RAMBLINGS OF THE MIND
Ed was mesmerized by the clear waters, and the islet. “There are no trees on this island? Is it all covered by water during high tide?” And he looked around, he could see the Pinamungajan coastlines to the east. And it looked magnificent, with the sun at his back, Ed could see the full beauty of the town which, not so long ago, existed only in his memories. They had lots of time to spare, so they both went swimming and talking. And Filemon caught Ed looking at him again, not sure whether it was before or after he removed his shirt.
They had a very interesting discussion about the progress of Pinamungajan and how they can contribute to it. But, it was getting dark and it was time to leave Campalabo. They jumped to the boat and roared towards the beach resorts of Tajao, where they were met by a woman whose features definitely were like…
“Wait a minute, is she your twin sister?” Ed asked Filemon.
“Yes, she is and she is the manager of this beach resort. Jane, Ed. Ed, Jane.”
“Nice meeting you, Ed,” Jane bowed down.
“My pleasure, Jane. Are you the other baby in the picture?” Ed asked Jane.
“What picture?”
“While we were at your house,” Ed looked at Filemon, “I saw a picture of a woman carrying two babies.
“I’ve been carrying this photo since Papa gave it to me before he died two years ago,” Ed showed them a photo of a man holding a six-year old boy. The left part of the photo was torn.
All three exchanged looks.
“Is that why you kept on looking at me after we left my house? Oh my God, I thought for a while that you were gay or something.” Filemon spoke slowly, looking at Ed, with that naughty smile again on his face.
“I came here in search of something for my thesis, and I found my siblings instead. Papa made me promise to look for the other half of the picture. He would be very happy to know that you are alright.”
"A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it," Filemon smiled.
“Indeed. Just like our town. People go to all the other places, even abroad, to look for better lives. Only to realize that there is so much beauty in our own backyard,” Jane softly said.
“Now I believe I am right where I belong.” Ed said and his voice cracked, a tear dropped from his eye.
“Welcome home, Manoy Ed,” Jane uttered in between sobs.
The siblings embraced each other crying hysterically, releasing that emotion which has been kept stored within themselves for years. Like a volcano, this stored emotion suddenly erupted in one big moment of joy in finding the lost part of their lives, in their hometown where it all had started.
Outside, the beautiful sunset reflected the joy that the siblings felt as they allowed their past to be buried in the night, and together eagerly await for the sun to rise and start a brand new day.
THE END
