Leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees
And all will be alright in time
From waves overgrown come the calmness of seas
And all will be alright in time
Wounds of the past wll eventually heal
And all will be alright in time
‘Cause all of this comes with a love that is real
You never really love someone until you learn to forgive.
- Leaves, Ben&Ben
***
AN old lady can be seen leaning back in her bed, looking off into the distance. She seemed to be thinking deeply.
Its wrinkled skin is the living evidence of resilience. A young man was seen sitting on a stool near her bed. While the old lady was looking into the distance, he was just staring at her.
The man beside her had different emotions that you could see in his eyes.
Flattering, and resentful, but the love and missing are more pronounced.
He loved the person who served as his second mother. In truth, this old lady is more loving than her mother. She took care of them, raised them, preached lessons, and paid attention to him and his other siblings.
But he is still sad and lonely, even though she’s in front of him. Because she may be there next to him physically. But Alzheimer's disease took the old lady to them a long time ago. The last time he was able to talk to her sensibly was when she informed him that she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. And she will enter an institute for the elderly.
The old lady hasn’t made any family of her own. And her relatives have different lives. Paolo’s family had become her own. When she said that she would enter the facility, he didn’t agree. He wanted to take care of her like she took care of him when he was young. But she doesn’t want to be a burden to him and his family.
He couldn't stop her.
So even if she doesn't remember him sometimes, like now, he visits her. He talks to her about the things that happened to him, and when he is tired, her presence is his solace. She does not react often. Sometimes she would touch his face with both hands. Staring at each other, he could see emotions through her eyes. First anger, then sadness...then pity.
Since the old lady has been engulfed by the disease, she is not talking anything about what she thinks, her decisions, and her feelings.
"You know, *(1)Nay, I met someone at JM's surprise wedding. I even mistook her for JM's side chick because she was drunk." He laughed at how he remembered the girl's reaction when he said that she was getting drunk because of his friend.
"But I know it's not like that. I believe in her. Because... Because when I looked at her, I felt something else. As if we have known each other for a long time." He suddenly shook his head.
"You know I feel like she was weirded out by me. I was also feeling uneasy about how I felt that day."
He looked down. He couldn't explain. It’s just weird. The speed of his heartbeat. His cold sweats. His body was reacting to her, not in a lustful way, but his body reacted to her as if he missed her presence so much.
"It's a different feeling. You know that at the back of your mind you know something is different inside you the moment we land each other's gaze. I-I really can't explain. It's frustrating.” He even pulled out his hair because of so much frustration that he couldn't explain.
He looks like a fool laughing while being annoyed at himself.
"I just wish we could see each other again. Well, she is a writer for The Journal. And I am planning to invest in Patrick's new business plan for a publishing house connected to their online writing platform. So maybe we'll meet again. There is a big chance that her stories will be included in the first batch that will be printed for paperback. She's a good writer, although all her stories are heartbreaking." He still laughed at this.
The old lady remains emotionless. And sadness officially took him when he looked up at the other person again. Still no reaction and still looking at the trees outside from the moment he entered her room.
He misses her smile and her laugh so much. Even her admonitions to him. Yes, she is here in front of him, but it's not the same as before. What's even more surprising to him is that, since Alzheimer's swallowed the old lady, she is not talking to him.
One of the many things Paolo remembers about the old lady’s attitude is if there was something he did that offended her, she wouldn’t talk to him. For how long, he doesn’t know. Until he says he is sorry. But he doesn't remember doing anything that might have caused her to sulk.
He blew out some air.
He just went there to inhale some fresh air. These days he feels that everything is crowded. Burn out? Maybe. He also has a lot of work these days.
He just wanted to see an old face. A pause for everything.
"Nay, I'm going to leave you first. Eat a lot. Just tell Nurse Jhen what you want. She will give it to you. I will visit again." He was about to kiss the lady’s forehead when two hands stopped him by touching his face.
He was surprised at first but immediately calmed down when he realized that no one else was going to do this to him but the old lady.
"Y-Yes, nay?" He asked her. Maybe she wants to buy something? A request? Something she wanted to get for his next visit.
"Have you eaten already?" The old woman asked. But her tone is not asking a question, she is more about commanding him.
"Yes, nay! I always eat at the right time,” he answered.
"You should always eat on time. Do you remember the things that I told you? You have an ally in me. I'm still here. I will not leave you.”
He can't help but be emotional about the things she said. She gave her the advice and love he would surely pass on to his children in the future.
After a while, she once again stopped talking but still stared at him.
When she was still staring at him, he took her hand that was still on his face and then gently brought it to his lips and kissed it.
"Nay," He called her. "I miss you so much." He gently let go of her hands, and then he ultimately left her room.
NOTE:
(1) Nay - Noun. Means mother or an affectionate or honorific term for an older woman.
*** INFINITY happily entered a compound. It's a little bit chaotic because of the horns of cars and people walking beside the vicinity. It was neighboring a lot of condominiums and a shopping mall. But the atmosphere is peaceful once you enter the compound. Thanks to a lot of trees surrounding the vicinity, it most blocked the noise and pollution. The home for the elderly who have no other home. It has been a long time since she last visited this place. Maybe two months. The reason is first, she was too busy at work. Second, as much as possible, she doesn't want to see people from her past. Sadness was already consuming her every day, it was swallowing her whole. Maybe her heart can't take it anymore if there is someone or something that could remind her of her past. This is the person she leaned on when he was alone. She became a wall to Infinity at times when she had no one to lean on. She never left her side, but fate did a little trick once again. That’s why she ended up in th
Can love be measured by the hours in a day? I have no answers now but this much I can say I know I’ll need him till the stars all burn away - Where Do I Begin “Love Story”, Gary Valenciano *** MONDAY. Tears in Heaven, the novel Infinity is currently writing, has just been uploaded to the website. And before the new chapter warms up, Pipay and Robin are already messing around at their tables talking about it. "Did the writer of this story get neglected when she was still a child? Why does she like to make her readers cry?" Robin said those words quite loudly. She is sure that is a comment from one of her readers. "While I'm reading this, I'm thinking happy thoughts because I'm sure I'm going to cry. But it didn't work. This story is excellent but heartbreaking.” "I want to tweak the writer for this story." She heard Pipay say. “Infinity! Come on! Go hide! Your readers are ready to eat you alive!" Robin threatens her. "If your reader is okay with it, I am glad to tweak you m
*** HER feet took her to a place he never thought she would return to. This place reminds her of so many happy memories. Yet the moment she enters the coffee shop, she feels nothing but sadness and pain. The coffee shop used to be her happy place. Her piece of heaven. Not much has changed in that area. The tables have just been added, and the employees have changed, but the ambiance and the feel inside the coffee shop remain the same. Her former university is just 2 blocks away. So many students were there today, some were just chatting with their friends and some were reviewing. She sees herself in them. Years ago. She used to be that university student in that very same spot. She stayed there almost every day early in the morning while she was procrastinating her papers that had to be submitted the next day. She would order a cup of their cheapest coffee and would stay there for hours. This is also the same place where they've shared so many memories. She immediately
It’s hard enough just passing the time When I can’t seem to get off my mind And where is the good in goodbye? Tell me why, tell me why - Do You Ever Think About Me, Brian Mcknight *** THE Journal’s Awards Night is just around the corner, some writers are already busy preparing. But Infinity is not affected at all. It's not because she's an introvert, but she's not too fond of parties and glamour. She is the type of person who likes silence. Peace. Because that is what she's dreamed of having all this time. Peace of mind. She has seen the categories that will be awarded. She is nominated in 3 categories. The tragic story category, which is said by his colleagues, will definitely be given to her. The romance category and the Young Adult category. Even so, she is still actually thinking of ways to avoid awards night. She doesn’t have the slightest interest in attending the program, if only she could avoid her friend before the program, she would. "Infinity, do you already have
*** "WHAT do you think, Felice, Infinity? Is this good for me?" Angelica asked them if the red gown she was holding would look good on her. It has a simple design, but Infinity thinks that it would be a perfect match for Angelica’s complexion. "It suits you, Angelica. All the gowns you wear are good for you. Your complexion suited every color," Felice answered. "Oh no! It is the same with you. The gowns you fit look good on you too. I also like your complexion. You look like Ms. Venus Raj!” "She's my peg for the awards night! Let's go back to the gown that looks like what she wore during her Ms. Universe competition! I think that is the one I would wear! I feel like I am the queen of the Universe!” Both of the girls laugh at their silliness. Infinity just watched silently from one side. She's not out of place or third wheel to the two. She just prefers to be quiet on one side. Her companions know this. Sometimes she laughs or answers when they ask for her opinion. "How about you
‘Cause I wish you the best of all this could give And I told you when you left me There’s nothing to forgive But I always thought you’d come back, tell me all you found was heartbreak and misery It’s hard for me to say, I’m jealous of the way You’re happy without me. - Jealous, Labrinth *** “OMG! Why are there so many people?” Felice asked them nervously. "What is this? (1)KathNiel’s* new movie red carpet premiere? There are also lots of reporters!” Pipay is also nervous when she sees the swamp of people. They agreed to go together to The Journal's Awards Night. First, it's embarrassing to enter the venue if you're alone. But the main reason is to save money on fares. "I didn't expect so many reporters to come. I think sir Patrick went overboard here." Robin was whispering while they were following the asher to enter the red carpet and the venue. "Our platform has also become quite big. Online reading and writing have become popular. I am not surprised if the media is
*** EVERYONE'S already seated in their designated seats. They are also seated together except for Angelica. She was seated at the tables with the higher-ups. The program started as usual and everyone was shocked by Sir Patrick's opening speech. Or because they are not used to Sir Patrick being formal, like now. There were lots of programs before they could eat, and she could hear Pipay and Robin grumbling because they were so hungry. After some announcement, the host opened the buffet, which means they are already allowed to eat. Actually, The Journal doesn't have many employees. But since this is the first event of the company under Sir Patrick, and the news of its expansion into publishing. It was a piece of big news! That is why there are lots of reporters and business persons present who are also curious about the business flow of a writing platform. There are business people who are still thinking about investing in the company and some are already investors. For Infinity, it
Ang nakalipas ay ibabalik natin Ipapaalala ko sa’yo, ang aking pangako na ang pag-ibig ko’y laging sa’yo Kahit maputi na ang buhok ko. - Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok ko, Moira [version] *** THE program proper had already ended. People were dancing around her. Some of the writers are also talking about their works and how gorgeous they are right now. But Infinity’s still looking at the void. Suddenly, a hand blocked her vision. The hand is asking her for a dance. When her eyes met the owner of the hand, she was not even surprised. "Why are you asking me to dance, sir? Your girlfriend might get angry." She asked. "Cut the sir out, Infinity. We are practically friends. And Grace, as you can see." He points out in the direction where his girlfriend is surrounded by business people. A real social butterfly, well her name itself rings a bell to any people included in the social circle. “Still, this isn't right. You should only dance with her.” He smiled at her as if she said someth