Feeling lost and questioning her life, Aiah sets off on a solo trip in search of answers. She never expects that this journey will lead her to a deep, meaningful connection that changes her forever.
My birthday was far from over, but I can already conclude that this was the best birthday I ever had. The island just rejuvenated my entire soul.
Each day has brought new surprises, and it feels like the universe is helping me find joy and fulfillment through serendipitous moments. It felt like I'm in the right place at the right time and with the right people. I'm immensely grateful.
When we got to the hostel, Colet playfully messed up my hair, so I chased her until we reached the living area. I was tickling her waist to get back at her.
Suddenly, someone spoke, and Colet's body went stiff. She looked like she'd seen a ghost. She quickly headed to her room, ignoring the girl who had just spoken. The girl followed her.
I was so shocked that I couldn't move, just watching Colet and the girl who might be her ex. They seemed to be having a tense conversation.
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I snapped out of it when I heard my phone rang. It was my mom. I answered immediately, hoping she was calling to wish me a happy birthday.
"Hi Mom," I said, my voice a bit higher than usual.
"Aiah, where are you? Are you driving ba?" my mom asked.
"No mom, why po? What's going on?" I replied, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion at her unexpected tone.
"I want you to come home right now, please. As in now," she said, her voice filled with worry.
"Why? Mom, what's going on?" I asked, my curiosity growing.
"Aiah, your dad..."
"What happened to Dad, Mom? Is he angry with me?" My anxiety is gripping.
"I know it's your birthday, and it's meant to be a day of celebration," she said, her voice trembling. "But your dad is in the emergency room right now, being revived..."
"He had a heart attack." The words hit me like a thunderbolt, and I felt my heart drop into my stomach. Para akong binuhusan ng napakalamig na tubig.
I closed my eyes, struggling to process the devastating news. When I opened them again, everything was blurred by the tears streaming down my face.
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I dashed back to the dormitory, frantically packing all my belongings. Nothing else mattered at this moment, all I wanted was to be by my dad's side.
The thought that my dad might not make it and that I'll be coming home to a cadaver breaks my heart even more. My fears and anxiety are high right now, but I need to get on a plane as early as possible.
As soon as I finished packing, I rushed to the hostel's front desk. I handed over my card and paid for everything. I asked the staff to book a taxi to the airport when Gwen and Sheena appeared beside me.
"Hi Ate Aiah, san punta mo?" sheena asked me.
I turned to them, quickly wiping away my tears. "Hey, what's going on?" Sheena asked, pulling me into a hug immediately.
I saw Gwen staring at Colet and the girl before she turned to me. "I need to go home as soon as possible. My dad was rushed to the hospital. Inatake siya sa puso" I looked down at my phone, trying to book the next available flight.
"Oh shux, I'm so sorry to hear that. Buti na lang car dala namin ngayon. Hatid ka na namin." Sabi ni Sheena.
"Thank you," I replied, still focused on booking my flight.
"Bebe, ready mo na po yung car. Ate Aiah needs a ride." Sheena instructed Gwen. She looked at me and seemed surprised to see me crying.
"Hey, are you okay? Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," she asked.
"I'm trying to be okay. I need to get home as soon as possible," I said, trying to hold it together.
"Inatake sa puso yung dad niya." Singit ni Sheena.
"Ate Aiah, ready lang naming yung car, okay?" Sheena said. I nodded and gave her a grateful smile. I felt incredibly fortunate to have people like them in my life, always there when I needed them the most.
After I finished paying at the front desk, I headed towards Gwen and Sheena. I noticed Colet hugging her ex-girlfriend, who was crying so intensely she could barely breathe.
It was a bit of a of a painful scene to watch, but I managed to smile at her anyway. There are much more important things that I need to prioritize than my feelings.
Gwen took my luggage from me, and we headed out of the hostel towards their car. "Nakapagbook ka ba ng flight mo Ate Aiah?" Sheena asked from the shotgun seat, while I settled into the passenger seat behind her.
"Yes, the next flight is in an hour. Do you think we can make it to the airport in time?" I asked, glancing at my phone. I'd just texted my mom to let her know I was on my way.
"Yes, bibilisan ko lang yung pagdadrive. I know a shortcut to the airport," Gwen replied.
"Thank you so much, guys," I said, closing my phone to save battery for the rest of the trip. I reached out and touched both their shoulders in appreciation.
Sheena took my hand and said, "Wala yun. I hope everything is okay with your dad." Her empathy was comforting.
"I hope so too..." I replied, managing a slight smile as I gazed out the window.
"Who was that girl at the hostel earlier? Siya ba yung ex ni Colet?" I asked.
They both looked at each other before they could answer my question. Gwen cleared her throat. "Uhm, yes. Si Jho yun."
I let out a heavy sigh. "I see." And with that, we fell into a complete silence for the rest of the trip.
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As I looked out the window, memories of the island flooded my mind. It had been the most magical experience of my life, but now it was coming to an unexpected end.
I feel like I've been woken up from a beautiful dream and now have to face an unexpected reality back home.
