As The Sun Rises

SIMULA

I took a sigh as I sat on my car. It has been another tiring day at work. I took a deep breath as I roam my eyes in my surroundings. Tall buildings, blinding lights from the street, deafening noise from vehicles, and of course, the polluted air. Gosh, how I hate this scenery.

Bahagya kong hinilot ang sintido ko at muling nag buntong hininga bago binuksan ang makina ng sasakyan.

"Oh, how I hate cities." I mumbled before driving away from the hospital.

My responsibilities as an adult makes me do things I don't like. Earlier, I received a message from the city branch manager. Unfortunately, one of our machines malfunctioned and injured one of our employee. Mabuti na lamang at hindi malubha ang nangyari sa trabahador namin. Kinausap ko na rin ang pamilya niya at sinabing ang kompanya na ang bahala sa mga gastusin sa ospital at mga gamot.

If there's one thing that stayed the same about me, that is my hatred for cities. I grew up in a small town. I grew up surrounded by trees, plants, and farmers. Even as a kid, I never liked how chaotic and busy the city is.

I never liked things out of my comfort zone. It's safe to say that I'm too afraid of trying new things.

Lumuluwas lang ako sa siyudad kapag kailangan ako sa kompanya, pero kung hindi naman at regular na araw lang ay paniguradong na sa maliit na bayan lang ako ng Miraya.

Kanina pa nag takip silim. Malalim na rin ang gabi ngunit nandito ako at nilalakbay ang daan pauuwi sa aming bayan.

Gustuhin ko mang mag-pahinga muna ay hindi ko naman magagawa dahil bukod sa ayoko nang matagal pa rito, ay kailangan ko ring makabalik agad sa Miraya dahil ikakasal ang kaibigan kong si Hana.

Masaya ako para sa dalawang kaibigan. Pagkatapos ng mga pinagdaanan nila Hana at Damgo, masaya ako na sila pa rin hanggang dulo.

I smiled bitterly when I remember someone. I used to think that we'll end up in the altar, saying our vows and oath. But I guess, things don't always work the way we want it to be.

My eyes are on the road, but my mind is somewhere else. Thankfully, gabi na at wala na gaanong mga sasakyan sa ganitong oras.

How would I react if I see him? How would I greet him? What would I say?

I shook my head, "I've already moved on, I don't have anything to worry about."

It's true. I've moved on. It has been 4 years after all.

Mag uumaga na nang makarating ako sa Miraya. Pagod man ay mas pinili ko pa ring dumiretso sa lugar na lagi kong pinupuntahan.

I sat under the tree while waiting for the sunrise. Mataas pa rin ang tayog ng punong ito, walang pagbabago.

I inhaled the fresh air then wander my eyes at the surrounding. Tanaw ang magandang lupain ng bayan ng Miraya sa lugar na ito. Kita rin mula rito ang hacienda ng pamilya ko at ang mga tanim ng mga magsasaka na hindi nalalayo sa hacienda namin. Sa kabilang ibayo ay ang malaking hardin ng pamilya Milagroso. Napaganda nito, at siguradong mas magniningning ang ganda nito sa oras na matamaan ng sikat ng araw.

This. This is something I would never trade for anything. The simple life, comfort and peace that I always want.

I closed my eyes as I let the cold breeze of wind hit my face.

Not long enough, I witnessed the mesmerizing sun rising.

"Damara! I'm glad you're here!" I laughed as I watch her struggle walking towards me because of her long and beautiful wedding gown.

"Silly, why would I miss your wedding day? " She shrugged her shoulder as she display a playing smile. I laughed harder at her face.

"You look beautiful today, Haliyah. Beautiful like a goddess." I said, completely ignoring what her face is trying to imply.