41: Asking for one’s hand



“Kumusta? Naglose weight ka?” puna ni Adeline, nauuna ng lakad. “Nga pala. After this uuwi akong probinsya. Ayos lang ba sa ’yo?”

She came to the house to check on me and spend some time together. I understand that she is busy. It’s okay with me if she rarely gets to visit.

I met her at the gate. We were walking together toward the main door. She brought some gifts like vegetables and fruits from their province. We were both carrying the paper bags.

“Miss na miss na kasi talaga kita,” I confessed, iniwasan ang nauna niyang tanong. “For me, ayokong umuwi kang probinsya. Mamimiss kita.”

Do I sound selfish?

“Alam ko naman ’yon! Ano ka ba!” natatawang aniya, pinalo pa ako nang mahina sa braso.

Hindi pa rin talaga siya nagbabago. Ang ugali niyang ’yan ang gustong-gusto ko kaya hindi ko matanggap na uuwi siyang probinsya.

“Pero kung doon gagaan ang loob mo, ayos sa akin,” I said seriously. “You’ve already done so much here, Adeline. It looks like you’re going to choose yourself this time