On this day, the sky gradually darkened this afternoon as if it was in harmony with the foreboding rain, along with the tears that struggled to escape.
"STOP, SIR!" shouted a man at a passing jeepney, chasing it without hesitation until it eventually stopped to let him in. As the jeepney halted, he was greeted by a familiar park he used to frequent, bringing back memories of the woman he loved, who brought light wherever he went. This place, the Pangatian Memorial Shrine, was enveloped in greenery even though it was slowly being shrouded in darkness due to the impending rain. Tall trees stood proudly, providing shade to the surroundings, their soft branches swaying in the wind with large and small leaves pointing west and east. Fragrant flowers surrounded the benches and tables, adding color to the scene. The table near the children's playground served as their dining spot during their meetings. The plaque honoring the park always featured in her stories, along with the names etched in the triangular clock atop the Hour of the Great Rescue Museum, paying tribute to the heroes of the past during the Second World War.
Now, he walked the path alone. With the onset of rain, his efforts to hold back his tears finally gave way. He ran to the spot they used to frequent, a place where time was visible, knowable, and palpable. Heavy-hearted, he stepped towards the Hour of the Great Rescue Museum building. As he ascended the stairs on the side of the building, he hoped to see his beloved, who had vanished without a word. Exhausted from his search, he rested his hands on the building's railing, standing and staring into the void, facing the clock that marked and felt like six in the evening, the time when the sun finally set in the west.
"ADALINE, WHERE ARE YOU??!!!" the man shouted from the rooftop of the building, his voice filled with anguish that seemed to choke his throat.
As darkness fully enveloped the sky, heavy rain began to fall, as if it had waited for the sun to set before unleashing its full force. The rain was accompanied by thunder and lightning, and strong winds that seemed to sweep everything in their path. Yet, this didn't deter a woman standing in the Hour of the Great Rescue Museum building, where she stood against the triangular pillar that cast shadows and marked time throughout the day, without an umbrella, crying uncontrollably while clutching her chest and abdomen. Her sobs matched the downpour, relentless and exhausted, as if she had given up on everything.
### Mia Méra (One Day) - Adaline Capharas
One day, I will laugh again,
My eyes will be dry,
And finally, I can smile again.
One day, I will stand tall,
Proud and confident,
And finally, I can love myself.
One day, I will rise and return,
I will fight another battle for my dreams.
It's either I win or I try.
One day, I will grow tired,
Break down into pieces and bend my knees,
But I will fight and win another battle.
One day, I will succumb,
But stand firm as a proud warrior.