The Songs and Invisible Thread

a thousand

Maraming salamat sa lahat Nieves

Isa kang totoong kaibigan.

After reading what was written on a small piece of paper, she received a hug from her bestfriend. Nieves accepted her warm hug and gently tapped her back.

"Luntian naman, wag mo akong paiyakin." Sabi nito sa malungkot na boses. "I hate saying goodbyes kaya sisiguraduhin ko pa rin na magkikita tayo."

Luntian is her childhood bestfriend. Hindi ito nakakapag-salita pero kahit may kapansanan man ay hindi ito naging hadlang para tuparin ang mga pangarap niya sa buhay. Nieves is happy knowing that Luntian has her reason to not leave the place. She's now pursuing her dreams with the help of a new friend. 

"That's for sure Nieves." A woman behind them answered.

"Alagaan mo siyang Mabuti, Amadea. Maghihintay ako sa susunod nating pagkikita." Saka ito bumitaw sa pagkakayakap.

"Sige na, baka mahirapan pa akong pakawalan ka." Kinuha niya si Hirang, ang alagang aso, bago magpaalam.

"We will miss you Lian."

Luntian genuinely smiled at them and waved goodbye. Amadea held Luntian's hand and did the same. Pagkatapos ipasok sa sasakyan ang mga gamit, the latter decided to have a quick word with Nieves before they leave.

"Do you think... it's a good idea?" Amadea hesitated and seemed nervous.

Tinapik ni Nieves ang balikat nito at ngumiti.

"I've never seen my friend this happy. You both knew what each other wants, understand what each other's needs, kaya sa tingin ko rin bilang kaibigan niya, mas mabuting saiyo siya tumira."

Amadea held her arm. "Thanks for everything Nieves. We'll see you very soon. Sana makapunta ka sa art exhibit niya."

"That's for sure."

They waved goodbye for the last time. Malungkot man pero nangingibabaw pa rin ang saya dahil sa unang pagkakataon ay nasaksihan niya ang hindi maipaliwanag na ngiti ni Luntian.

Nieves was wearing a basic black and white outfit and paired it with leather ankle boots that was given as a birthday present from Adam. Mapang-asar man sila sa isa't isa pero magkasundo naman halos sa lahat ng bagay, katulad din ng pagturing niya sa nakababata nitong kapatid.

She was running a little late for a meeting. Nang marating niya ang conference room ay halos nasa kalagitnaan na ng pagpupulong. Upang hindi maka-abala sa nagsasalita ay tumungo siya sa pinaka-likod.

But despite of her effort of not being seen, she couldn't fool Autumn's extremely keen sight. Nakahalukipkip ito at kung malapit lang kay Nieves ay paniguradong binato na siya ng maraming tanong.