11 Years Age Gap

Chapter 3.

"Do you know what I usually remind my friends of?" Tanong ko habang nakatingin sa dagat. Ramdam ko naman ang paglingon sa akin ni Duke na inaantay akong magsalita.

"That whenever they experience a problem, they are overthinking, stressed out, and hold hatred toward someone.. I always let them know I'm readily accessible willing to hear how they feel." I spoke as I stretched out my legs in front of me, hands at the back on the floor, and trunk straight.

"Because we are friends. I don't want them to go through it by themselves. I get that it is their problem, but that doesn't mean you have no right to openly discuss it with someone. It's given that everyone fights different silent battles, but.. you only need to find the right person who will listen to you without invalidating your thoughts.."

He spoke with a broad smile and asked, "How are you going to figure out the right person who won't invalidate your thoughts?"

"If you feel comfortable around that person, you can ask about their willingness to listen. If so, then say anything you want. And if ever one day they will at some point invalidate your thoughts, then find again the right person." Sagot ko sabay ngiti sakaniya.

"That's not easy.." Mahinang ani niya.

"Yeah. Although it might not be easy, once you let your thoughts go, the weight here in your heart," I paused as I took a moment to point my heart,

"and here in your head.. will lighten." I continued as I pointed at my head.

I turned to face him, but all I could see was him gazing mindlessly out at the water. It seems that he isn't processing what I'm saying.

"Even though having many friends, I understand how it feels to want to talk to someone yet not feel comfortable doing so," I said, looking back at the view.

"We're friends, right?" I asked as I turned back to face him. He looked at me, smiled broadly, and nodded.

"Duke, I'm free for a conversation whenever you like. You may share what's bothering you with me, but yeah... I understand if you still find me to be uncomfortable around. I'll hold off till you feel at ease." I said and patted his shoulder.

"Every day, people face different challenges. All you need to do is succeed in that challenge, but if you do lose, learn to accept it. At least you gave it your best and gained new knowledge. Still, you weren't a loser 'cause you learn something." I continued as I wiped the sand from my hands.

"Duke, I am aware that you are here to relieve stress. I just want you to know that I'm your friend and you are more than welcome to tell me anything you want." I resumed as I turned to face him. His slightly teary eyes while he was gazing at the beach caught me off guard.

"Ice creaaaam kayo d'yan, ayaw niyo? Tapon ko 'to!" Rinig kong sigaw ni Mamang Sorbetero. "Wait here." Saad ko at bumili ng ice cream.

Habang inaantay ko yung ice cream, I was staring at him. Sincerely, I want to give him the peace he needs and help to clear his mind so that he can carry out all of his duties that he used to cheerfully.

"Here, ice cream" Aniya ko saka iniabot sakanya.

"I should be the one to buy, you handed me a free chuckie on the plane." He chuckled.

"You know that's pricey, I was even debating whether to give it hahahahahahaha."

"I will then pay for it.." He replied while licking the ice cream.

"Nah. Forget it hahahaha."

Even though it is beyond midnight, I still can't go to sleep because of Duke. You might think he is fine every time he smiles but he is not. I want to be one of those who he can trust and I want to understand the situation he is in. Hays. Napaka-pakialamera ko talaga sa buhay ng iba.