A Minute Too Late by SonicMoonlight

A Minute Too Late by Sonic Moonlight

With the sound of the first strike of the alarm ringing, Jake woke up! His adorable face smiled from ear to ear, then he got out of bed, raised his arms to stretch! He sped up to take the shower! Inside the bathroom, he is like the lead vocalist of a band playing for a concert with no one as an audience. Jake has no worries whatsoever he does. He had been living alone for few years now. His parents died at the age of 10 and his grandmother raised him. Unfortunately, his grandmother also died a few months ago - but that didn’t left him miserable, instead it motivated him to keep moving forward despite these odds.

Before his grandma died, she kept reminding him of her love saying ,“Jake, there are no good days or bad days but every day is an extra ordinary day”. And this is what Jake had always been hoping for, that there is not a bad or a good day – every day is not an ordinary day.

He finished his shower and got ready for university life! It’s the first day of school. He always wanted to understand people, help them and more importantly understand himself better - so he had chosen to major in Psychology. He remembered when his parents died, he was crying all day and all night, he doesn’t speak at all, so his grandma brought him to a psychologist. That was definitely one of the inspirations why he made such a decision. Although his life have many flaws or his smiles may hide some pain inside from his life experiences, he never became bitter but had shown to be better.

Today is the first day of school! Something to be really excited about. But, it seems that there is more for Jake today. His hazel brown eyes are more sparkling and the way he moves across his room is like a stone skipping into the waters, gently striding full of grace and bliss.

Inside his table drawer, he took a small blue box and doubled checked what’s inside. With all his front teeth exposed as he grinned, he took a hand woven bracelet out of it. It was unique accessory made of a special thread, woven by his own hands – it had an intricate pattern mixed with blue and red, and pendant bird shaped like a falcon that added to its beauty. On the drawer he took a sticky note and wrote a short letter that says, “To my one and only Lyn. Happy 2nd Anniversary. Love you always. – Jake”.

Yes, Jake had been in a relationship for two years now, that’s why maybe today, no wonder the excitement is more than the usual For Jake, he dreamed that someday, this house will be a home. He dreamed that someday he could marry Lyn and settle down. It may sounds crazy future sighted an 18 year old man is , but knowing how Jake’s life had been - having a family is definitely his ultimate dream. Yes. We know. He may be alone today, but he is not lonely. He felt a little content in his heart and even overflowed with desire for life. “Everything ends. Everything ends. Always make every moment count.” He said eye to eye to himself on the mirror while combing his hair. He had a taken a last glance of his outfit - wearing a blue top polo paired with his black pants and a colored green shoes. He went out of the house and on his way to the Northern City University.

Down the route he took his breakfast, “Aunty Loren, how are you? Can I have one Tocilog ( A common Filipino dish meaning Tocino +Egg + Rice) please?” , Jake said to the all day breakfast owner near his house. “Oh Jake! Good morning! You’re so early today! You seem more excited today than the usual! Is it because it’s your first day in the university? I bet many girls are after you! You’re not only handsome but very intelligent! You always topped your class when you were in high school! And even topped the university entrance exam! Hmmm! Unlike my son, he just keep playing in the band. Sometimes skips class! I hope you help me with my son!”., Mrs. Loren talking almost nonstop convincing him to help his son out.

“Oh no Aunty Loren, it’s just that everyone of us is unique. I don’t even know how to play guitar. Who knows your son might be the next Bamboo (referring the popular Filipino Singer artist)”, Jake replied as he nod to his best friend who just went downstairs with the guitar on his back. “What? My Son? Future Bamboo? Oh what could I say Jake! You two really are best friends!”, Mrs. Loren replied. “Jason, since you’re already here, have your breakfast now. Join your friend Jake over there and give him his meal”, Jason’s mother said.

“Bro! Good morning! How are you?”, Jason asked cheerfully. He looked at Jason’s hands as if looking for something he was expecting. Jake seemed a little concerned that his best friend must have forgotten. “Doing great bro. By the way, how’s my favor?”, Jake inquired. “Oh my! Was it today!?”, Jason replied to Jake with a loud and surprised tone. He scratched his head and said, “I thought it will be tomorrow! You know I easily forget! You didn’t even texted me last night! I’m really sorry!”, Jason said with his voice trying to calm his friend and plead for forgiveness! “I did text you last night! Even called you but you didn’t pick up?”, Jake’s face turn red and he slightly moved his body on the side to not see his friend’s face as he was trying to hold his temper. Jake maybe a jolly person, easy to be with, but there is always an exemption, when you make a promise to him and you forget it, he will surely be sulking and be mad.

There was even a time when Jason and Jake agreed to play in the grassland near their houses. The grassland is like a mini forest with some old trees surrounded by different weeds – and there was a special grass for them with violet flowers that bear pods. They agreed to look for the popping pods or some called it the cracker plant, and then they throw them one by one on the canal. Ruellia tuberosa bear green pods. Once these pods become ripe, they turn black and which when in contact with water, it explodes. It was fun playing it during their childhood. When Jason didn’t showed up, Jake was really angry and didn’t talk to him for a while.

“I’m really mad right now!”, Jake signaled Jason that there’s going to be a cold war. Luckily, Mrs. Loren suddenly interrupted their conversation, “Jason, stop messing with your friend.”, she bent on the store counter to pick up something and alas - a beautiful bouquet appeared with a bunch of different colored roses of red, yellow, and white. From that sight, Jake’s dull expression turned from a cloudy day to a bright shining sun. He stood up with a fake angry face and voice, pointed a finger to him and said, “You Jason! You tricked me! You know how important today is! I know you know what to expect next!”. Having heard what Jake said, Jason quickly covered his ears. “Hey! Jason you’re cheating! What are you doing?”, Jake said with a naughty smile. Jason quickly hid behind the store counter, asking rescue from his mom like a child needing protection.

Jake and Jason both have this rule, never make a joke about serious and important things. Just like what Jason did today. It was definitely a serious offense. “Ok! Ok! Alright! Alright! I give up! Since you didn’t broke your promise, I will let this go! Ok?”, Jake said to assure Jason. “No, I don’t believe you! You never did let go of it once! Never in more than 8 years!” Jason replied. “Well, maybe this is not an ordinary day? Is it?”, re-assuring Jason. “Oh well! I have to go! Aunty, just put it on my tab! Thank you! Bye! Bye!”. Jake gathered his things, picked up the bouquet and slowly walked. “Wait up! Wait up!”, Jason hurriedly drink the milk , picked up his bag and guitar and followed straightaway.

“You seemed to be a little weird today? I just can’t figure it out?”, Jason murmured. “Why? Is it because I didn’t flicked your ear? Now worries!”, he affirmed once more. Having believed what Jake said, he dropped his guard - and just right after he lowered his hands from covering his ears, Jake, with a brutal force from his fingers, flicked both Jason’s ears. “Hey! Hey! Why did you hurt my ears twice! That’s unfair.”, Jason complained. Jake ran ahead laughing leaving Jason behind stomping his feet pointing and complaining to Jake. That’s the rule, you can be forgiven with your “out of the line jokes” if you let your ear be flicked. It’s not really that painful nor it is too soft. It’s like a tiny ant biting, tolerable yet you can’t help but feel a little irritated – the sting surely is undeniable. Although Jason was mad, he touched his red ears, showed a little smile on his face and went after Jake.

Jake arrived on his parents and grandparents graves. He lighted 3 candles and put the flowers on the small altar. It’s not their birthday or death anniversary but it’s a special day for Jake. Jake slowly gazed on his parents photos then turned the other side to see his grandparents. When his grandmother was alive, they often visit here. Jake always wanted to have parents to talk to, so every time they visit their graves, his grandmother would tell him, “ Jake, your parents may no longer be alive, but know that they are always in our hearts. They are watching over us. We may not hear from them, but when we speak from our hearts, I know that they can hear us”. That is why Jake always believed his parents are always their listening to him.

“Mom, Dad, I am finally a University student! If you were here Mom, you definitely would have cooked me an early breakfast. And Dad, would surely drove me to school. But don’t worry, I have Aunty Loren’s cooking to fill me up. She never gets me hungry. Dad, I also have my best friend Jason to send me off to school. Although we fight sometimes but I am lucky to have a friend like him. He is like a brother to me. Grandma, I know you’re with mom and dad now and I’m sure grandpa is very excited to have you. I will
fulfill my promise to you that I will finish college, get married and our house will be filled with loud laughters and my kids would be running around our lawn.”, Jake said in a sad but contented manner, his eyes were wet but tears not really falling. “Grandma Lucy, Jake flicked my ear today! I wish you were here, you could have defended me.”, Jason interrupted Jake with a mischievous smile! Jake slowly turned his back and chased him away. “Grandma, help! Grandma help!”, Jason shouted playfully to make his friend angry. Before moving away, Jake turned once more to look at their graves and with a smile, “I’m going now. Till next time I visit here!” Jake shouted with conviction, feeling excited as they headed their way to school.

Along the road, Jake always stopped by the wonderful graffiti on the street walls. No matter how busy he might be, he always takes few minutes just to have a glance. Sometimes they draw flowers, then robots, then masks and different faces –some laughing, crying, anger, dismay - but this time, what amazed him were birds that were drawn. “Hey! Wow! Isn’t this your favourite animal? Isn’t this a Falcon bird?” , Jason pointed out to image.

“Did you know that ..”, Jake was interrupted.

“Yes , I know. Falcons are the fastest animals in the animal kingdom. You’ve said that a million times already.”, Jason continued.

“What really admires me about a Falcon is when it takes sight of its prey, it will fly high into the sky. Once he had his aim ready, he gradually dives at as fast as maximum speed of 389km per hour catching its prey by surprise.” , Jake made a little pause and looked up in the sky and turn to Jason. “You know, I always wanted to be like a Falcon. To be in sight of your dreams and never hesitate to make a stoop to reach for it.”

“Full speed ahead!” , both of them said in a chorus.

“How about a race to school? The one who loses will pay for lunch later?” Jason challenging Jake.

“1…2…3..Go”, and off they go sprinting ahead of each other.

And in the hallway of their school building, Jake suddenly bumped on someone. He then apologized and helped him pick up her things trying to catch up to Jason! With a long gap between them, Jason just waved and smiled at him saying, “See you at the cafeteria later! Got to go!”. Jason is an English major so there was no reason for him to wait for Jake.

Jake said to the girl he accidently bumped, “I’m really sorry! , he said in a very apologetic face. He continued running again the hallway to go to his classroom!

“Just in time”, he sighed! He had chosen to sit at the back most side of the classroom near the door. He pulled out his phone, sent a text to her girlfriend Lyn, “See you at right after morning classes at 12noon at the rooftop.”. With a quick reply, “See you.”.

Then a young lady in her mid-20s wearing a dark blue dress with dangling earrings entered the room and greeted all the students. “If I’d be heartbroken, I definitely would book a counseling session with our professor. She’s definitely pretty.” Jake said to himself.

She spoke in a clear and direct manner, “I’m Sandy Diez, I’m a registered psychologist and I will be handling your Psychology 101 class! I’m very happy to meet you all and glad that you had chosen a career in Psychology. You may have different reasons why you choose this course but whatever it is, keep in mind that when you take this course, you will be dealing with people since we study human behavior.”. Although she just spoke a few words, her charisma reached through her audience. All were focus to she was saying aside from other students who seemed to be day dreaming as they stare on their professors face.

Suddenly an interruption. Then , a familiar girl knocked at the door asking permission to enter the class late. “Good morning maam! Good morning classmates! I’m Karen, also enrolled in this class. I’m sorry I’m late! May I come in?”, she said. Jake seemed to just notice now that Karen isn’t bad looking after all. Although she has a short hair like most men do, her lips were thin and red and a mole on the lower right side. She’s wearing a light green blouse with a lace on top paired with a skirt. He was completely stunned when Karen noticed him glaring at her. Feeling guilty, he lowered down his head and covered it with a book. He never thought they would be on the same class as he is.

“Good morning Ms. Karen. It’s the first day of school and your first period and your late, May I know why you’re late?”. Jake wanted to raise his hand to apologize to Karen and his professor for causing the delay, but Karen instantly replied. “Maam, I actually had an accident downstairs. Someone was running fast and bumped me so I got a little delayed finding my things. (Karen looked at Jake a little fiercely) I had some scratches so I needed to go to the clinic first to have it checked. Here’s my doctor’s note as proof.”

“Well then, come inside and take your seat.” Ms. Sandy allowed Karen to enter the room. Karen moved his head from left to right , only to notice that there is one remaining vacant seat and that is right next to Jake.

“So everyone let this be a reminder. I don’t want anyone to be late in for our class. Now, pass your index cards. Our first activitiy is all about self-awareness. So we will begin by introducing yourselves to each other! Hopefully you will all survive the four years in this course and that means you all so need to bond with your cohorts and get to know each other.” , Ms. Sandy reiterated the importance of this activity.

Down to the last two students in class, Karen introduced herself.

“Hi! I’m Karen Kim Evero! I choose this course to better understand others, aside from myself. My favorite comfort food is chocolate ice cream and I love to play the guitar. I hope to journey with you in this course for the next four years.”, she said in a calm manner that ended with a smile.”

“Next!”

“Hello! Hello! Everyone! I’m Jake Andrew Ambroso! I choose this course because when I was kid, a psychologist once helped me overcame a childhood trauma. I find this profession a blessing and I want to also help others just like I received help before. My comfort food is chocolate cake and I love listening to music. Thank you for listening!”. Jake was a bit awkward and tried to glance away from Karen knowing but at the back of his mind, “At least we have something common, we both like chocolates.”, ,he spoke in his mind.

Each students introduced themselves one by one, sharing their goals and dreams, likes and starting a new chapter of their life together as Psychology majors. For Jake, today is indeed an extra ordinary day to make new connections.

Professor Sandy then continued her lessons…

“Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and thus we seek to understand it. So, for your assignment tomorrow I would like you to give examples of the different types of human behavior. Behavior can be Overt which can be observed or Covert which is commonly done in secret. It can also be Conscious meaning behavior done with awareness while Unconscious means behavior that you are doing which you are unaware. We can also say behavior is Rational or Irrational or Voluntary or Involuntary. Do you have any questions?”

Karen raised her hand. Ms. Sandy recognized her.

“Maam, is falling in love voluntary or involuntary?”

“Ms. Karen, have you ever fell in love with someone?”

“I don’t think so maam.”, her face was filled with curiosity. In her peripheral view he could see Jake and without any warning her face and ears turn red from blushing. Jake isn’t really the mister popular and most handsome guy where girls would be screaming seeing his face, but he is known by his acquaintances as kind and reliable with above average looks.

“Well, what a curious mind indeed! Let me say this, falling in love with someone could be described as being filled with emotions and feelings which they say just happens or should we say involuntary, but sustaining that love needs a voluntary effort and consciousness to make it last and work. And as for your answer, you can write it on your assignment and submit it tomorrow! Class dismiss!”, Ms. Sandy explained to her class with so much enthusiasm. Her pupils were dilating as if she was thinking of someone she’s in love with.

Jake swiftly put his notes and pens on his bag and went to approach Karen. “Hey Karen! I’m so sorry about earlier. I should have been more mindful about what I did earlier. Sorry I wasn’t able to accompany you to the clinic.” , he said in a very apologetic tone.

Karen just nod.

She doesn’t really like to talk a lot. She just love to study and focus her all effort on it. Ever since she was young, school and home had always been her routine. “As an apology, I’ll help you carry your books to our next room. If its ok?”, Jake said insisted, trying to make amends. Running out of patience, Karen gave her books to him, she went ahead hiding her smile from Jake. Could it be she’s falling in love?

In Jake’s mind, the books were actually quite heavy and no wondered why Karen must have four eyes ( with reading glasses) because she must be really studious.

After the morning classes, Jake hastily went to the rooftop to prepare for his anniversary surprise for Lyn. Lyn had always been her dream wife. He had been eyeing her since he was in high school. If there is a memory he cherish so much aside from his time with his grandmother or his bestfriend Jason that would be Lyn. She’s kind, generous and caring. Lyn refused his advances many times before, and telling him he is only like a brother to her - but , two years ago, she finally said yes. Must have been a miracle as he said. Like a stone being slowly weathered by rain over time until it breaks down.

As Jake climbed the stairs, she remembers Lyn’s face in his thoughts imagining her long hair being blown by the wind, her light brown eyes gazing at him and her pinkish lips that tastes as sweet as honey.

You can feel the excitement radiating on his face.

His heart not only pounding fast because of exhaustion from climbing fast, but on how deeply in love he is with Lyn.

He is almost there in the rooftop when he rested for a while to catch his breathe. Like how he craves to air is as much as he craves Lyn to be with his life forever.

This love he is feeling for a long time just wishes to be uttered and celebrated.

Just a few more steps to finally reach the peak of the building.

Just a little bit more… and he will eventually text Lyn that he is waiting there..

And then he saw a familiar face…

Their lips strangely touched each other…

And all he knew that he was the one preparing a surprise for Lyn, yet now he’s the one in shock by the revelation. He lowered his eyes’ gaze and closed it… thinking maybe once he try and look again, the scenery would change.

His heart was being crushed like how a Falcon bird catches its prey – almost none can escape. His heart was being devoured into nothingness. He didn’t know to whom he should send his plea?

He couldn’t utter a name.

His lips were frozen and his tongue was folded.

Should he call on first his best friend Jason or his girlfriend Lyn? Why these two familiar people in his life are doing strange things in front of him.

If this was the prize of Jake losing on the race with Jason this morning, I shouldn’t have given it way?

Tears began to flow like a waterfall. Like betrayal destroyed the dam led to an outburst of flood into the ground. Shaking… his hands were shaking… and his knees lost its stronghold. His knees touched the ground and his head bowed. He held in his right hand the box where he put his hand and heart to show his love.

His dreams were shattered.

His world is ending like being blown by the strong gust of wind in the rooftop.

He threw away the box to them and before one of them can react, Jake coursed his way out. Jason could only call Jake’s name. “Jake! Wait! Jake!”, Jason calling his best friends name hoping to be given a chance to explain.

He gathered all the strength he had in him and some more courage that maybe being remote from them would lessen the pain.

He came into understanding that there was even far worst feeling than death a – betrayal – a double betrayal, and today he was not only stabbed by a sword in his heart but it also pierced his soul.

Breathing so fast, grasping for air, he is all but worn-out.

He felt abandoned.

And for the first time in his life he’s truly alone. Like it didn’t bother him to be alone before, but being alone now makes him lonely - makes him desolated.

A realization suddenly came to him when his psychology teacher asked them if they still have more questions. He would definitely ask, “Is cheating conscious or unconscious? Is it voluntary or involuntary? Is it rational or irrational? Is it covert or overt?”.

“Did they cheat by accident? Or it was purposely done?”, he spoke in his mind on the stage of denial.

His legs were moving on his own and his feet is leading him to come home

And down the ground lobby, for the second time, Jake and Karen accidentally bumped each other. Their eyes stared at each other like their mind and heart connected for an instance. And Jake just walked and walked slowly and slowly like a slug. It was the opposite of what happened in the morning. Jake doesn’t need to be in a hurry.

Karen can’t help but ask, “ Are you ok Jake?”. All she sees is Jake’s back getting smaller and smaller as he moves farther away each second. She can only wonder what happened.

He passed by his favorite graffiti, but even the colors of the wall could not penetrate his emotions. There he saw the artist changing the panorama. The birds wings were now being coated in white, and soon the wall will turn pale and when it dries a new scenery will prevail.

The natural enemy of Falcon in the ground were wolves. And he never thought that a wolf in a sheep’s clothing would be his downfall – the only best friend he had in life and the only girl he gave his all.

Of all the days he wished to meet the artist, he appeared on the day he felt like mourning. He can only continue walking straight ahead. Maybe some other day he could thank him for the beautiful colors on the wall that inspired him to dream all these years.

He wanted to trace back his steps today from the moment he woke up and took a shower, to eating breakfast and visiting his parents’ graves, to racing to school with Jason or bumping with Karen in the hallway. “Where did I go wrong today?, he asked himself.

His shoulders shrugged like he is carrying a ton of weight.

His red eyes ran out of tears. And what he wanted to do is visit his loved ones on their graves and just let it eat his heart out. He figured out to himself it’s the only place he could be himself. Where silence is the best response to his rant.

And just one more crossroad to reach the cemetery. A place where he could be comforted.

90 seconds on the traffic light waiting for the pedestrians to be allowed to cross seems like forever. “But there is no forever?”, Jake whispered to himself. And he might have wanted death and it its only few steps away from the fast moving vehicles. Yet, a grain of hope that grounds him to cling in this world – his promise to his grandmother.

And there he saw on the other side of the road, a very old lady holding his young boy on his hands. The child was crying hard and the old lady is trying to comfort him with her seemingly fragile smile. Like a smile of someone in pain who’s trying to comfort another one. And he remembered his grandmother. He remembered warmth and love. And he saw himself in that crying boy. “That too shall pass”. He once again said to himself what his grandma always reminded him, “Jake, there are no good days or bad days but every day is an extra ordinary day”.

And without warning the boy ran across the road towards him.

Fast moving cars were bound to crush the little boy.

Like a falcon, he went for an air dive aiming for his prey.

Without doubts and hesitations he crossed the road and pushed that boy just in the nick of time for him to be safe in the center island of the road.

And the people around him were in shock. They were shouting out load.

But the road wolves caught him.

Before the car’s breaks worked, it hit him and he was thrown and rolled and rolled.

With the last of moments of his consciousness, he asked to himself:

“If tomorrow, I could go back to school for our class, I definitely have an answer to our assignment. Is sprinting to save someone’s life a conscious behavior? Did I do it voluntarily or was just my reflex? Is it rational to die for someone? Should this actions be shown or not?”.

On the scene of the road, his lips were smiling like a child sleeping at peace.

And the blood flowed so red spreading like wings.

He could finally fly like a bird. He could finally be like a Falcon.

And loud noises on the streets surrounded him, honking cars and people taking photos and some in pity shed tears for him.

Jason followed Jake’s footsteps. He knew that whenever Jake turns really sad or mad, he would go to the cemetery to talk to his parents. He remembered when he didn’t showed up during their deal to gather popping pods, he was actually late that time. When Jason arrived on their meeting place in the grassland, Jake was already gone. He searched for him everywhere only to find out he was visiting his parent’s graves.

Popping pods are very symbolic to the two of them. Jake’s grandma once said, “Popping pods is is similar to ones life.”. “Why?”, Jason asked out of curiosity. “Our life is like this pod, when it becomes ripe, it is ready to give itself to others. When you first saw this exploding pod, you were afraid right?”, grandma continued.

“Yes.”, Jake answered.

“When the pod exploded, it gave away itself, it was lost, but it was never really lost. When It gave itself away, the seeds inside the pod were released and paved more ways to grow more of its kind.”, grandma explained further.

“But grandma, does it mean that we need to die so we can be like those pods?”, Jake felt conflicted.

“No my boy, it may mean you must learn to let go of hatred for kindness to grow, to forgive others to give room for friendship. Just like the pod that sacrificed itself. Someday, you might sacrifice something, you may be afraid but, when you know that it will give chance for something better to grow, it will be worth it.”.

Along the road, he saw a crowd that piqued Jason’s interest.

Slowly he moved to the center.

At first, he saw one green shoe stained red.

He advanced more.

He saw a familiar black pants and blue shirt covered in blood.

For the third time he moved closer, very slowly like he doesn’t want to see what going to happen next. He wished he would be disappointed.

But it was too late, he saw his best friend lying on the road. In a flash, he held Jake’s hand and it was turning cold. He shouted his name like there were the only words he learned in school.

“Jake! Jake! Jake! Jake!”, he said it like never ending!

Jason wished it was just a bad joke.

That Jake would wake up once he flicked his ears– but it was not.

Now he knew why Jake flicked his ear twice today.

The first was from the time he joked he forgot to bring flowers for his loved ones graves. The second may be because he made another bad joke in the rooftop.

Jake must have given him an advance deposit that morning only to take a withdraw in the afternoon.

Jason was only filled with regret.

The sound of the ambulance deafened his ears. His tears were accompanied by the starting falling rain. He looked into the sky and begged whoever lives there to make this just another nightmare.

Jake became like the popping pod today. Like that black ripe pod touched by water and exploded, Jake gave itself away, made a sacrifice and became a hero today.

On the news:

It is not an Ordinary Day Today here in Northern City as a child have been saved by a young college boy reportedly at 2:31 PM today. The police identified the boy yet no official details are yet to be released for confidentiality as they need to inform his relatives first.

“Eye witnesses said that the young college boy seemed to be crying and they thought it was a suicide attempt when he fearlessly crossed the road despite the fast moving cars here in Clark Avenue. Can you tell me more about what you saw Ms. Anna?” , the reporter asked.

“We were waiting to cross the street when I noticed this college boy wearing a blue polo shirt. His shoulders were shrugged and seemed very sad. I wanted to console him. He was just staring blankly across the road when suddenly he ran the opposite side. I though he was trying to get himself killed , but what I saw was he tried to push the little boy to the center island like this (the lady showing a pushing gesture) and suddenly the car on his side hit him and he rolled and rolled and there was blood all over.”, Ms Anna shared to the news reporter.

Thank you Miss Anna.

Another eyewitness said that he saw the little boy running, but he was afraid to cross the street to rescue him when suddenly the college boy rushed in to save a life.

“Mr. Red , from what you had seen, how did it happen?”, the reporter asked.

“ I really can’t believe that there is still someone who was willing to sacrifice himself to serve others. I was really frozen on my knee when I saw that little boy trying to run across the road. Much to my surprise that the young college boy beside me was willing to do that. We definitely need more young people like him. He is a hero for me.”,

Today is indeed both a sad and happy day for Northern City. Not every day that we can see a hero like that. Once the police reports are finalized, we will get back to you.

Amidst the rain, the rescue medical officers in their orange uniform rushed to the car accident’s scene. The crowd already dispersed afraid to be seeped with rainwater. “I am a medical officer, I would like to request you to step aside as we check on the patient.”, the first responder said to Jason. He let go of Jake’s hand, stepped aside, his both hands found its resting place in his mouth as he regulates his breathing from the shock. Everything was in slow motion. His shirt soak in rain and sweat.

“His pulse is getting low! We need to bring him immediately to the hospital for blood transfusion! Are there any relatives on the scene?”, the officer asked. “I am the best friend of the patient sir!”, Jason automatically replied. Swiftly and carefully, Jake was carried inside the ambulance, and in moments time they left the place.

“Sir, your friend needs immediate blood transfusion. Do you know his blood type so we may find donors just in case none is available in the hospital?”, the officer asked. “We have the same blood type sir. Blood Group B.", he replied.

Jason recalled their Advance Biology class during their senior high school.

“Hey Jason, what’s your blood type? Mine is blood type B.”

“I don’t know how to read the result. Could you help me check it?”, he moved his head on the side to face Jake, pouted his lips and put on a sad expression. “Oh, we have the same result! Your blood sample reacted to Antigen A which means your also blood type B!”. Jason’s lips smiled without showing his teeth and his eyes seemingly closed. “Wow! Really? We must have been brothers in the past life.”, Jason giggled! “You know you have always been a brother to me right? And I want to stick with you forever!”, he tapped Jason’s back and showed a grin. “So drama! You might regret that in the future!”, Jason jumbled Jakes hair, his face blushing. “No I won’t regret! I will stick with you forever! Just in case I ran into accident I’d be needing you to donate your blood!”, Jake laughed! “Did you know that when we turn 16 years old, we can start donating blood. My parents died after the car accident because of haemorrhage.”, Jake paused for a while. “My wish is that no one has to die because they lack blood donors., I’d be happy for you to join me visit the red cross. I have done some little research about it.”. “Anything for you brother!”, Jason looked him eye to eye and smiled.

Jason never thought that this day would come that Jake would be needing his blood. He took his wallet out and pulled a yellow sheet of folded paper – it was a Red Cross card. After they turned 16 years old, both of them started donating blood twice a year. Jason knew that it’s a very important cause for Jake. Jake’s parents died from car accident, but the actual cause of death was a lack of blood in the blood bank. They couldn’t find any donor, so both of them died of haemorrhage. Out of the 7.9 Billion people in the world, yet people still struggle finding donors.

Ambulance door opened and the blinding light from outside pierced his eyes and his hands stretched to cover the rays. They brought down the stretcher, the emergency room opened - Jason prepared himself for blood donation. “Sir we need 3 more blood bags, Jason showed his red cross card, sir I made 4 donations in the past 2 years, maybe we can withdraw from the blood bank.”. “We’re sorry sir but our hospital is low on blood supply. You can check on the local red cross office.”. Jason’s face frowned and in frustration he went to the toilet. He washed his face to cool himself down. He gazed in the mirror , feeling agitated he punch the wall. Controlling himself from crying, he raised his head and his fingers clasped around the nose bridge as if it could prevent his eyes from bursting. “There’s no time for the blame game now.”, thinking of what happened on the rooftop during midday.

“Feels like I’m waging a war for life against death. There is no time to be sad or to mourn.”, like a soldier in the battle field he must advance for Jake’s sake. He put out his phone from his pocket and called his mother, Mrs. Loren. “Hello mom! I’m in North City hospital. Jake got into an accident, I need to run to the Red Cross to get some blood. Please come here mom.”, breathes slowly in between trying to stop his voice from breaking. “You go ahead. I’ll close our shop first.” Mrs. Loren assured Jason. By just the sound of his son’s voice, she knew he’s breaking apart – she knows because she’s a mother. She’s not only a mother to Jason but to Jake. The two of them were like Siamese twins since they had known each other – inseparable, supporting each other.

Flash News Today:

We just received an official report from the police station that the young college boy hero can now be released in public. His name is Jake Ambroso, a freshmen student from North City University. He was rushed to North City hospital after the car accident this morning and still in the emergency room. He received minor bone fractures and have bruises all over his body.

According to our news research investigation team, Jake Ambroso is also a car crash survivor where both his parents died in a tragic accident when he was 10 years old. The was taken cared by his grandmother but she died 5 months ago.

According to the medical responders on the scene, he needs at least 3 bags of blood type B for immediate transfusion. If you are interested to help this young college boy, you may visit the Northern City Hospital.

On the Red Cross Office, he approached Nick, their friend who works and volunteers here. Nick is 5” 6’ in height and have a muscular built, his nose are tall and a womanizer. That’s why every July during blood donor’s month, many are joining the line to be screened for blood donation but only few were there to actually donate blood.

Jason spoke to Nick, “I need your help bro, Jake ran into accident early this afternoon and he needs 3 more blood bags..”, he hugged Nick tightly. He knows what happened to Jake. It was all over the news. Nick does not have any doubts on what happened, he knew Jake was such a kind and helpful person and he knows that Jake and Jason are like two sides of the same coin – uniquely different yet inseparable.

Nick rubbed Jason’s back, trying to comfort him. “So it was it Jake who was in the news? Give me your blood donor’s card so I can process it right away.”, he went to get a glass of water for Jason and took the card for processing. He pulled out a medium red shirt out of the drawer and threw it to Jason, “You must change your shirt at least – you clothes are wet and you already stink! Jake might faint if he smells you!”, he punched a joke hoping to relieve Jason a little about his worries. “That’s our uniform shirt for our blood donation campaign at the mall next month, so don’t forget the wash it and prepare it for our event.”, Nick added.

Jason’s gazed around the place from the door entrance to a table at the right side – a sudden flash of memory came from the very first time he visited this place.

One boy arrived panting and sweating. He’s wearing a blue shirt and black pants with a brown sling bag on his side and a paper on his right hand. He just stood outside as if waiting for someone, then, his head moving from side to side trying to familiarize the place. He seems tired yet his face put a smile from ear to ear and his brown eyes were filled with excitement. “What’s taking him so long? He normally arrives first!”, Jake whispered to himself, he raised his left arm and glanced on his watch. “Finally! There you are! I beat you today!” , Jake said to another boy who just arrived. Jason made small steps and stood on Jake’s left side with his guitar hanged on his back and holding a similar piece of paper on his hand too. Jason was actually ahead of him. He was hiding on the side of the building trying to compose himself.

“Excuse me sir! Good morning! Is it ok to ask?”, Jake told the guard who’s waving his cap like a fan to cool himself. The guard replied, “Good morning!”, he replied grinning. “How may I help you?, he also replied. “We would like to donate blood. Who should we approach?”, Jake advanced his inquiry. “You go approach that person wearing a white robe on a red polo shirt named sir Nick. He is in charge today for the initial screening of blood donors.”. “You mean that person right there?, Jason pointed the man with his thumb to confirm. The guard nodded, “Yes, that person. With those three girls talking to him. You can wait for your turn after they finish their conversation.”. “Are they also donating blood?”, Jason asked the guard. He hid his right hand behind him and gulped. “I’ll tell you something, come closer both of you! It’s just between the three of us! Those girls keep coming back here saying they want to donate blood but you I think they’re just here to flirt with sir Nick!”, he leaned his body closer towards them and spoke in a gentle voice. “This guard is very nosy.”, Jake said in his thoughts. “Maybe Sir Nick is still busy today Jake, we can come back tomorrow! Let’s go!”, Jason turned around and started to walk away. But before he could go any further, he grabbed his guitar and pulled him back. The girls they saw waved at Nick bidding farewell and when they were completely gone the guard whispered to them, “Told you! They always come here but they never really donated blood.”, the guard chuckled and he said, “It’s your turn now!”. “Sir Nick! We have new blood donors here!”. Jason stepped ahead, went to the table and passed the paper to Sir Nick then spoke so loudly , like faking confidence, “I would like to donate blood sir! Here is my parent’s consent!”. Then followed Jake speaking boldly, “Me too sir! Here is my consent to donate blood!”. Sir Nick froze in awe seeing these two lads! Jason gulped again to gather some more courage. Jason is actually afraid with needles. He’s doing it for Jake. Jake waited quite a long time to be 16 years old and he knows how important it is for his best friend.

“Jason! It’s ready!”, Sir Nick called out, but there was no response, so he called out again, “Hey Jason! It’s ready!”. “Oh.. Thanks Nick!”, Jake replied. “There is a P1,500 pesos processing fee per bag, a total of P4,500.00.”, Nick explained. Jason’s eyes stared downward, his hands clasped from each other, his mouth seems zipped, he didn’t know how to say that he doesn’t have enough money to pay. “But don’t worry, I already paid for it, now go back to the hospital and take this immediately, we got to save our friend , right?”, Nick told Jason.

Like a heavy weight lifted from his shoulders, Jason thanked Nick, a tear fell in his right eye. Hastily he rode back to the hospital.

Both Jake and Jason are active members of Red Cross Youth. It was Jake’s influence on him. They both met Nick volunteering since they frequently join their activities. Nick is a Medical technologist and the coordinator for their youth program.

Jason immediately delivered the blood to the medical station. “These are the last 3 bags of blood needed for Mr. Jake Ambroso, may I know where he is right now?”, his fingers keep tapping the counter and one of his knees keeps shaking – his uneasiness grows as he awaits the nurse’s reply. “May we know your relationship with the patient?”, asked the nurse. It stuck in his mind about what happened today, when he saw Jake burst in tears, eyes in grief as he briefly recalled again what he happened in the rooftop. Jason’s face in blank, his mind went into void. “Excuse me sir, may I know your relationship with the patient?, The nurse asked again in a little louder voice. “I was his friend.”, Jason replied , he looked into the nurse eyes, “I’m a friend of the patient. He is an orphan so he doesn’t have any living close relatives. I’m in charge of his care. ”, he clarified. “The patient is now out of the emergency room, he is currently still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), luckily he had minor bone fractures on his left leg and only had major bruises but we are still awaiting result for the Magnetic Resonance Imaging. His doctor will be here at 5PM to discuss it with you.”

Jason went to the ICU, walking sluggishly, eyes gazing down out of regret. It only dawned to him at this moment, that he’s the reason why this happened to his best friend. He recalled the events that happened so fast this morning. It felt out of control.

Early today…

Jason receives a text from Lyn.

“I’m breaking up with Jake. I can’t pretend it anymore.”

“Why would you do that? You know that he loves you so much! You’re the world to him.”

“I tried my best to learn to love him. After two years, I still can’t.”

“Let’s talk it out first. Don’t make any rash decisions.”

“We’re going to meet after morning class in the rooftop. I’m sorry Jason. It’s better to cut it off early that to live with a lie forever.”

“Let’s meet first.”

He looked for the directions to the ICU, and there he saw Lyn sitting on the hospital bench. Jason’s emotions were mixed with anger and blame - not towards Lyn but to himself. After all, he recalled what wrongly happed today may have all started 2 years ago.

“Jason, I love you!”, she looked at his glaring eyes and beautiful face.

“I’m sorry Lyn. I’m not in love with you. Never will I be. “, Jason turned his back to Lyn as he speaks, bent his head downwards and slightly glanced at her.

“Why? Is it because Jake is your best friend? He is only like a brother to me. You should know that. I had always been admiring you Jason.”, she stepped twice to close their distance, stretched her arms and tightly hugged him. Her tears falling, she hoped that begging him would melt his heart and give even a glimpse of her unrequited love. But for Jason, there was none but friendship that he could offer. “I’m sorry Lyn. I can offer you friendship.” he re-affirmed what he said.

Back to the present…

“What are you doing here Lyn? Jake doesn’t need you here!”, his fist tightened. “He’s my friend too.”, Lyn stared at Jason’s eyes. “Friend? A friend is not someone who betrays! Did know how many times when Jake was sick and he didn’t mind walking you home just to know your safe? Did you know that every after class at noon he would swiftly run to the cafeteria just to buy lunch so you could spend time together? Did you know he gave up going to a more prestigious University just to be with you?”, Jason’s eyes stared back at Lyn searching for answers. “I’m sorry…because I thought I could learn to love him, but the more I am with him, the more I longed for you! Is it wrong to love you?”, Lyn tried to reach his hands.”. “Please Lyn, let me be.”, he pulled his hands away just before Lyn’s hands reached him. “I’m just here to return to Jake this box. I’m not worthy to receive it. I’m going now.”. Lyn left the blue box on the bench and walked away.

Lyn walked passed Jason. Like strangers that crossed paths. She recalled what happened 2 years ago…

“If you can’t love me, then I will learn to love Jake.”, she answered desperately trying to get his attention. Jason touched her arms wrapped around him and slowly pulled them away. “You can learn to love him.”., he paused for a while , he clasped his hands behind his neck and walked a few steps while gazing the sunset. “Jake is kind, thoughtful, oftentimes he easily sulk but only happens when you break a promise, his not very picky with his food – as long as they have eggs, he will surely be satisfied and most of all he cares for you more than the world to him.”, Jason making himself like a salesman, he can enumerate more and more reasons for her to love and care for his best friend. “But there is only one problem – He is not you Jason. He’s not you.”, Lyn begged to differ. “Can love be really forcefully learned? Can time truly make it happen or when once pot of tea boils – will it easily cool down?”, Lyn added to the rebuttal.

At the hallway , she glanced back and stared at Jason hoping that he’d look at her before vanishing away – they said you reap what you sow – “I tried to sow love for Jake for the past two years but the seeds didn’t even sprouted.”. “Maybe the seeds never grew because a big trunk of tree rooted deep inside my heart received all the nourishment.” “Wouldn’t it be painful to cut down a tree and uproot it?” “Pointless love, all these years.”, she said to herself then she recalled what she did in the rooftop.

Jason arrived in the rooftop gasping for air, his head covered in sweat and both his arms are anchored on his knees. “Lyn, you can’t do that to my friend!”, he begged! “I tried loving him Jason. But you know where my heart belongs. If I continue, all of us are going to get hurt.”. “It’s enough that I’m the only one hurting.”, Jason reasoned with Lyn. “What do you mean by that Jason?”. He didn’t reply, instead he moved forward to get closer to Lyn and held her hands. “You don’t need to know why I’m hurting. If you love me, be happy with my best friend.”. Lyn moved closer and closer, and without warning, her arms grabbed his neck and then her lips touched his.

Lyn turned away from Jason. Walked straight no longer turning back. And the memories of what happened midday continued playing in her head.

She felt Jason’s lips in hers like a bee tasting a flower’s nectar, as a morning dew touches the leaves’ apex – a renewed sweetness of a new experience – her heart rolled like drums. But just like how fireworks only last for a few moments after it explodes, it gradually met its end.

Jason’s face went angry, he removed Lyn’s arms around his neck and despite the wrath in his heart , he gently pushed her away. “Why did you do that!?”, and before he could react further, he heard someone behind him crying like a child. It was Jake.

Jake threw the blue box where he put the hand woven bracelet he made for Lyn for their 2nd anniversary. Jake ran away from them hoping his pain would fade away with distance. “Jake! Jake! Wait!.. Wait!..”, Jason trying to reason with him. Jason with his anguished eyes looked at her. “Lyn, what have you done?” Why? Why Lyn? How many times to I have to tell you I can’t love you the way you want me to.”, Jason trying to reason with her. He wanted to chase after Jake but Lyn grabbed his hand, she implored, “Please Jason! Stay with me!”, she knelt in front of him and didn’t let go of his hand. “I love you Jason. It’s always been you all these years!”. Like a roller coaster, Lyn felt so much joy at the peak of the moment only to go down and crash into the ground. “I’m sorry Lyn, but I can’t love you more beyond being a friend. I already love someone else. I want you out of my life. I don’t want to see you ever again.”, Jason forcefully removed Lyn’s hands and chased after his friend.

Even though the moment of that kiss she had with Jason was like the brightness and beauty of the fireworks that didn’t last long after exploding, it still remained one of the beautiful parts of Lyn’s memory worth keeping forever – a beautiful explosion.

“Goodbye Jason! Thank you for the memories!”, Lyn whispered to herself , took an old white handkerchief from her bag with a name embroidered in it, then she wiped her tears away. She held the cloth near her chest, close to her heart as if holding into a memento – as if holding on to a very special memory. She sit for a while on the bench just to reminisce.

“Hey Ms. Beautiful! Why are you crying?”, a boy from behind Lyn asked, his wearing a white shirt with a red polo over it. “Leave me alone. Why do you care?” , she asked. “I just don’t like to see girls crying. Especially cute and lovely ones.”, the boy winked and handed to her a handkerchief. “You should wipe your nose too. You look like a lost child.”. Lyn grabbed the handkerchief and wiped her face. She then stood up to face the boy. She turned around saying “Thank you.”, but he was completely gone. She noticed an embroidery on the handkerchief - Jason Matthew Santillan – a name that put a little smile on her once gloomy face.

She left the handkerchief on the bench. She stood up and continued walking out. She pushed the door out of the hospital, she’s in deep pain yet today she’s willing to be healed from all of it. The tall tree may had been cut, the roots uprooted and the ground became barren – yet it gives room for something new to grow in her heart.

A man on his mid-20’s wearing a brown jacket and a red scarf wrapped around his head and wrist came out of the washroom, he was wiping his wet hands on his faded blue jeans when he noticed a woman crying sitting on a bench near the hospital door. “It must be quite a common scenery here in the hospital.”, he said to himself. He took in his backpack a mini pad and pen and wrote “Scenes on Hospital Walls”. He sat on the bench not far from the woman and tried to make a sketch of her. “A woman sitting on a bench holding a white handkerchief on her chest and crying.” He wondered why she’s not wiping her tears with it. He was almost done with his sketch when the woman suddenly stood up, rushing to go out of the hospital. He felt quite sad and he finished his sketch trying to draw from his memory. “If my little brother was the one hit by a car today, I would have been the same as the woman I saw.”, he whispered to himself feeling sad for the woman , yet grateful for a blessing he received today. He stood up and glanced once more on the bench where the woman was sitting and noticed a white cloth on on top of it. “If not mistaken, that’s the handkerchief the woman was holding on her chest.”. He went closer and picked it up. He noticed an embroidery – Jason Matthew Santillan. He went through the hospital door in hope that she might still be there. Looking side to side, she seemed gone. He kept the handkerchief in his pocket and went to the ICU to meet a patient’s doctor.

Mrs. Loren arrived in the hospital, there he saw Jason waiting outside the ICU.

“Son, you should eat first, you haven’t eaten your lunch and its almost dinner time. I brought your favourite adobong manok with pineapples! And there’s more! There’s more! Plus! Plus! Plus! Plus boiled eggs!” , Mrs. Loren cheerfully convincing Jason to eat dinner.

“Hey grandma! What are you cooking?”, 11 year old Jason asked. “It’s called chicken adobo! I marinated it this morning so the flavouring would sip within its meat!”. “Grandma, it smells so good! I’m so hungry now! Don’t forget to add boiled eggs! It’s my favourite!”, Jake hugged grandma and then he giggled! “You know Jason, grandma loves me so much! She always cooks my favourite!”, Jake looked at Jason and smiled from ear to ear. “Of course I love you! You’re the best grandchild in the world!”, she kissed Jake in his forehead and hugged him tightly patting his head! “What about me grandma! Can I you also hug me?” , Jason showed his pouted lips like the usual. “Of course Jason!”, and the three of them laughed together. Wait! Grandma, can you also add pineapples in the chicken adobo? I love pineapples!”. “All done! So this is now Chicken Adobo with pineapples and boiled eggs!”. Jason and Jake clapped their hands and giggled! Jake and Jason prepared the table for dinner.

“Mom, did you know that I actually don’t eat the eggs in the chicken adobo?”, he paused to observe her mother’s expression. Mrs. Loren just nod and kept her silence as if waiting to hear something more from his son. “It’s actually Jake’s favourite! When we were young, grandma always cooks almost all viands with egg, and, then being jealous as a child, I asked grandma to also put pineapples in almost all the dishes because it’s also my favourite, he explained. “Mom, I’m scared.”, Jason burst into tears. Her mom embraced her to his side and rubbed his back to comfort him. “I’m afraid that whenever you cook chicken adobo, those boiled eggs will be left and spoiled. I’m afraid that even if I cooked his favourite food, he could no longer dine and it share with me. I’m afraid that I’m going to lose my best friend mom and it’s all my fault that this all happened!”. Mrs. Loren grabbed his son’s face and wiped his tears. “Don’t be afraid about it son! You should instead be afraid that Jake would be scolding you for wasting food! You know he doesn’t like that! He would definitely say ,” Motto Nay (Mother’s Motto)!”, Jason’s sad face bud a little smile. His heavy heart lightened a little. “How did you remember that word mom? It’s actually Mottanai ( A Japanese word means ‘What a waste; a sense of regret over waste)!”, he said to his mom with a brighter face. “You need to eat! We both can’t take good care of Jake if one of us get’s sick.”, Mrs. Loren reminded Jason to be strong for his friend. Jason went to the cafeteria.

Outside the Intensive Care Unit:

Jason just returned from the cafeteria when he heard someone calling Jake’s name.

“Jake Ambroso! Any relatives of Jake Ambroso?”, asked by a man who came out of the ICU room, wearing white robe with a stethoscope around his neck.

Mrs. Loren responded, “I’m Mrs. Loren, Jake’s neighbor, he is an orphan and I’m his guardian and emergency contact person. May we know how Jake’s doing now?”, she turned her head on the other side looking at her son. “Jason! Jason! Come here!”, Mrs. Loren calling out his son. From being frozen, Jason moved immediately responding to his mom’s plea. He stood on her side then held her arms, and listened intently to the doctor.

Another man approached the doctor. “Good day Doc! I’m also a friend of the patient. I’m Mike Morales. I’m the brother of the young boy that Jake Ambroso saved early this afternoon. I would like to also know the status of the patient, just in case there is something I could help.”

“Hi Mrs. Loren and Mr.?” “Mike Morales po Doc.” he said. “I’m Doctor Alex Elobre, I’m Jake Abroso’s doctor. Jake is still under critical condition due to massive loss of blood and injuries. We need observe him for the next 48 hours on how he will respond with the medications. His scans revealed that are no internal bleeding in his brain but I’m still advising some medications to prevent clotting especially that his body is still under shock after the accident. Right now he is in comatose. Here are the medicines that is currently unavailable in our pharmacy that you must purchase outside.”, the doctor explained. Mrs. Loren received the doctor’s prescription.

“When do you think he will wake up?”, Jason inquired. With the massive bruises in his body, and given the injuries he had, it may take at least few weeks to months or more for his wounds and injuries to completely heal. And as for when will he wake up, I can’t guarantee when. Let’s just hope for the best.”, the doctor replied. “Despite the accident, he seemed to have protected his head. He either knew what he was doing or it was a miracle.”, the doctor added, showed a gentle and encouraging smile. “Once his condition gets stable, we can move him into the ward. If you don’t have any questions, then I can get going to my regular rounds?”. “Thanks Doc!”, Mrs. Loren replied.

“Hi po Mrs. Loren! I’m Mike Morales, I would like to say thank you, especially for Jake saving my little brother. And also to you sir Jason, am I remembering it correctly?”, Mike reach out his hands offering a handshake. “I’m Jason Matthew Matias, I’m Jason’s best friend and Mrs. Loren is my mother. Jake is actually an orphan and we consider him as family. His like a brother to me.” , Jason said as he shake hands with Mike. “Would you like to join us for dinner at the cafeteria? I actually prepared food good for three people.”. “It’s ok Mrs. Loren. Actually, my brother is also in a private ward in the hospital. So I need to check on him also. We sent him for a general check-up and observation just to be sure.” “Are you sure?” “Yes Mrs. Loren. See you around po. I will frequently visit here to get updates about Jake.”. “That would be great!” “Jason would have someone to accompany him here.” “Is it ok if we can exchange numbers so we can keep in touch?”, Mike inquired. “Oh sure!” Jason handed his phone with his number on the screen.” “Thanks! I also saved mine on your phone!”. “Jason Matthew right?” , Mike asked and he put out from his pocket a white old handkerchief. “I think this handkerchief is yours. I found it on the bench near the hospital exit door. I think it’s your name that’s embroidered on it. Isn’t it?”. “Oh this was my old handkerchief way back years ago.”, Jason explained. “I actually saw a gorgeous woman who left it on the bench. Is she your girlfriend?’ , Mike showing his interest to that girl. He replied, “No. She was a friend.”. “Well, bye, see you around. Thanks Mrs. Loren and Sir Jason.”.

“Mom, you can go home for now, I can stay here for the night as watcher. You better rest.” “Are you sure you’re going to be alright?” “Yes mom, I’ll be fine.”. I’ll come by early tomorrow so you can also go home have breakfast and change clothes. I brought some blanket on the bag and some snacks in case you get hungry.” “Thanks mom. You’re the best.”. he hugged Mrs. Loren and kissed her on her cheek before her mother bid for home.”

Being alone at the hospital, it made Jason though of what a long day it was. He held the white handkerchief in his hand. He remembered how Mrs. Loren used to stitch his name on his handkerchief because he keeps losing them. It made him remember how this white cloth ended up with Lyn.

“Jason! Jason! Do you remember the girl I have a crush on?”, Jake put both of his hands over Jason’s shoulders and badgered him. “Yes. I do. Why?”, he looked at Jason’s face and raised his eyebrows out of curiosity. He knows he’s going to ask a favour by the way he keeps shaking his body. “Promise you’ll help me first.”. “No. You’re tricking me. Say what you need and I’ll see what I can do?, he clasped his arms and his fingers tapping his right shoulder. Jake put both of his hands in his pocket. “She’s actually crying right now and I don’t know how to approach her. Is it ok if you can give your handkerchief to her and then introduce me to her?”. “I won’t do that.”. “Why?” “I can give you my handkerchief and you go and approach her.” “That won’t work, you know I’m not good with girls. I’m too shy to try and scared that I might fail. You know I’m not good with words when it comes to girls.”, Jake bumped his right side arm on Jason’s, pushing him a little. “Alright! But you must come fast once I give you the signal. Deal?”. “Yes! Deal!”, Jake rubbed Jason’s head and he continued “You’re the best brother and best friend in the world.”.

“Hey Ms. Beautiful! Why are you crying?”, he approached the girl from behind, her long curly hair moved as the wind blew. “Leave me alone. Why do you care?” , she asked. “I just don’t like to see girls crying. Especially cute and lovely ones.”, Jason winked and handed to her a handkerchief. “You should wipe your nose too. You look like a lost child.”. the girl grabbed the handkerchief and wiped her face. Jason signalled Jake to come so he could introduced him. He looked around and he saw Jake running away. Jason sprinted to catch up with him. The girl turned around to say thank you but Jason was already gone. What’s left is the handkerchief in her hands with a name “Jason Matthew Matias” embroidered into it.

Jason thought that if Jake didn’t ran away that day, Lyn would have not misunderstood his intentions. She must have fallen in love with Jake and not him. It was Jake who helped her that day. He realized that there are different sides of every story. That if you only view one side of it, you may think the other story is a lie. If only Jake tried to hear his side of story before he ran away from the rooftop, he would have not ended here today. Maybe sometimes we fear things before it even happens. Maybe he was afraid to know what would Lyn say if I introduced him to her? Maybe he’s afraid to know that his best friend and the love of his life betrayed him? Maybe he’s scared because he already have many wound’s in him , yet he keeps on trying to live on?” “Jake, please don’t run away again, because if you keep on running away, you’ll never know the answer to your questions.”, Jason whispered to himself.

He spent the night , on the bench with a blanket and his bag as his pillow, outside the ICU room, in a very busy hospital, hoping that tomorrow Jake will wake up. He even hoped that today is only a dream or maybe there is a reset button to make things right again. And then Jason said a prayer in his head. He prayed together with the hundreds of people confined in the Hospital building, where more prayers were said, most tears were shed and many hopes fulfilled.

12 minutes before midnight, Jason woke because of the loud footsteps of people rushing to the Intensive Care Unit. From a beautiful dream he hoped, he woke up into a nightmare. His eyes gawked into its doors and both his hands settled over his nose and mouth. Dr. Mike Morales approached Jason. “Sorry Mr. Jason, we did our best but unfortunately Jake Ambroso passed away.”.

Flash News:

At 11:59 PM yesterday, the young college hero Jake Ambroso is a minute too late to have lived today, Northern City Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. Earlier today , doctors said that he was in a more stable condition however due to the multiple injuries he received, he suffered multiple organ collapse and it led to heart failure.

His burial will happen today North City Cementery to be buried beside his parents.

Jason’s Eulogy to Jason

In life there is no certainty. Sometimes we are given second chances, sometimes it’s the only chance we got. The other day, my best friend Jake gave a second chance to someone and that cost him his life. Don’t take it badly, I had long known him since we were kids.

Jake is the person who always look into the needs of others that sometimes he forgets himself. And sometimes, - not sometimes, maybe always or almost all the time he sacrifices his own happiness for others especially for those he care about. He always gives his best to assignments, to quizzes, to projects, to expressing his love for someone – even to strangers.

He always said to me that just as how his parents unexpectedly died in a car crash, our lives can completely turn upside down. Now I know what he truly means.

When we were kids, we used to play with these kind of weeds that have black pods that explode, scientists called them Ruellia tuberosa – but we call it firecracker pods. The black pods explodes when in contact with water and when it explodes , its seeds scatter around so it will grow more of its kind. For me, Jake became a Ruellia tuberosa pod today, he gave his life to scatter more seeds of sacrifice, love, compassion and kindness. We don’t need to die like my best friend, but we can carry his example of our hearts to make this a kinder and loving one.

Today, I feel regrets because I have a lot of things to tell him , I have many things I want to ask for forgiveness, I have many things I want us to do together – but it’s too late now. Now, for me his death is a lesson to live life to the fullest. And even though he is no longer in this world, his love remains, his sacrifices will be forever honoured and his memories will forever live to those whom hearts he had touched. Thank you Jake Ambroso – a brother, a best friend, a hero. I will carry your seeds and maybe someday when it’s also my time, the seeds with bear pods and bear for seeds for others.

Written by: Sonic Moonlight