UNDER THE SAME SKY

CHAPTER 01: DO YOU BELIEVE IN TRUE LOVE? THE cold air from our room windows blows so heavily that I get chills all over.I closed the windows, and I sat on my chair to continue my writing. When I was about to write something, my phone beeped. I picked it up, and I saw that there were few likes on my online dating profile. I browsed all of them, but this particular guy got my attention.The first thing that caught my attention was his bio. He seemed like a formal guy. Not thinking twice, I accepted him. I wasn't thinking of anything. I just wanted to try it. I'm no believer that there's a guy who has pure intentions, but deep in my heart, I wanted to know if there's one. If ever there's one, I'm willing to try. I'm willing to commit and give my fragile heart a chance to love. I was looking at his pictures when suddenly my younger sister appeared in front of me. I immediately turned off my phone and fixed my eyes on her. I smiled awkwardly at her. “What is it? Do you need anything? "I asked. She immediately shook her head. “I don't need anything. I'm just curious about something," she smiled awkwardly and began to sit on the floor. She made herself comfortable before darting her eyes on me again. “Do you believe in true love?” she asked, out of nowhere. I looked at her intently; she seemed serious. I've been away from home for many years, but we're still close. I didn't expect she would ask me this kind of thing. I didn't frown; instead, I gave her a blank expression. “Hey, I'm asking you,” she exclaimed. She was intently looking at me with her puffy eyes. In my mind, I was wondering why she was asking me that, because she knows I don't have experience. Maybe I am writing poems about love, but I don't know anything about it. The same goes for me; I don't even know if I believe in true love. Because I'm scared of trying a route that is unfamiliar to me. But then again, maybe there's true love, because if there's none, we wouldn't be alive. Our parents will not last that long if it's not true love. “To be honest, I don't know, Jia. Maybe there is. Look at Mama and Papa. They still look in love after all these years,” I answered, and I heaved a heavy sighed. “But you didn't answer my question. Do you believe it or not? ” I faked a laugh. “I think I believe only fifty percent. Because you know what I realized is that you can only know it if it happens to you.” She nodded, and her lips curled to let out a smile. “My boyfriend seemed distant these days. I don't even know if he's still caring for me. The feeling sucks,” she said, almost whispering. “Is that the reason you're asking? ” She smiled bitterly. I kneeled to hug her. “I'm sorry I didn't know, but you need to communicate with him." I caressed her hair, and she started to cry. I let out a sigh. “Let him know how you feel. Don't cry; talk to him, okay?” I consoled her until she stopped crying. From what I witnessed, I began to doubt if a relationship was really for me. I am used to being alone. For twenty-seven years, no man made me believe I needed someone in my life. Sure, I have crushes, but just stay there. I shook my head at the thought. I'm being negative again. After my sister went to bed, I came back to my desk to finish the chapter I was writing. This is my fifth month here in our province. I didn't know that in such a short span of time I would do the things I always wanted. Manila was a city full of lights, but even though it was colorful in sight, I felt the emptiness. I was never a fan of crowded places, buildings, or luxurious things. My soul will always find its way to connect with nature. I love peaceful places, scenery, and landscapes. That's why, even though the opportunity there was wide, I decided to go home. I still felt guilty because I needed to leave someone important to me there, but I know she understood, and I know someday we will meet again. And if that day happens, I want her to be proud of me. As I pursued writing a novel, I was starting to feel the love I had lost in myself for many years. Living in a household full of rage and smashing things isn't easy. I thought I'd gotten used to it. I thought I'd be numb enough not to feel things. I thought all the emotions I tried to repress would stay repressed, but I'm wrong. I thought it would not trigger me at all, but when I saw people's rage, I trembled involuntarily. As if they will smash my whole being. I inhaled and exhaled. I should train my mind to feel at ease. I need to change how my mind works. I need to have a positive mindset to keep going. I know it wasn't easy, but soon I will get there. I turn on my phone. The guy I accepted on a dating app chatted. “Hey Jane, how's life? Is that a dragon fruit on your face or a toy? ” Unconsciously, I laughed. "It's a dragon fruit,” I replied. “Arun, nice to meet you, Jane.” “Nice to meet you too, Arun.” “Arun,” I muttered to myself. “Nice, name.” We exchange messages until he says goodbye to buy something. I enjoyed chatting with him. From what I can see and feel, he's a nice guy. He knows what he is doing. He knows how to communicate clearly and efficiently. “How old are you? "I asked. “I'm 26, and you are? ” “27, I'm one year older than you." I paused to think if I would ask him what was on my mind. "Uh, do you believe that older men are more mature than the younger ones? " “No, I've seen older men who aren't mature, so I don't believe in that.” I nodded while typing my reply. “Yeah,it was in the mindset, not in the age.” “I might be one of the best guys you'll meet out there,” he said confidently. My mouth opened for a few seconds. “Oh, really? I loved the confidence,” I replied while letting out a smile. I don't know why I don't find him arrogant. He has his energy, which is confidence, but no arrogance in a light, amusing way. “Can we move on to the other application? For better communication? Do you have w******p? " He asked, respectfully. I paused for a while. I'm not really into letting someone move outside the dating app, so I was wondering if I would say yes to him. “Hmm. I have w******p, but I'm hesitant,” I said with all honesty. “Are you not a pervert? "I can feel that he's not, but I still need to ask. I was kind of nervous while waiting for his answer. I don't want to offend him, but it's good to be cautious, though he might lie about that. “No, I'm not. And I understand you. There's men out there who're like that.” “Hope I didn't offend you. Here's my number.” “Great, I messaged you there,” he said, sounding happy, but I'm not sure really; maybe I'm just assuming. I don't know how he convinced me to agree with him. Maybe he has a spell—or maybe I trust him too much, but I don't trust easily—but why on earth did I agree with him?