Chapter 1
"Anna! Are you still there? Your uncle is here," My mind returned to reality when I heard my grandmother's scream from below.
"Wait a second," I replied. Time has slowed down since I started packing the things I should have finished earlier.
With each meditation, I do I am not aware of the passage of time. It seems like I was just a kid and playing here in this house. I rolled my eyes around the entire room. It hurts to think that today is the day I leave, there are many memories, happy or sad because since I was a child this house is what I have longed for. With Grandma, it has been a long time since the cruel tragedy of my life happened
The death of Mom and Dad. I try to throw where that horrible event, but it keeps coming back. And the only thing I cling to is the term ‘Justice and Revenge'
It started when carrying the luggage down, I didn't have a hard time because it wasn't that heavy. As soon as I went downstairs I saw Grandma in her old hammock, staring into space.
It was as if something had touched my heart, it caused great sadness. I mean—who wouldn't be sad, right? What if you were to be separated from the person your parents stood for a long time?
I felt fluid slowly forming in my eyes. Automatically if I let go of the bags I was carrying and approached him. I wanted to hug him very tightly... But no—Because I knew it would be harder for me to leave if I did.
"Grandma," I approached her seat. It smiled that, special smile. Her smile of pride—that smile was very special to me. It was as if it had taken away all the sadness that had been locked in my chest before.
"I'm proud of you Granddaughter..." She said softly, I couldn't stop my tears from flowing.
"Grandma, how can I get rid of this?" I promised broadly, I gave a forced smile as I wiped the tears dripping down my cheeks.
"Always remember that grandma loves you very much, even if the world rejects you, I am only here for you. Always love your grandchild, listen to your heart and mind before making a decision. That's big Anna," She pulled the remaining hairs out of my ears.
"Always remember. 'If you can't respect someone, love them like a pet dog'." I even followed that line, my grandmother almost always told me that, because there were times when I became temperamental with others—especially with people who couldn't respect me. That term is wired but meaningful to me.
I held his hand. "Grandma... I'll miss you," I said seriously while squeezing her hands, it's far farther than before. When she took me to elementary school I could still remember the smoothness and softness of her hand while holding my hands. Now, it's wrinkled, some roots can be seen. You're getting older grandma... Let me give back the good things you've done to me for two decades.
"I'll miss you too... Are you coming back?" She said in a soft tone.
"Yes, that's a promise, grandma." I kissed her hand. I also feel the sadness that envelops him now. I could see the tears welling up in her eyes, I could feel how heavy she was feeling right now. If only I could just be here next to her always, as I always do. But no—I also need to learn to stand on my own two feet, work hard to make a living, and dive into the world that everyone is in.
"Oh hey, the drama is over. Your uncle has been waiting for you for a while," She got up from his seat and walked over to the things I had left behind.
"Won't you have a hard time with them? Does it look like your things are heavy Anna?" She picked up a bag. I carried only three bags, a large, medium for money and valuables and a wheeled suitcase for clothes.
"I can do that grandma, I can too!" I immediately took a bag from him and slung it over my shoulder. He took me from the doorway, Uncle was just waiting—A while ago, it looks like he's getting bored.
"Be careful here grandma, don't get too tired," I told her as I put my things on the tricycle one by one.
"You will take care too, don't think of me here. Uncle and your cousins are here," She replied, I got on the tricycle and uncle started to heat the engine.
"I love you so much grandma!"
"I love you so much!" Gradually the car moved, I waved at my grandmother until I could no longer see her. I smiled and stared at the small mirror in front of me.
This is for you, Ma, Pa. The word 'dearly loved' is not enough to describe how I feel for you.
A few minutes passed and we also reached the bus parking lot, I handed the fare to Uncle but he did not accept it.
You're fine, but he's pushy—He's pushaid I would just add it to my money. I hesitant here with the money I was carrying.
I've talked to Althea, my friend since elementary school. Her condo is close to where I work at the hotel so she forced me to live with him.
I refused at first, I'll just rent a condo for me, it's embarrassing but she is didn't seem to be there either. She added that we didn't seem to be together. So the ending I agrees with me too.
"General Trias, Cavit!" shouted the bus conductor while holding the sign and pointing at a white five-star bus. I wasted no time and immediately picked up my belongings.
Manong helped me when I got close to it, there were only a few passengers when I got on. I chose to sit in the middle part, I also don't like the back because I might get angry.
Eventually as my ride, slowly moved on, I didn't like the show on the big tv in front. Immediately if I took my earphone out of the bag and started doing a soundtrip, for a long trip.