CHAPTER 5

I stood in Binurong Point's vast green valley, the endless Pacific Ocean stretching before me, close to the Philippine Trench. It was my first time here, and I couldn't hide my amazement. I never knew such a breathtaking place existed in our country-reminiscent of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. The similarity was striking.

My friends from the radio station often accompanied me on these outings, a surprising turn for someone who never had close friends in elementary school, high school, or college. Hector had become the center of my social life when he arrived, and his departure left a void. I joined a new crowd to cope, finding solace and distraction in their company. Traveling around the country became my therapy, a promising escape that helped me forget my temporary sadness. I decided to explore our country first before venturing abroad. After Hector's departure, I slowly picked up the pieces of my shattered self.

I closed my eyes, letting the gentle breeze caress my body. The scent of the ocean mingled with the wind, calming my mind. I stepped away from my friends, seeking solitude and temporary peace. Lost in thought, I didn't realize how much my mind had wandered.

***

"Whoaa! Boracay is breathtaking," Hector exclaimed as we walked along an alley toward Station One. The blue sea and white sand stretched before us, and he put his right hand over my shoulder while I recorded a video on my phone.

"Come on, Mommy! I'm so excited to swim," Hector said, grabbing my left arm and pulling me toward the beachfront.

I felt panic wash over me as I tried to steady my phone. "Hey! Slow down! I might drop my phone."

He let go of my arm and dashed ahead, his excitement palpable. When we reached the hotel an hour ago, his face lit up with eagerness to dive into the sea.

I felt compelled to sprint after him as he removed his black tee and flung it carelessly. To my embarrassment, I hurriedly picked it up from the sand while glancing around.

"Yahoo! Bora! Here I am!" he shouted, somersaulting into the water. His joy was infectious, and I stared at him laughing despite feeling a bit embarrassed. I pointed my phone at him, capturing his childlike glee as he ran toward the sea, screaming with delight. His antics made my day.

I opened my eyes and realized I had been laughing alone, lost in the memory. Taking a deep breath, I gazed back behind the sprawling green scenery and turned to find my friends. Instead, my eyes caught a man standing a few meters away, pointing an iPhone at me. A warm, friendly smile was painted on his face until I realized I had been laughing alone a while ago, and he caught me, which made me blush.

The man tiptoed towards me. "I was going to take pictures of you because you looked so natural," he said while showing his SLR camera hanging from his neck. When I saw him closer, he looked dashing, with a mix of Caucasian and Filipino features, but his face had no effect.

I tried to smile back. "Sorry," I muttered, walking away. In the distance, I saw my friends waving at me.

"I'm Eric, by the way," he said. I stopped, forced another smile, and walked away faster. However, Eric ran, blocking my path and extending his hand for a handshake. I felt a mix of annoyance and nervousness. Looking ahead, I saw my friends still waving.

"Sorry, mister. I'm not interested," I said firmly. Eric withdrew his hand, scratching his head but still smiling. I hurried past him, worried he might try to stop me again, which creeped me out.

"What was that?" Melay, a girlfriend, asked as soon as I reached them, her eyes wide with curiosity. The gang gathered around, all attention on me.

"Oh, I don't know. That guy just popped up out of nowhere," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. Truthfully, I wasn't interested.

But they teased me anyway. "Hey! That's how it all begins."

"What's his name?" Melay asked, her interest piqued. She was still brushing her shoulder-length rose-gold hair.

"What is this all about?" I complained. "I didn't come here for that."

"Oh, come on, girl! Don't be such a sass. We're just asking questions," Denver, our queer friend, said.

"Guys, leave Ara alone. Let's go! We need to reach the far end of this," Audrey said, taking charge as usual. She slung her backpack over her shoulder, her white Sony headphones around her neck, and started walking. We followed.

I grabbed my backpack and took a deep breath, watching the gang ahead. I glanced back and saw Eric taking a photo from afar. To my surprise, he waved in our direction.

"He waved at us, girl!" Denver exclaimed, appearing beside me and wrapping his arm around my shoulders. He looked giddier than ever.

"Girl, knock it off," I said, tapping his shoulder. "I think you two would be a better match." I laughed, shaking my head.

If only they knew, I thought.

Since Hector passed away, love has died in my heart. No man could ever compare to the love Hector had shown me. I was content with the happiness I had experienced with him, even if it was just a chapter in my memory.

***

"Daddy! Slow down!" I exclaimed. "Don't run! I might trip. You're too fast."

Hector dragged me as we left the hotel in Boracay.

"We need to catch the sunset," Hector replied. "It's getting dark already! We can't waste a moment."

I stared at Hector's face. Throughout our day of exploration, his joy never faded. That's how Hector was, his happiness surpassing even a child's boundless excitement. Being with him, I will never forget the places we visited together. His face brought life to my being.

We arrived at Station Two. It was dusk, and people spread across the stretch of the beach's white sand, waiting for the famous Boracay sunset. The sky gradually turned orange as the sun slowly dipped beyond the horizon. I took my breath away, feeling awe and bewilderment.

"You like it, don't you?" Hector whispered in my ear.

He hugged me tightly from behind, and I clung to his arms. "Daddy, I love you. Thank you for bringing me here. I will never forget this."

He rested his chin on my shoulder, tightening his embrace. We watched the sunset together until darkness enveloped us.

"Hey! Are you okay? You're spacing out again," Audrey tapped me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

My life always went like that. Letting go of the past was challenging because I was so used to it. Remembering every moment with Hector completed my day.

I replied to Audrey with a reassuring beam on my lips while trying to push away my longing inside of me. I reminded myself to focus on the beautiful sights and enjoy our friendship. But when the day ended, and I was alone again, everything returned to how it used to be.

I looked up at the vastness of the azure sky, wishing Hector were there, peering through one of the clouds as if watching over me. Then, the sadness would resurface once again.

I kept this sadness to myself because no one would understand, no matter who it was. I whispered to the wind what my heart had been longing for.

"Hector, I miss you."