Ludic Selcouth #3: Dancing Keys

Key #24

Jeepneys, cars, people. The city is still stuffed by them even if it's already night.

I put my hands inside the pockets of my hoodie and continued walking. I'm just strolling around, trying to get my mind at peace so I can think properly. I'm not going to deny it, the audition from the other day already drained me. It's not helping that the color run and the actual contest will be tomorrow.

I just need some air, I don't care if it's polluted.

It's already past 9, mom and dad didn't know that I sneaked out. They wouldn't let me out if I tried to get their permission anyway.

I was just keep on walking and walking, not really thinking where I was going. It's cold and windy tonight, in spite the busy city. I can feel the cold on my feet.

May mga tao pa akong nakakasalubong. Most of them were looking weary and sleepy. They must be workers who just finished their duties. Mahirap talaga atang kumita ng pera. I wouldn't really know because mom and dad are just giving us redundant financial supports. Sobra-sobra ang nasa bangko namin ni Abe, hindi rin kami kinikuwestiyon masyado ng magulang namin kahit gumastos kami nang malaki.

Though they would sometimes ask, but that's it. They wouldn't scold us just because of money.

Maybe we are really privileged. Maybe we are really lucky to have a wealthy family. I just can't help but to think, bakit hindi nalang maging pantay-pantay ang social status ng mga tao?

I once heard that it can't be possible. Hindi raw pwedeng maging pantay-pantay ang katayuan ng mga tao sa buhay. May mahirap daw talaga at mayaman. Sino nalang daw ang magsisilbi sa mga mayayaman kung walang mga average at mahirap?

I highly disagree. Hindi ba kaya ng mga mayayaman ang sarili nila? That thought doesn't feel right for me.

It's just really unfair. But I guess, that's how the world works. Life is unfair. May kaniya-kaniya tayong hirap na nararanasan. Some people experience financial crisis, some are mental and health crisis. Predicaments are inevitable.

Lakad pa rin ako nang lakad hanggang sa may makita akong babae sa gilid. She's sitting with a street person beside a kariton. They're currently eating a bread while talking. The pretty woman is smiling as well as the old woman. They must be having a good conversation.

I already stopped walking and I just stared at them. Naramdaman siguro 'yon nung magandang babae kaya napatingin siya sa gawi ko at bahagyang tumaas ang kilay. Napa-iwas tuloy ako ng tingin at tumikhim.

"Hey! Gusto mo?" biglang rinig ko na tanong niya. When I looked at her, she's already offering me her bread. Nahiya ako bigla pero nagpasya akong lapitan nalang sila.

"Okay lang po, Ate. Salamat." napatingin na rin sakin ang matanda kaya nginitian ko siya at umupo sa tabi nila.

I guess the pretty woman isn't a street person. Mukha kasi siyang disente, she's even wearing a business attire.

"Gabi na, mukhang bata ka pa. Anong ginagawa mo rito sa labas?" the woman asked. Ipinatong ko ang siko sa tuhod atsaka ako naghalumbaba.

"Naglalakad-lakad lang po. How about you? Do you know this lola?" the old woman seems weak. Medyo nanginginig na nga ang kamay niyang may hawak sa tinapay.

"No, I just saw her tonight. Hindi pa raw siya kumakain. Actually, I'm planning to send her on a Nursing home tonight. Hinihintay lang namin yung mga caretakers at nurse." I feel like my heart is clenching why I'm looking at the old woman.

Where is her children or relatives? Bakit nandito siya sa kalsada?

"Can I stay here with you for a while po?" tumango siya pero kinunutan din ako ng noo.