full.’”
“You’re talking about me?”
“Yes darling. So starting that day he did what he promised. He watched over you, guarding every step you make and I never have to worry about you because he’s already there. I trust him with you and with who you are. I told him things about you whenever I visit him in his house. I told him you almost both have same loss and maybe not long from now, you’ll be exactly the same.”
“Grandma! Don’t say that!” I told her with objection. I can no longer take whatever she’s been saying and I can’t accept her telling me that. It’s like she’s saying goodbye. But my fight wasn’t still over. I can fight more. I can still fight even how long it takes. I’m never gonna give up on her.
She hugged me tight. I hugged her back. “It’s alright darling. Dying is part of living. We all need acceptance to that. Remember that goodbyes are meant to be good farewells and I can smile saying those words to you because you’re the one who gave colors and meanings in my life. You didn’t give me any reason to regret why I lived because I lived for you, with you. Be strong Iris. My body may pass but your memories of me will always be in here…” she pointed my chest. “…in your heart and no one can steal it from you. You’ll never lose it. Always remind yourself that and don’t forget to graduate first before you marry, okay?”
I chuckled. She never really forgets the jokes. “Of course grandma.” I wiped the tears that went running down my checks and smiled at her.
“Create your own life Iris and make sure to paint a smile on it.” I nodded and hugged her. I hoped it wouldn’t last even forever but it would and I can’t do anything but to embrace it when it comes.
***
My graduation came and as I went up the stage, I looked at the seat where grandma should have been sitting. She should have been so proud of me. I know she is; my parents, too. Even though they didn’t make it today, I have the feeling they’re congratulating me from way up there—from God’s home.
How about Mayson? Well, we’re still lovey-dovey but it’s not still official. I told him I already knew everything and that how glad I was that he was my guardian angel, my savior. He even let me see the photos of me that he took before—since I was in primary school ‘til I went into college. All of those photos had me in my loneliest hours. I didn’t have anyone with me in those photos but that’s all from the past now. Now we have bunch of photos to replace that—photos of me with Kathy, her church mates and of course, more of with Mayson.
“Mayson, I have something to tell you.” I approached him after the program.
“Is it also congratulations because I already had so much—”
“I’m giving you a yes.” I said excitedly, my cheeks blushing.
“So you’re really congratulating me, too. Tha—”
“No! What I mean by yes is yes, I can be your girlfriend.” I looked at his face. He was now blushing, too. I wanted to laugh because he looks so shocked but I’m just too embarrassed, I can’t even smile.
I was surprised when he suddenly ran. He left me talking to the air which I don’t understand why so I chased him. I chased him until we’re already out of the campus and I’m not only chasing but also my breath—I’m almost out of breath. Why is he running so fast? Where’s he going?
Then, I stopped running when I saw where he went—the cemetery. It’s where both my parents and my grandmother were buried. It’s located near our school. I’ve always been here after my classes since my parents passed-away that’s why I love my school so much because it’s close to where my parents is. I think I now have an idea where Mayson is heading.
I rushed to where my grandmother was laid. There I saw Mayson. He was kneeling and talking to grandma. “Thank you Mrs. Sanders. I’m the one who paid my debt but you’re the one who gave me a very valuable tip. If it weren’t because of you I might be still on the streets. I might be still living like rag and I might not have met… Iris. I promise to take care of her. I wouldn’t make her cry but if she does, I’ll make sure to wipe it all out. I’ll make her happy and I’ll never leave her, I’ll never lose her. I’ll always stay beside her. I’ll listen to her cries and I’ll love her like forever. That’s a promise.”
Tears rolled down from my eyes. “Mayson.”
He looked back and stood up the moment he saw me. “Iris.” He walked towards me and wiped my tears. “I’ll keep my promise. No to tears and loneliness now.”
“Yes Mayson. No more tears and loneliness.”
***
“Love, dinners ready.” Mayson called-out.
“Coming love!” I closed my diary and hurried downstairs to meet my husband.
It’s been twenty-five beautiful years since we got married. We have three lovely angels and a peaceful place we can call home. I smiled as I realize how many lovely memories we’ve earned before reaching this moment and I know we’ll have more of those for the next few years of our lives and more of those diaries for me to be written on.
-end-
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