the philanthropist" Tukoy niya kay Minthe. She's been pretty close with her since they do a lot of charity projects.

"She's good Reina." Tipid na sagot ko.

"She shouldn't be married in a young age. Sayang ang ganda niya. He could've entered into  binibining Pilipinas."

Pang-ilang beses na ba naming pinag-usapan ito? She's always fond of Minthe at minsan, sa sobrang pagtatanong niya ay gusto ko nalang silang iconference call.