by Marrianne Mae M. Pacho In life, every person we meet is bound to teach us something—a lesson, a regret, an emotion, and sometimes even a reason to keep going. They say that once their purpose in our lives is fulfilled, our paths will never cross again, no matter how much we want them to. After all, people are as countless as the stars, and like the seasons, some are only meant to pass through. Soon enough, I’ll understand what it truly means for people to come and go like that. Some will stay, some will leave, and some will forever remain only as memories.
May 12, 2014 In this scorching hot, humid season, there are just some things that don’t really work well no matter what we do. Like how even standing still in the morning makes you sweat. It gets irritating. Or how the weather shifts from sunny to a rainy day without a warning. Simple things that make your day worse than it already is. That’s why I can’t understand the people around me, laughing like they have the whole world at their feet. Not even minding if they’re bothering others, they just got to make noise everywhere. And to make matters worse, being stuck in a hospital on a Monday morning in this hot weather sucks. It has that familiar smell that lingers—strong disinfectant mixed with medicine. The kind that brings back memories you’d rather forget. “I hope this summer would just end already,” I muttered. “Why? Do you still hate summer, Natsuo?” My thoughts snapped back when I heard my grandma’s voice. I didn’t realize I had said that out loud. I looked at her, trying to come up with an excuse, but she was already looking at me with quite a worry. Even without saying anything, I knew what she was thinking about. She probably thought it was about my parents again. She’s right though, I’ll never say it. “It’s nothing, Grandma. I’m just looking forward to autumn.” I said with a smile, “Being this sweaty all the time just feels uncomfortable” “But—” “Oh look at the time. I still have to process your papers so you can be discharged soon. I should get going. Eat this fruit and make sure to rest well, okay?” I cut her off before she could finish. She only smiled in response, but I knew she understood. I knew I was running away, but I didn’t know any other way. Besides, making her worry while she was still in the hospital would only tire her out. Just as I reached the door, she called out softly. “Don’t hate it too much, Natsuo. I’m sure you’ll
I paused, then forced a smile, “That time might just never come, Grandma.” It’s not that I don’t understand why she worries. She thinks I’m still stuck in the past—forever locking myself there. Maybe she’s right. I was seven when my parents died in a car accident during a sudden downpour. Ever since then, I’ve hated summer. It always felt like it took something important away from me. After that, Grandma took me in. She raised me, cared for me, and gave me the kind of love my parents no longer could. Even when I was compared to other kids, I never felt completely alone because of her. She’s my only family now. That’s why I want to do everything I can and repay the things she gave to me. … “Good morning. I’m here to process my grandmother’s papers. May I see her current bill?” “May I ask for the patients’ name?” the nurse asked, her voice tired, as if she hadn’t had enough rest. “Alarcon. Maria Alarcon” I answered. “Please wait a moment.” It only took a few seconds before she handed me the paper. “Here it is. You can settle the payment at the cashier before discharge” “Thank you.” I stared at the paper, frozen. “48,500” I whispered. I didn’t even realize I was still standing there until someone behind me spoke, “Hey, if you’re done, can you move? We’ve got quite a line here already.” “Oh, sorry.” I stepped aside, still staring at the paper as I walked down the hallway. The numbers didn’t feel real. Even with government assistance and senior benefits, I’d still need to come up with around
For a moment, a ridiculous thought crossed my mind—selling one of my organs. Well, Grandma would probably beat me before I could even try. I let out a quiet sigh, “Staying in this hospital might actually drive me insane someday…” Lost in thought, I didn’t even realize where my feet were taking me until I found myself in a small garden. It was quiet, surrounded by trees and scattered flowers. Sunlight slipped through the leaves, and for once, the air didn’t feel suffocating. Behind the large trees dancing around like waves in the ocean, and among the birds chirping around like singing a happy song, a small voice of a girl was leading them on. “If love was a sky, then it must be the clear blue color you’ve shown me that day.” Her voice was soothing, soft, and gentle, “If love was a season, then it must be the summer when we met. Cause love was always about you and the little things you do” I found myself walking closer without even realizing it. She was sitting on a bench hidden beneath a large acacia tree, her deep black wavy hair falling over her shoulders, loosely wearing a hospital gown. “If love was a person, it’d be—” she stopped. Her eyes met mine. Dark brown eyes that became more visible as the sun shone light on her. Skin pale as a ghost and lips, a pinkish red. “Woah! You caught me!” she said, laughing nervously. “That’s kind of embarrassing. I thought I was alone” “Sorry. I didn’t mean to listen. You just… have a nice voice.” “It’s fine, it’s fine! I can sing it again if you want—but next time, I’m charging you,” she said with a grin. She was a little… different from what I imagined. “Why are you still standing there?” she asked, patting the space beside her. “You can sit, you know.”
Normally, I would’ve left without even talking. But somehow, I ended up sitting beside her. Summer really does strange things to people. We sat in silence for a moment. She didn’t seem bothered, but I felt awkward. So, as if trying to fill the silence, I spoke, “The song earlier…what’s it called?” She tilted her head, thinking then stared at the sky as if looking for an answer, “Hmmm… I haven’t named it yet. What do you think it should be?” she asked full of anticipation. I blinked. “Wait—you wrote that?” “Yeah. Just for fun. I’ve never really been in love, though., so I don’t really get it. I just imagined what it might feel like” she casually replied. “That’s… amazing,” I said. “You should definitely make your debut someday” I realize too late how close I had leaned in and immediately pulled back. “Sorry, I got a little excited.” She was quiet for a second… then suddenly burst into laughter. A single thought slips out in my mind. She got such a beautiful smile. “You’re so serious.” she said, still laughing, “What about you? Do you have a hobby” “I… do. Kind of.” “Really? What is it?” “Painting. I do it most of the time. I can’t say I’m good at it though.” Her eyes lit up, “Woah, painting. I want to see it!” “I don’t exactly carry my paintings around” She looked disappointed, so I hesitated before taking out my phone and showing her a few pictures. “It’s amazing!” she said. “You could sell these. Or even put them in a gallery.” She said
time someone ever said that to me. Besides, I’ve never really talk to anyone about my hobbies— even Grandma. I laughed awkwardly. “I doubt anyone would buy them.” “If I had money, I’d definitely be your first customer,” she said, looking straight into my eyes. Her eyes drew me in, and for a moment, it felt like something I’d forgotten came back to life. Something about that made my chest feel… lighter. “Then… maybe I could paint you tomorrow” I said, stumbling over my words. “If that’s okay.” I didn’t know what I was thinking, maybe I just wanted to see her again tomorrow. She smiled. “I’d like that.” We kept talking for hours—about random things, about summer, about small, meaningless memories that somehow didn’t feel meaningless at all. By the time the sun began to set, I realized something. I hadn’t asked her name. “Hey,” she said casually, as if reading my mind, “I know it’s a little late but I’m Eliane. What about you?” “Natsuo,” I replied. “Let’s meet here again tomorrow.” I smiled widely. For the first time in a long while, I found myself looking forward to something. Summer…might not be so bad after all. Back then, I didn’t know. That the week I spent with you in that summer… would forever live in my heart.
Miracles really do happen on the most random Tuesdays— sometimes because of the most unexpected words you’d hear from a stranger. It was early in the morning, sunlight seeping in through my blue curtains, shining light into my dark-lit, messy room. The silence was suddenly shattered by the relentless pinging of my phone. Receiving countless messages before the sun had even fully risen was the last thing I expected. “Who’s even messaging this early?” Annoyed, I reach for my phone, which felt a hundred miles away. I checked it, expecting some nonsense about winning large amount of money I never signed up for. However, what met me was a message asking about the painting I had posted last night. It wasn’t that I had forgotten, but I definitely didn’t expect a potential buyer few hours after I just posted it. After what Eliane told me yesterday, I spent hours thinking before deciding to take a chance on selling my paintings. I searched for a website that buys and sell arts and uploaded some of my work. I needed money for my grandma’s hospital bill anyway, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try. I chose the best ones I had and offered them at a reasonable price. As I scrolled through the messages, quite a few people were interested. Most of the paintings were sceneries—gardens, beaches, the countryside, even buildings I had seen before. Among them, one username stood out:“lui_co.” They had commented on several of my paintings and even sent me a private message. “Good day. I’m interested in buying this painting. I can offer twelve thousand for it.” “12,000?!” I blurted out. I read it again. And again. Twelve thousand. That alone could cover the remaining balance for my grandma’s hospital bill. My fingertips lingered on the screen. It didn’t feel real. Who would pay some unknown painter’s art that much? I only put it for eight thousand. Even if it was my biggest piece, it still didn’t make sense. Stil…I typed a reply. “Hello, this painting is still available. But are you sure you’re willing to buy it for twelve thousand? The original price was eight thousand, so your offer was quite high.”
painting. Meet me at Amelia Mall Town at 5 P.M.” I stared at the message. “I’m available. See you later. Thank you.” For a second, I just sat on bed, phone still in my hand. “…Did that really just happen?” A small laugh escaped me. I stood up. “I need to tell Grandma… and Eliane.” … The hospital didn’t feel as suffocating today. Or maybe it was just me. I told Grandma everything— about the paintings, about the buyer. She listened quietly. There was a hint of sadness in her eyes when I mentioned using the money for her hospital bills—but it didn’t last long. “You’re finally talking about your paintings again,” she said softly. I paused. I hadn’t realized that. She used to feel guilty for not being able to send me to an art school. But I never once blamed her. Just being able to paint… was already enough for me. … When I arrived at the garden, I was earlier than usual. The place was quiet. I set up my materials, the soft rustling of leaves the only sound around me. Without thinking, I started humming— “Hey, is that my song?” I flinched I didn’t even notice her come. She was already standing close, smiling like she always did. “H-huh?” “The one you’re humming.” she said, tilting her head. “O-oh, yeah. It just kind of stayed in my head.” I scratched the back of my neck. “Actually, I have great news.” Her eyes lit up. “What is it?” “I tried selling my paintings like you said. And someone wants to buy one.” Her smile widened immediately. “See? I told you so.” She said, a little too proudly
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