Survive(d)

The storm was pounding the little town outside and us, with nothing much left to do, decided to just talk. The power was out and save for a candle flickering in the far end of the room, it was pitch black. So much for a summer vacation, this was full on survivor.

"But life is short!" he told me.

He's a young lawyer and in the many narratives of love that night, his story told of being the confidante to a couple while harboring a secret love for the girl. It's the classic "Pare, gusto ko ang girlfriend mo," albeit he never had the guts to act on the matter. Always the logical one, he thought it was best not to "betray" the couple's trust even if there have been opportunities for him to just snatch the girl away. After all, in the lengthy conversations he had with the girl, he felt a sincere connection. After his first love, he thought he'd never find someone who could read him as if they were soulmates... then came this girl. "Minsan 'pag nagkekwento nga si Jen sa akin, naiisip ko, bakit kasi ganun si Drew? Kung ako iyon, mabibigay ko iyong kailangan ni Jen."

"Kung ako iyon...." Three words that at once spell out both hope and helplessness.

"But life is short! Why not look for someone with whom you could build a life with?"

It was only on that night that he learned about my situation. I felt he was sorry for me, as if telling me that I could do better.

"That's exactly it, life is short," I replied. "Minsan hindi mo rin sinasadyang ma-in love sa isang tao."

Perhaps a bit apprehensive at first, but then he said, "Totoo iyan."

We were both working on the same premise. Indeed life is short. Only that he opted to pass on the chance and wait for someone with whom he could build a life with... while I, I chose to just jump in.