Beginning

"I'm sorry, I have another"

"I'm not fit for you."

"Let's just be friends."

"I can't handle it anymore."

"There's just something I can't explain-"

----------

Birds tweeting. Motorcycles running. The cold morning mist in my face. It's all familiar.

I open my eyes just to be hit by the warm ray of sunshine. I stare at it, as if it doesn't hurt me, trying to welcome positivity, even if it can't.

I snapped out of the blue, flicked my head, turning and facing the other side of my bed just at the side of the window. I rubbed my eyes as pain slowly creeped in.

Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind. It's July 29th, 2018, and I'm going to university this day, even if classes does not start until its the 1st next month. Still, I'm staying at an on-campus dormitory, that's why I'm going a little earlier to be familiar with the place and rest a bit before classes starts.

I got up and fixed my bed, gathered some clothes, then walked ahead to the bathroom. I saw mom, on her usual seat on the dining table, she's already done making breakfast, and it's Sunday, and I woke up late.

I stripped off as soon as I hopped in the bathroom. I touched the water in the basin, felt its coldness, wishing it could be warm.

I reached for the dipper, gathered some water, and poured it over myself, slightly shivering at the coldness as the water flowed on my body, waking my sleepy self.

"It's all gonna be alright."

I did my usual routine, shampoo, body, face, then rinse. I dried myself then made myself comfortable with the clothes I brought. As I'm done repeating views on myself, I hopped out the room.

I ate breakfast with mom, she was always eager of eating with me specially on mornings. I don't know her reasons though, but I always loved it about her.

I had my things ready since yesterday. I got my checklist, rechecking if I had not forgotten something:

Clothes

Shorts

Pants

Undergarments

Coat

Cap

Shoes

Important papers

Facial care

Toiletries

Utensils

Art materials

Mattress

Pillows

They're all set.

~~~

I had them piled up in three large bags, except the pillows. I had them on hand carry, even though mom insists to come with me to help, but I told her I'll be fine.

I waved goodbye from mom after she gave my allowance for the month. She hugged me the last time as I was about to exit the fence. I walked slowly, facing back again,

"I'm gonna miss home."

I slowly turned and picked the bags up and pillows, walked to the bus terminal, waited for the bus.

The bus came, I climbed in and found a seat near the window, as I should always be. I plugged my earphones in, listening to some anime songs.

The bus went off, I tilted my head against the window, looking up the skies with sleepy eyes. It's gonna be a long ride.

"I finally can see him."