Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Class was cut short, so we packed our bags and strode down the building. Itās the latter part of August, depicting the arrival of āber months, which I guess explains the cold touch of the seasonās weather onto my skin. It was already dark around the campus, the kind of dark that makes you feel gloomy but serene at the same time, with only dim warm yellow lamps lighting the way out. Trees silently swayed along with the wind. Parking spaces were unoccupied. A few people tried to hang out for a whileārelaxing, waiting, and yawning. I kept walking.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā On a Monday night, the northbound lane was cramped with vehicles. The moment I stepped out of the university gate, first thing that entered my mind was how long itās going to take me to get home. I have some friends walking alongside, conversing and laughing. The pavement seemed dry but when I looked up, I found no traces of tiny beams of light. The rain must be about to pour soon. Sidewalk vendors started packing up. I saw somebody riding a bike from the distance so I stepped aside for a while. But he wasnāt looking straight ahead thatās why he stopped right inches close to where I was standing. I let out a squeal then a chorus of laughter followed. I kept walking.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā There were fourteen seconds left to cross the road but we didnāt hurry. Vehicles continued lining up, securing the intersection for the pedestriansā safety. The number of passengers waiting around seemed inversely proportional to the PUVs driving along the boulevard. Alas, the right jeepney came along. We embarked for a ride home at around 9 in the evening. My friends and I sat across from each other, letting out a sigh of relief and silent laughter afterwards. I looked out the window, noticed how all structures along the boulevard are designed like blocksārectangular and edgy. As if Manila is a Christmas tree and EspaƱa has the Christmas boxes of varying sizes. One block after another, each made for a different purpose. Dark, silent, hollow to light, vibrant, crowded. Some stores were closed while some played loud music. I was blown away by the air pumped out from old vehicles, past my face to everyone elseās. A gentle reminder of needing a little bit of warmth during a cold night. The lamp posts standing in the middle of the island were dimly lit to allow everyone to see a dramatic view of a strangerās face. Although some already gave up their lights, yet waiting for somebody to come fix and replace the hearts of them.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Nothing was in sync. Everyone was doing their own thing. But there I was, looking at a beautiful scene created by moving elements and the fixed establishments in the background, all anticipating for a brand new day. The jeepney did a curvy turn around the rotunda, giving me an opportunity to gaze at a monument erected in the middle for some reason I would be eager to learn. I watched as the street signs changed from the color green to blue. Thatās when I knew I was almost close to home. There were lesser vehicles in that avenue as I stare into the quiet. The familiar diversion of land zoningāfrom residences, institutions, commercial spaces to slums even. Then the sky began crying as I got nearer to the place where you live. We drove past the church, turned left, and then right. Passing by the hospital across your place. Even with the rain shield of the jeepney obscuring my view, with just a glimpse I was sure there was nothing new. The only difference now is that I was no longer standing there with you.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā There goes the usual environment I grew up in, the closer I was to my safety zone. The rain got a little bit gentle as I alight the jeepney, bade goodnight to the friends who accompanied me home. The neighborhood seemed to be already asleep. I kept walking. Until I got home.
(a homework for my planning class back in college)
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