The Last Letter

58

Chapter LVIII

So fast forward, the rest of the days of December went great. It was something that needed to be kept as a special memory for both heart and mind. “For keeps”, as what others say.

I took a lot of photos during my two week stay at my brother’s farm. Good thing that I decided at the last minute before going here that I’ll buy lots and lots of film so I would never miss a good moment to capture in my camera.

It was now January 1996. Am I happy? Yes, I am. I feel grateful for another year that passed with everyone of us, still safe and in good health. It was kind of bittersweet to say goodbye to 1995 because many good things happened to me in that year. Although there are some unfortunate but unforgettable moments that year, I am still grateful for the last year.

Can you believe how fast time flies? I myself find it amazing how I just realized that it was once January 1995 and now, it is a year after that. And one thing I couldn’t also believe is that I am now in second year college.

But then reality hits me.

August is now on his last year in college. For sure, he’ll get busier than usual. Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud of him as he’s now only one step away in achieving his dream of becoming an architect. Well, it wasn’t really his dream but at least, he got to graduate from a course that many people fail to finish. Isn’t he amazing?

I’m just a bit sad because I’ll surely miss seeing him hanging out around the university, the moments we spend studying at the library and us, together in the cafeteria. Now that he’s in his senior year, the time we spend with each other will surely become significantly less than last year. I’m not complaining though, it’s about time that we both need to focus on our studies rather than hanging out all the time.

“Don’t over react Suzanne, he still has a year.” I whispered to myself. I’ll just make the most out of it. I’ll surely spend the time he will lend for me, to the fullest.

I wonder what good things the year 1996 will bring me.

One thing I would wish for is for everyone to be safe, blessed and in good health, just like how I wish every single year.

A personal wish? Just for me to keep my positivity everyday, being content and happy, living every single day to its fullest and loving myself more.

Now I’m riding the bus to the city. After all those days I spent at the farm, I found myself crying as soon as I stepped on the bus and sat on my seat. My family is waving at me, wishing me a safe ride to the dormitory.

On the way home, I was just texting August to not feel lonely. Good thing is he was replying to me immediately. He’ll fetch me at the bus terminal and will escort me back to the dorm. And maybe, we’ll have a little date afterwards.

Do you know the lingering feeling of riding a bus, as if you are a main character of a movie and the scene was always sad. Sitting by the window seat somehow makes you think about something that doesn't even exist. And the after, you’ll reminisce of a painful memory in the past that you find yourself tearing up. Riding a bus has been a blissful experience for me. It makes me think but most of the time, it makes me so emotional. If the sun was setting, it may become the most perfect time to cry. Something about it just leaves a lingering sadness and loneliness in my heart. This is why I sometimes hate traveling alone and on a bus.

Time passed by and I was getting near the bus station of the city. I texted August probably about 10 minutes before and then I prepared my things to take off. It’s a good thing that the bus takes this terminal for quite a long break. The passengers can go to the restroom or grab snacks here. But for me, it’s my stop so I do not need to do any of that.

Carrying all of my things, I stepped down the bus and looked for the nearest bench I could sit on. I have quite a heavy bag because you know, I stayed for a while on the farm so I brought so many things. August was on his way as what his text read 10 minutes ago.

The sun was still out this time. Thank God I left the farm earlier or else, I’ll be stuck in traffic or I won’t catch any bus to here.

The class starts in two days but I wanted to spend as much time as I can with August, even for two days only. He agreed on it too since he was aware of the difference between the senior year and the lower years in terms of the amount of time to study.

After a while, I saw August step out of a cab and looked around. I waved my hand and he immediately noticed me and smiled widely. He is like a cute kid running towards me.

“I missed you so much!” He said as soon as he was standing in front of me. “I want to hug you now but I can’t.” He added and pouted.

I smiled at him. “It’s okay. I miss you too.” I whispered.

He carried the heaviest bags I had while I carried the smaller ones. My sister in law also prepared some meals for me to take in the dormitory and I was planning to share some of it with August so we wouldn’t spend much money during our little date later.

“Let’s go.” He said to which I immediately replied “sure”.

Because there is only limited transportation you can take to go to the dormitory, August and I took a cab. It might be pricey but it’s fine since I have heavy bags and plus, it’s the best and fastest way to get to the dorm.

“How’s the holidays?” He asked as soon as the ride started. He held my hand and intertwined our fingers. I smiled at our hands being locked together. I told you, I really appreciate small things August does to me.

“It’s great. We had a really good time. If only time runs slower, I would spend more time with them.” I answered and looked at him in his eyes. We both chuckled upon locking eyes for seconds. I then turned my face against his direction and just looked out the window.

“Just rest for a while. It’s been a long journey all the way here, I know you are tired.” He whispered and kissed the top of my head. I find it comforting when he does that.

I nodded in response and leaned on his shoulders. The rest of the cab ride went silent as I just rested on his shoulder. He, on the other hand, always checked if I was okay.

After about 30 minutes, we finally reached the dormitory.

In our dorm, visitors are allowed as long as we write our information in the logbook or leave our university ID or any valid ID on the front desk. It was more of an apartment type rather than a dormitory since the guard or the woman on the front desk is rarely to be seen. They let us do whatever we want and just tell us to never lose our keys. And yes, men are allowed here but only as visitors and of course, every visitor should be quiet as a respect. Men’s dormitory is in the next building and women or anyone are allowed there too.

Ben was skeptical about going inside when I told him he could go with me in my room. He told me he could just wait outside but I insisted on going up with me since my room is on the highest floor and I couldn’t possibly carry all these bags all the way up there. And we’ll come down after I move all my bags inside and put the extra meals on the community refrigerator.

In the end, he came up with me. He left his ID on the front desk where there is no one.

The building is so unusually quiet. As if we are the only ones here. I guess the students took their time to fully enjoy the holiday season.

I pulled out my keys, opened the door and just as I thought, my dorm mates still aren’t here. Some of their stuff, including the pillows and bedsheets was also gone so it became quite spacey inside. The windows were all closed and even if we open it, the sun is shining on the other side so it will still be dark in here.

“That’s my bed. You can sit there. I’ll just take care of the food here for a while.” I pointed out my bed and turned on the electric fan. He went there and sat, wandering his eyes on the four corners of the room. I smiled at him as I carefully pull out the meals that were in my bag. Thank goodness that none of them spilled after that long bus ride.

I went out of the room carrying the stacks of tupperware (I left some for me and August to eat) and headed to the mini kitchen and dining room part of the floor. There was nothing on the fridge so my food had so much room to store.

I went back to my room where I saw August was looking like a good boy, sitting still on the edge of bed like how I instructed him. I handed him the tupperware I reserved just for us two and he gladly accepted it. I sat beside him waiting for him to take a bite of the food.

“My sister in law prepared that. She has a degree in culinary so I hope you’ll like it.”

He chuckled. “Thank you, I'll enjoy it.”

To be continued…