Strings of Memory

Extra 2

I couldn't respond. I just stared at him, processing his words.

Maybe he was right. Maybe I should find an instrument na para lang sa akin. Na ako lang ang makakatugtog nang maayos. Maybe I really should stop copying him.

But... if I choose a different instrument, will I still be happy? Will my eyes sparkle with joy the same way his did when he played?

"How about trying out the guitar?"

Sabay kaming napatingin ni Uncle sa entrance ng garage. Doon, nakatayo si Kuya Harry, The Reverie's guitarist, wearing his usual glasses.

Ngumiti siya at naglakad palapit.

"I'm sorry for intruding. Nakabukas kasi 'tong garahe mo, kaya dumiretso na ako," he told Uncle before turning to me. "Good morning, Zeira!"

Gulat akong napakurap. "G-good morning din po," mahina kong sagot, feeling a bit shy.

Huminto siya sa harap namin, then sat down on one of the chairs. "So, back to what I was saying," he continued, "you should try the guitar."

I looked back at Uncle when he let go of my shoulder. He straightened up and nodded.

"He's right. You could try the guitar," sabi niya at lumapit sa isang electric guitar na nakalagay sa stand nito.

Kinuha niya iyon at sinenyasan akong lumapit, which I did. He helped me strap it on, but it was too big for me. Kaya kumuha siya ng isang bangko, pina-upo ako, at ipinatong sa kandungan ko ang gitara.

Lumapit naman si Kuya Harry at itinuro kung saan ko dapat ilagay ang mga kamay ko. Nang makitang tama na ang posisyon, tumango siya.

"Try mo nga mag-strum," he said.

I took a breath and followed his instruction.

The moment the guitar made a sound, I felt a shiver run down my spine. Kasabay nito ang pagbilis ng tibok ng puso ko.

I looked up and saw my uncle grinning. Beside him, Kuya Harry was also smiling.

"It looks like we found a match," Uncle said.

Kuya Harry nodded before turning back to me. "Don't worry, Zeira. I'll teach you how to play that guitar."

My heart was still racing, but I managed to nod. Then, I looked down at the electric guitar resting on my lap.

Maybe this was the answer I was looking for.

Just like they said, the guitar really is a good match for me, and I couldn't be happier. That moment—when I first strummed its strings—I fell in love with it. Uncle was happy for me, kaya naman mas lalo ko pang sinubukan maging mas magaling sa pagtugtog. Kuya Harry would teach me whenever he was in the area. Kapag wala siya, I either watched tutorial videos or we would do a video call where he'd guide me step by step. I'm really lucky that he's very accommodating. Minsan, nahihiya ako, pero palagi naman niya akong nire-reassure na ayos lang. Just like now.

"Stop being shy, Zeira. As a guitarist, you have to exude confidence. Huwag kang mahihiya sa akin. Para naman tayong hindi magkakilala kapag ganyan. It's okay. Hindi ka nakakaabala sa akin. You're like a little sister to me, so don't hesitate to ask if there's something you don't know. I'll always make sure to help you. Got it?"

Tumango ako. Kahit medyo naiilang pa rin, nagawa ko nang ngumiti. "Thank you, Kuya Harry."

Pagpasok ko ng junior high, sinimulan ko na ang paghahanap ng mga band members. If I wanted to become a professional musician, I needed a band of my own. Hindi ko 'yon magagawa mag-isa. Even I know that much.