Chilldhood Friend

CHILDHOOD FRIEND

We were bloodily related because her father was my second cousin but because we were of the same age she was my friend since our “cartilla” days (the early Spanish version of kindergarten). She was my classmate until high school though she finished her fourth year in Manila.

Seldom do we meet except during wakes or on occasional class reunion. Now after 66 years we met again. I invited her to our house the day after Christmas because she couldn’t do it on Christmas day. She was now a widow and free to do what she wishes. Her children were grown ups now and were on their own.

While discussing about our nostalgic childhood memories my wife prepared her own version of fine dining. She offered as appetizer mixed peanut and raisin on a round table for four with candle glowing and scented by the smoke of slowly burning sandalwood. Unlike other senior gatherings we didn’t talk about our ailments and problems. We instead exchange positive events and happy moments that passed-by.

Meantime my wife offered beef bulalo soup followed by rice, turbo -grilled chicken and fried bangos with fresh tomatoes and onions that we cherished in between gulf of Chilean red wine. Our dessert was banana cake with cinnamon flavor followed by Japanese tea and perfectly ripe punkan fruit. It was indeed a fine dinner for the three of us.

I remember that time when we were in grade one. To prevent too much noise the teacher seated a boy and a girl side by side because during those days a boys and girls were shy of each other. But not Luz and me because as I said we have been friends since “Cartilla” days.

There was nothing like meeting an old friend after 66 years specially when you both realized that you have been successful in your endeavors, family life and other important ventures. One time we had a chance to be together climbing the Ifugao Rice Terraces. Then that night there was strong earthquake and knowing that we were on top of the mountain made the experience scarier. I remember praying my mother’s prayer in time of danger: “Sanctus Deus, Sanctus Potes, Sanctus Immortalis, Misererenobis”. Thank God nothing bad happened.

If we didn’t stop it would have been an endless night of nostalgic memories but she had to go back to her provincial home so I accompanied her home while we both were still recalling old memories as we walk slowly.