I Forgot That You Existed

Chapter 4

I always remember Laurence Gonzales in his quote, "To survive you must surrender without giving in, that is to say, fully accept the reality in its all horror." 

It reminds me to quickly adapt the situation and dedicate myself  to the present moment rather than wallow in denial, because I used to fake my happiness all the time. Whether something happens I'm never expecting or goes beyond under my control, I easily gets upset. I'm a control-freak. So I used to deny that, yes it's fine. He's just there, nothing to worry about, and it's alright to have a companion sometimes.

After an hour of relaxing and indulging ourselves into idyllic scenery, I decided to get up, 'cause my tummy calls for it.
"Hey, Max! Let's get in." I'm gently tapping his forehead. He's asleep. Poor Max.
"Oh!" He blinks. Then slowly pulls himself up while mesmerizing the view.
"C'mon, hindi yan aalis." Pang-aasar ko.

Pumasok kami sa tent, may dalawang comforter, syempre yung nasa kanan ang dating pagmamayari ng father ko.  Simple lang ang tent, 12sq meters ang laki nito, may fluorescent light sa itaas , zipper cabinet sa gilid para sa mga gamit at inflatable itong tent, kaya pwede din itong magsilbing barko. Good thing at hindi na namin kailangan pang i-volumize dahil hindi naman ito nabutas.

"So, what you got there?" Usisa ko sa kaniya habang inaayos niya ang kaniyang bag. "I have bagels, canned tuna and salmon. Tootsie Rolls, lots of Double-Mint gums, 2 liters of water, 3 packs of Lays potato chips , Pringles and of course 4 cans of Nescafe deluxe coffee. " Aniya ni Max habang isa-isa niya itong inilalabas mula sa kaniyang bag. "And here, apple pies. What is America without apple pie huh." Dagdag pa niya.

"Is it good for three-days?" I ask
"Three days? What?" He's in a normal state of shock, like i-didn't-know-that -but-it's always-your- call Ava face.
"So I brought eggs." Dahan-dahan kong nilabas ang isang dosenang itlog na nakalagay sa tray. "What is life without eggs."
"You're incredible. Good thing, at hindi nabasag." He say with a little laugh.
"Plus. Authentic Lindy's Famous New York Cheesecake. Geez, I ordered seven, I don't think that'll last long. I also have, loaf of whole-wheat bread, a tailgating Texas Barbecue, all tender briskets. Let's get this to cooler."
Dala ang marinated texas barbecue na naka-sealed sa zip lock, I hastily go out and look for our old grey cooler. "Do you have any pans?" Tanong niya.

"Do you think I'm nuts? Come here!" Sumunod siya sa akin palabas at pumunta kami sa likod para hanapin ito. Sari-saring gamit ang makikita dito. Binuksan ni Max ang malaking wooden box, at paniguradong nakita niya ang iba't ibang life-preserver tools, tulad ng rope, air-pump, salbabida, axe at mga paraphernalia na ginagamit ni Dad kapag nagwi- Wilderness exploration.

"I found it!" Masayang wika ko habang sinisilip pa ang laman ng kahon. Lumapit si Max sa kinatatayuan ko at sinilip rin ang mga laman nito, " A blender? Don't tell me you're gonna live here."  We both laugh.

Kinuha ko ang stove at ang maliit na lalagyan ng gas. Nagdala ako ng kerosene just in case na maubusan. Kinuha ko ang mga plato, mga kubyertos at hinugasan gamit ang hose na nakakabit sa maliit na gripo na nakabaon sa lupa, animo'y sprinkler na ginagamit pandilig sa mga damo. "How come you a got pipe there?" Usisa ni Max.

"It's connected to hydroelectric dam right there!" Tinuro ko ang hindi naman kalayuan na kabilang bundok.  Kinuha ko ang kawali at nagsimulang niluto  ang kalahati ng marinated barbecue, isang kilo lang dinala ko, hindi ko naman kasi ine-expect na may bisita pala ako. "That's harmful. It can cause flood to upstream forest, habitat degradation and widespread forest lost." says the nature expert. I never thought he would be that well-knowing. I'm in awe.