Diary of an Introvert

48: The Crying Man

Natapos na ang defense. I was not able to get any awards at all.

I said to myself that it's okay pero parang malungkot din dahil I know I did my best there. Umasa ako. I expected some rewards— and I regret doing so.

I passed, yes. Pero iba rin yung na-acknowledge ka noh? Hay. Heto na naman ang paka-competitive ko. Tch.

"At least you passed. Yung iba rescheduled for another defense." sabi ng kaklase ko.

"Tama ka nga. Hay."

"Cee, gusto mong sumama samin? Manonood kami ng gig ng isa naming friend. Para na rin makapagcelebrate na tayo."

"Saan?" tanong ko. Kapag kasi malayo parang malabo na ring magkasama pa ako.

"Sus! Ang lapit lang nun sa inyo! Di ba may resto malapit sa bahay niyo? Mga isang street lang yata ang layo eh."

"Ah!" Naalala ko na. "Doon ba? Parang mahal naman yata."

"Hay naku. May discount na bibigay yung friend ko. Kaya tayo na!"

"Okay. Sasama na ako." Sabi ko at umalis na nga kami.

One thing that I'm blessed with was gaining new friends in grad school. We understand each other dahil pareho lang kaming mga busy people. Ang pinagkaiba lang, mga extroverts sila kaya panay ang pagpaparty habang ako, heto at ngayon lang makakapanood ulit ng music gig.

Tinawagan ko si mama at sinabi ang plano ko. She said okay at pinaalalahanan akong sabihan rin si Calvin.

I called him pero busy ang phone kaya nagtext nalang ako.

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We sat near the stage. While waiting for the band to start, I excused myself and went to the bathroom.

Masyado akong nagmamadali kaya hindi ako nakaiwas sa nagganap na banggaan.

"Sorry po—" He was shocked for a moment and then looked away from me. He wiped his tears using the back of his hand.

"Okay lang. Sorry." He said then went away.

Ano kayang nangyari sa kanya? Kawawa naman. Hay! Makapag-cr na nga lang!

Pagbalik ko sa table namin, the band was already started singing. The man who I bumped with was actually the lead singer of the group.

Nacurious tuloy ako. Is he singing this song for someone?

In this dim light, I can still see the sadness his eyes. Naaawa ako sa kanya.

I closed my eyes and prayed.

Lord, heal his heart.