'Attention passengers, this is your captain, speaking. Welcome to the Philippines! May you enjoy your stay. Get ready for safe landing. Mabuhay!'
And just like that, I am now in a strange country to me. The Pearl of the Orient. The Philippines. The place where my mother originated. And that thought alone served as a catalyst for another episode of crying for me. My mom had told me so many pleasant memories from her childhood from here.
In another time, I might have been so giddy right now. How I wish! I waited for my tears to subside so I am left alone inside the airbus. Just as I expected. But to my surprise when I stepped out of the plane, my phone's notification again pinged!
'I could have introduced myself but I know I am imposing. You had a moment. I wish to know you sometime. Maybe next time. Don't forget to smile, beautiful!'
I looked around and bingo! I saw someone who just turned his head away from me. He is wearing a green hoody too. We seemed to have a couple hoody actually. In another time. Next time. I thought. I'm not interested at the moment. When I am no longer a broken 17 year-old girl who barely breathes for herself to survive.
God! I closed my eyes and took a moment to feel the Philippine heat.
I claim this land to be mine!
And then a gush of air just passed by her face gently, as if affirming her claim.
This is it! There is no turning back. I don't even have someone from the other side to turn back to. Poor Amara.