The Last Letter

26

Chapter XXVI

That monday that I went back to the university after my accident, just as soon as I went inside my classroom, upon opening the door, I was bombarded with lots of greetings by my classmates. And not just my classmates, almost the whole university was looking at me when I entered the university. It was dramatic, like I am a celebrity.

Actually, the whole of that day, I was just meeting my professors for my missed activities and quizzes, telling me to take my time and prioritize my full recovery.

I was even forced to talk about my accident and my recovery days. I didn’t mind it though, they were my classmates' requests and I feel like I was obliged to do it because they haven’t seen me for a while. It was also their excuse for our professors to not teach just for that day and welcome me again to the class. I didn’t know my accident was that big of a deal to the university.

Most of my time after classes are placed into doing my missed activities, requirements, plates and models. Everyday was a hellish day for me but I still managed to get complete rest and meals. Mostly because my mom nags me so much about my health almost everyday.

Ben and I haven’t bonded for a while since we were all busy. Suzanne too, although I see her in the hallway or in the cafeteria a lot of times, we haven’t properly got a long conversation ever since that night they surprised me. But of course, I didn’t ever mind not speaking to them for a while, as long as we are all okay, life is good.

And did I ever mentioned? Tomorrow is Valentine’s day. The festival of hearts and couples in love. It is like a holiday to us students since we take advantage of this time to surprise professors to prevent them from teaching.

The university council organized some events for tomorrow for both the students and the faculty. Like marriage booths, small band gigs, snack competition and more. And I’m sure that I’ll see lots of couples in the university tomorrow so I’m highly doubting if I should go.

Well, I don’t really expect anyone to give me chocolates, flowers, confession letters or whatever. Last year, I got about five handfuls of chocolates on my table just after coming back from the cafeteria. I thought it was a prank but my classmates who witnessed what happened said it was from the freshmen and my “secret admirers”. I don’t have a sweet tooth so I gave them to mom plus a flower, saying it was all from me, and she was so touched. That time, Ben probably got a full bag. He’s extremely famous, you know.

I never got to really love someone other than my family and friends, so I still don’t understand the essence of Valentine's day for other people. I had two girlfriends in the past but that was long ago in highschool. I had some kind of “flings” in college but I don’t understand. I guess it was really part of my nature to treat everyone like a friend so they all ghosted me after a while. So in conclusion, I still never had a serious relationship with a girl, ever.

I suppose I still haven’t found what you call “the one” yet.

Now, I am in my bedroom, still finishing my pending requirements. I check the clock, it is just about 9pm now but as usual, I feel sleepy already. My bed is tempting me so bad as if it calls my name to lay my back on the mattress.

I walked by my window and looked at my neighborhood. It already seems peaceful and quiet at this time. I missed riding my bicycle so much but mom and dad won’t even let me go near it.

After just an hour, my body finally gave in to the temptation. I closed my main light and turned on my bedside lamp.

I stared at the ceiling with my right arm above my forehead. Thinking of what could possibly happen tomorrow and should I even go to university. I still haven’t decided.

I reach my hand to turn the lamp off and cover myself with my blanket. Slowly, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

***

My body clock knows when to wake up. A minute or two before my alarm rings, my eyes would suddenly open. It happens all the time and I think it is really cool. But thanks to my morning impulsive decision of attending the university at noon, I just continued my sleep.

Mom didn’t bother me though. Maybe she knew that this kind of day is unimportant for someone like me who, at the age of 19, never brought a girl into the house. And she maybe also knew that the university would just lead an event for the love season. Whatever the reason is, I realized mom never bothered me regarding my studies.

I woke up at 10am and I felt I fully replenished my energy. I also feel good and optimistic for some unfathomable reason.

By 11 am, I am fully dressed. Today is a non uniform day so we could just dress casually but still in accordance with the dress code. I just wore coordinated brown unbuttoned long sleeves with a plain white undershirt tucked in brown slacks and a black sneakers. It leans on the more formal side of clothing but who cares. If someone asks me out for today, at least I am ready to go right away.

I didn’t bring anything. Just my new pager and wallet. Pagers are quite popular these days, and many told me it is useful so I decided to buy one for myself. Not only that, dad also asked me to get a driving license sooner or later. The farm is flourishing because it is the season of harvest so is it possible that we’ll finally own a car?

Just by the gate of the university, you could already see red balloons and flowers decorated inside. At these kinds of events, the university lets the outsiders visit inside, making sure they are checked thoroughly from head to toe.

Since there were many people lined up outside, I pulled my school ID out of my wallet, cut through the line, showed my ID to the guards and got inside. Of course, the students are prioritized.

There were so many people at the field. And equivalent to many people is a lot of garbage. It was painful to see the trash everywhere and not far from where I am standing, I saw one of our old janitors, who I am also close to, tiredly picking up the plastic bottles and wrappers on the ground. His cart is already full of those big black plastic bags.

I walked up to him and led him to a beach under a tree shade to rest for a while as I gave him the snacks and water I bought on the food carts leading here in the field. I got one of his black trash bags and clear gloves and started to pick just the plastic bottles in my sight. I only pick those up since the grandpa janitor will need to segregate these at the main disposal. Categorizing the garbage now will definitely lessen his workload later.

In just about 10 minutes, I already have 5 bags full of just plastic bottles and I still see much more everywhere. I also noticed some passersby are looking at me and will whisper. I didn’t mind them and just continued to pick up more plastic bottles. I can’t let my favorite place in the university look like a giant dumpster field.

“August!” I straightened my back to turn around to see who screamed my name.

From afar, on the other side of the field, was Suzanne. She was waving his hands in the air so I waved my right hand back. She ran towards me and she seemed cheerful and energetic today.

“Wow they were right! You were that someone who is the talk of the university now!” She said panting as she got in front of me.

“What? Talk of the town?” I asked confusedly.

“Yes! I heard almost everywhere, they were talking about a good looking guy with good manners.”

“Are you sure? The way they looked at me earlier seems like they were disgusted with what I’m doing.”

“No! Just look up in the building. You’ll see.” She said,

I looked up and saw my schoolmates waving at me, cheering me up and clapping. I waved back at them and one of them shouted “Best boy August!”. I laughed in disbelief and shook my head.

“I’ll help you with that. You know I’m the expert in cleaning.” Suzanne cheerfully said and smiled.

“Sure, grandpa janitor will really appreciate another hand.” I replied.

Not much later, those guys earlier at the building came and helped with the cleaning of the field. I was like a proud happy dad when my schoolmates, some I didn’t even know, stopped by to give us a helping hand. Even the teachers came out, looking at us, very proud of what we’ve done today. The more hands that helped, the faster and easier the mess cleared up. In just about an hour, everything looks clean, the same as how it should look everyday.

Grandpa janitor was also grateful for our help. Telling us we are the best students he ever encountered.

We also reminded the visitors and the food trucks to dispose of their garbage properly on the provided bins all around the university.

For many, Valentine’s Day is all about chocolates, roses and exchanges with a loved one. Valentine's day is not all about love for significant others, family or friends, love for nature should also be in our area of consideration. Why not show some love for the planet? -August Montilla (A rising nature ambassador?)

To be continued…

****

Note:

Hello guys! Thank you for bearing with me and staying tuned for my daily delayed updates. I appreciate you all so much. Chapter 26 reminds everyone to be mindful of your environment. A single step could lead to something bigger as many have said. Keep in mind that this chapter is not a campaign for anything, just August casually reminding everyone to show love for our mother nature. See you next chapter! XOXO