Chibilicious - Having my own small, cute world is great

photo credit: nyki_m

When I went home last night, I was surprised to see our street intersection blocked off by a big ‘tolda’ (tent). Usually, that tent is lent by the barangay hall to residents if there is a big event like a birthday party, a street gathering or a mourning event like a wake. The tolda was being installed when I saw it so I had no idea of what was happening. I learned from my dad later after dinner that our long time neighbor, Aleng Mameng, died.

I felt mildly surprised and later a bit nostalgic when I heard the news. I didn’t know why I felt so mild about it when Aleng Mameng was one of the longest living residents in our area. She was also a friend of my grandmother. I often saw her as a kid, watering the plants outside the house or talking to one of her grandchildren. When I started working, I rarely saw her outside as she was already old and rather stayed indoors. It was a sad realization to think that all of my life, I never really had a long conversation with her. I don’t even remember the last time I exchanged words with her since I stopped playing with her grandchildren before I graduated from elementary.

Now she’s gone and I don’t know what to think about it. Why is it being close to neighbors within the city is harder compared to those in the provinces?

Aleng Mameng, please take your much needed rest now. You have done a lot. It’s time to be with God.

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