Karina

“Be prepared to say five to six months to your family. It’s not the usual business trip, guys ha. We will be based there.”

My arms were folded in front of me and just looking blankly ahead as I half-heartedly listened to my boss, Cynthia, brief the rest of the team. Nauna niya ako sabihan about the upcoming Mexico trip and even delivered it to me like it was some great news and that we should be celebrating right now.

I felt otherwise.

“Pwede po mag-decline?” One of my teammates asked. It was Imogen. Kakakasal lang niya 3 months ago. Her marriage is also fresh like mine.

I also asked the same thing to Cynthia kanina but she was quick to persuade me to go still.

“You can. But think of the pay, guys. This is a golden and rare opportunity, and all of you in Rina’s team were chosen just for this project. It just proved how good you guys are and that the big bosses trust you. It’s just for six months or probably less if we do our job right.”

Yun na lang ang mga pinanghahawakan ko.

One, pwede mapabilis yung pag-uwi namin if we encounter no challenges.

Two, and most especially, the pay…

I’m planning to buy a new car for Winter. I’m also saving up for a trip to Switzerland where my wife keeps saying na sobrang ganda daw and her top dream place right now. Saving as well for renovations sa bahay and expansion sa shop. We were also planning to get a new pet? Scratch, new pets. Winter said what if… we took in strays? Ang dami daw kasi nakatambay dun sa shop. And also more savings if someday we have our own-

Someone from my right nudged me.

Si Ning.

“Uy, bes. Keri mo?” She whispered, concern etched on her face.

I gave her a forced smile. She smiled back at me at pinisil ako sa kamay.

She knew of my inner suffering, of course.

Actually, iniisip ko pa lang…. gusto ko na maiyak.

That’s months!

MONTHS!

Months away from Winter…

Our first time being away from each other na ganito katagal.

I messaged si Winter agad pagkatapos ako kausapin ni boss C and sinabi ko sa kanya na baka I’ll be away for a “business trip” pero di ko pa masabi sa kanya kung saan.. later na lang pagkauwi.

Business trip, my . Walang business trip that takes this long.

Pinatong ko yung elbows ko sa table and covered my face with my hands.

Ang hirap mahalin ng trabaho ko…

Pero for my love… and our future.

I’ll do anything.

I felt pain shot at my heart at the thought of leaving Winter.

Sobrang clumsy pa naman nun.

Who would take care of her if I’m not around?

“Rins?”

It was boss Cynthia calling my attention.

I could also feel the stares of my team members directed at me.

Nag-angat ako ng ulo, my face partially covered with my hands.

I felt my eyes heating and my vision starting to get blurry. “Yup?”

“You good?” She asked.

I bit my lip and nodded.

I’m good.

I have to be.

GC: My Safe Space ♡

Single Selle (alone forever): When flight niyo to Mexico? Jgh from elyu

Single Ning Looking Ready To Mingle Available 365 days: ngayon na besh

Single Selle (alone forever): What do u mean ngayon? Anong time nga?

Single Selle (alone forever): @Ms Rina’s wife na naiwan, sama ko paghatid sa airport

Single Ning Looking Ready To Mingle Available 365 days: luh beshy??? ngayon nga as in nasa plane na kami now

Single Ning Looking Ready To Mingle Available 365 days: [sent a photo (airplane window view)]

Single Selle (alone forever): Sira????!!!

Single Selle (alone forever): Ba’t di ko alam! @Ms Rina’s wife na naiwan, wru???

Ms Rina na nang-iwan: She’s probably home na. Hon? @Ms Rina’s wife na naiwan

Single Ning Looking Ready To Mingle Available 365 days: gurl?! backread kasi, saka diba offline life kineme ka don sa elyu soul searching mo

Single Selle (alone forever): Ugh, sorry na. I missed it. Take care guys 🙁 kamusta naman?

Single Ning Looking Ready To Mingle Available 365 days: [sent a photo (candid photo of Karina)] eto maga na mata niya besh gamit na gamit yung CR

Single Selle (alone forever): Noooooo Rinaaaaaaa :’’’’((

Ms Rina na nang-iwan: Ning!!! Delete!

Single Ning Looking Ready To Mingle Available 365 days: sana okay ka lang @Ms Rina’s wife na naiwan

Single Selle (alone forever): Maybe I’ll go sa bahay niyo later, catch up na rin with Winter, I’m ready na dun sa kung ano mang job she has for me sa happy couple house

Single Selle (alone forever): or is it sad couple house shop ba ngayon?

Single Selle (alone forever): oops sorry ignore

Single Ning Looking Ready To Mingle Available 365 days: HAHAHAHHHAHAHA hindi lang sad mare. Sad Miserable Lonely Long Distance Couple House Shop

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