𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 | 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐀

| 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 |

Without delay, I took a seat, donning an expression that conveyed my lack of enthusiasm or mood.

"Narda, thanked God you showed up. I miss you."  A radiant smile adorned her face, a smile that holds a special place in my heart, one that I yearn to cherish exclusively.

Tapos napagtanto ko nalang bigla na, the woman I am currently gazing upon, and whom I have harbored deep affection for, is the very same person who has already developed romantic feelings for another individual. Describing her as simply having fallen in love with someone else would be an inadequate portrayal; she has already committed herself to another person, a man.

"Hey, are you alright?" She inquires, concerned.

"Of course, I am, and I will always be fine, Regina."

"No, I don't believe so. Tell me what's wrong so I can help you, Narda."  You can't help me, Regina; there's nothing you can do.

"Kailangan ko pa bang ulitin Regina, I said, I'm fine," I stated, with a slight increase in volume, causing her to flinch.

"N-Narda, galit ka ba? May nagawa ba akong masama?" I know I'm being harsh to her, but I have no choice.

"No, Regina, you are not at fault, and there is no justification for me to be upset with you," I responded, crossing my arms and reclining in my chair..

"Iyon naman pala, pero bakit parang hindi tayo okay. Kasi when I texted you, you didn't respond, when I called, you didn't answer, and when I wanted to meet up with you, you didn't show up. Please, Narda, just tell me what's wrong."

I bear a sense of guilt, and it pains me to witness her sadness as a result of my actions. She displays genuine concern for me, yet I persist in treating her with indifference. However, I am aware that I will be the one to endure the consequences if I fail to fulfill my obligations in this matter.

"My focus has been consumed by my work, which is why I have been unable to respond to your messages or meet with you. While I have addressed all of your inquiries, I must excuse myself now as I still have pressing priorities to attend to." I conveyed this in a monotonous tone.

I stood up from my chair, intending to depart, but she abruptly seized my wrist, causing me to halt and direct my gaze towards her..

"W-Why are you treating me with indifference? You... you have changed," she uttered, her voice trembling with emotion, indicating her impending tears. Though I longed to embrace her and offer my apologies, I hesitated, unwilling to take any risks. The turmoil within me was already overwhelming, and I deemed it best not to add further complications.

I chose not to respond to her, swiftly departing without retrieving my car. Striding with increased pace, as if my very existence depended on it, I disregarded any inconvenience. My sole objective was to escape from that place.

The tears that I had restrained earlier are now cascading down my cheeks. Sobrang sakit, that's how I was feeling right now.

This dreadful feeling, I wish it would just go away.

After a few minutes of walking I just happened to be in the park— the park where Regina and I met for the first time! Pag minamalas ka nga naman, sa lahat ba naman ng lugar, rito pa talaga ako napadpad.

This is where it all started. Parang kahapon lang.

The memory of witnessing her enjoy her Kwek-kwek remains ingrained in my mind. Seated on one of the benches, she emanated an undeniable charm as she savored her meal.

I vaguely recall approaching her with a smile and requesting permission to join her, to which she graciously consented. She even extended the kind gesture of offering me some of her food.