While enjoying my meal, I couldn't help but notice a young boy who appeared to be around seven years old, accompanied by what seemed to be his grandmother. They sat at the empty table next to mine.
I overheard the grandmother saying, "Apo, picture-an kita, smile ka ha." She took out a simple keypad cellphone from her pocket, and her grandson flashed a bright smile.
I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions when I heard the grandson's question, "Lola Iska, paano po kayo? Hindi ka po ba kakain?" As I glanced at their table, I saw an order of a solo chicken joy, a glass of coke, and a glass of water.
A sweet smile formed on Lola Iska's lips as she sipped from her glass of water. "Huwag mo akong alalahanin, apo. Tapos na akong kumain kanina," she said, her smile never fading. She then playfully ruffled her grandson's hair and added, "pakabusog ka, ha?"
The young boy nodded, a grateful look in his eyes. "Sarap po talaga dito lola, 'yaan mo po. . . mag-aaral ako nang mabuti para kapag paglaki ko, araw-araw kitang ililibre dito." His words were a heartfelt response, filled with love and determination.
I sat up in my bed and looked at the photo on my bedside table – it was a picture of Lola Iska and me, with Jollibee when I was just a child.
Now, with tears of gratitude in my eyes, I whispered, "Lola Iska, I am now a lawyer." I spoke to the photograph, feeling her presence in the room.
The goodbye I never had a chance to say and the "I'll come back" promise that remained unfulfilled had driven me forward.
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