SHANTAL’S POV
Same morning, after the graduation dinner.
Hindi ko talaga in-expect ‘yon. I thought flowers lang or maybe food—something simple. Pero yung necklace na 'yon? Yung matagal ko nang tinitingnan sa glass display pero tinitiis ko na lang? Hindi ko kinaya.
The moment he put the necklace around my neck, I was smiling. Pero nung nahawakan ko na, I froze.
Locket.
Silver.
Delicate.
With our photo inside?
Para akong tinamaan sa puso.
Suot ko siya ngayon. Sa ilalim ng hoodie ko.
So here I am, naka-hoodie, may earphones, at naglalakad-lakad sa park after jogging. I just want to be alone with this happiness. Hindi ko kayang i-share kahit kanino pa. Hindi pa ngayon. It’s mine. This moment is mine.
Pero syempre, hindi ako pinayagan ng universe na mag-enjoy in peace.
Because sudde
