Glimpse of Evanescent Sanctuary

Panimula

"I chose HUMSS for you because you are taking Criminology in college, Winter," ani Dad habang inaayos ang suot niya.

My lips parted.

"What's with the expression? Do you have something else in mind?" Mom sternly said.

Napahawak ako sa aking baba. "I thought I was going to be a teacher or a bakery shop owner, Mom."

"What did you say?"

Napatigil sa pagtatanggal ng long sleeves si Daddy nang marinig ang sinagot ko. I already expected he'd say that, though. Dad wanted me to at least appear masculine and not feminine because they don't have a boy child. Me being a female was actually a huge dissapointment for them. They thought since I was their fourth child, I could finally be a male. But it turns out to be the opposite. Sabi pa nga ni Daddy, na-plano na raw niya ang future ko noong nasa tiyan pa lang ako ni Mommy. Sadly, babae pala ako nung nailabas na.

Mahinang tumawa pa si Daddy. "Teacher is very common. Ambabang tingnan, anak. And seriously, bakery shop? Even undergraduates can be bakery shop owner."

Sabay silang napatawa ni Mommy. Their expression tells me that my dream is worth laughing at.

I smiled to cast their sudden emotion. "Don't worry. Dream job ko lang po iyon but I will take Criminology p–"

"As you should," nare-relax na sagot ni Mommy.

"You'll be brought and picked up by our family driver. Text us if you'll be late for practice or crucial matters," ani Dad.

Agad akong tumango. I am favored because I don't know how to commute kapag malayo ang pupuntahan. Pero gusto ko rin namang matutong mag-biyahe nang mag-isa. At my age, it's such a shame to be dependent on my parents. Dahan-dahan akong naglakad pabalik sa kwarto ko nang pabalikin na nila ako.

I am lucky I studied a bit about Criminology. Ang alam ko ay kasali rin ang First Aid sa topic nila. When a cousin of mine took prelims, the seventy-five items test was full of it. Knowing that it will be my future course, I have to be prepared.

I sighed and stared at my mini library. I clicked my tongue. Really, I am such a fool to think that I will be able to choose the track I want for myself.

I fixed my eyeglasses while making my way to the bookshop. Sabi ni Ate Venus, may academic books daw rito na hindi available sa library ng University na papasukan ko. Bibili ako, mabuti na 'yon para advanced ako.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa nagtataasang bookshelves. Muli kong tiningnan ang mga sinulat na title ng mga libro ni Ate Venus. Sobrang dami naman kasing libro sa bookshop na 'to! Atsaka wala pang guide kung anong types ng libro ang nasa bawat bookshelf.

Sa bagay, baka bago pa lang ang bookshop na 'to. They're probably still working for its development. Isa-isa na lang akong naghanap sa mga kumpol ng libro hanggang sa mapagod ako.

I looked over my shoulders. Paalis na sana ako nang may nakita akong lalaki na nakasandal sa pader at nakatitig sa akin. Sobrang dami niyang hikaw sa tenga na halos 'di na makita ang balat niya sa tenga. Medyo kalbo rin siya. His siren eyes are piercing me.

Mabilis kong binalik ang tingin sa bookshelf at nagkunwaring naghahanap doon. Nakakatakot 'yung lalaki. He looks like someone who would punch you straight because you had the courage to make an eye contact with him.

Pinigilan kong tumawa. No, why am I so judgemental today?!?

In my peripheral vision, the man was still looking at me. Para matigil na ay no choice akong tumingin sa kaniya. Umiwas naman siya ng tingin at mayamaya'y biglang lumabas na ng bookshop. Napahinga ako nang maluwag. Somehow, I felt more comfortable that he already left the place.