THE WEIGHT OF FOREVER

CHAPTER 2: Letters From Afar

Life in Manila was not easy for Nathan. The city was full of cars, noise, and rushing people. Prices were high, and his small scholarship was not enough. Many nights, he slept with an empty stomach. Many mornings, he walked to class with old shoes that almost tore apart.

Still, Nathan never gave up. He remembered the promise he made to his Mama and to Elias. He studied harder than anyone else, spending late nights in the library.

Whenever Nathan felt weak, a letter from Elias would arrive. The handwriting was messy, but the words were full of warmth.

“Don’t give up, Nathan. You are stronger than you think. I’m proud of you.”

Sometimes Elias sent money too, folded neatly inside the letter. Nathan always wondered where it came from, but Elias never explained. He only wrote:

“Use this for food. Don’t worry about me.”

Nathan believed his friend was just doing small jobs in the market. He never guessed how much Elias was sacrificing.

Back in San Isidro, Elias worked harder than ever. He carried crates, cleaned stalls, and even fixed roofs for neighbors just to earn extra money. Every peso he saved, he sent to Nathan.

But his health grew worse. Some days, his chest hurt so badly that he could not breathe properly. Other days, he coughed until his throat burned. His mother begged him to rest, but Elias always smiled and said, “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

Deep inside, he knew he was not fine. The doctor had already told him: his illness was serious. Without treatment, he would not live long. But treatment cost more than his family could ever afford.

Elias made a choice. Instead of saving for himself, he sent everything to Nathan. He thought," If I can’t live long, at least Nathan will have a future."

One afternoon, Elias sat by the wooden bridge where he and Nathan once dreamed about their future. He pulled out a notebook and began to write:

“Dear Nathan, if you are reading this one day, I want you to know how proud I am of you. Don’t feel sad for me. Just promise me you will live your life fully and help others the way I tried to help you.”

He stopped writing when tears filled his eyes. He closed the notebook, deciding that Nathan should not know yet. Nathan needed to focus on his studies.

Four years passed. Nathan graduated from college with honors. His heart was full of joy as he held his diploma. He imagined running back to San Isidro, showing Elias the proof that their dreams had come true.

“I did it, Eli,” he whispered to himself. “We did it.”

He packed his things quickly, eager to return home. He wanted to thank Elias in person, to repay him for all the letters, money, and encouragement.

But what awaited him in San Isidro was not the joyful reunion he had imagined.

(End of Chapter 2)