Franzes Lalaine G. Cantos

Las fecha de nacimiento (Date of birth) It is one afternoon, sitting on the sofa with only music that fills the room. I then smelled something. Standing up, I followed it like how Alice traced the footsteps of the rabbit in Wonderland. I continue searching but it feels like I'm in a maze. Something is touching me. Something is touching my feet or maybe, someone? It is furry and soft. I opened my eyes and from then on, I knew that I was only dreaming. I looked down and saw my dog leaning toward me. I looked beside me and saw the time. It is 7:38 pm already. My phone beeped and I saw it running low on battery. I thought, “Should I get my record player?” Scanning my vinyl records, I picked one. “Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone. I'll be waiting all that's left to do is run.” I was screaming at the top of my lungs, jumping up and down while shaking my head. Suddenly, the rain poured. Then I remembered what I have dreamt. It is February 10, 2030, now. It's been a long time since I've smelled that particular smell. I looked up for my old diary in the basement and saw a big black box. It is very dusty. I opened it and saw a red notebook with a flower attached to it. I also saw some other interesting things there that I believe are mine. Like a hair clip, a pair of socks, small frames filled with watercolor paintings, papers with portrait sketches on it, a magnet, pin, stickers, a sharpener, etc. Then the wind blew and I quickly ran upstairs, hugging the red notebook. Nothing changed in our basement. I still get the chills whenever I go down there. Turning on my lamp, I started scribbling in my diary. I happen to run into a folded page of the notebook. February 27, 2020 The smell of margarine Dusting off my black shoes, I opened the door and to my surprise, nobody is inside. I turned on the lights and got up to my room. After putting my bag down, I was about to leave when I heard a loud sound downstairs. I got out and the lights were turned off, I'm starting to get nervous. “Hello? Is anybody there? Where are you guys?” no one answered me. I saw the light flickering in our dining area. I slowly walked towards that light. “Happy birthday!!!” I was so shocked to see my family around the table, holding a cake. I was so happy today. What makes me happy even more is the box in my room. Opening the box, I can already smell what's inside. Inside the box is my favorite bread pudding, “Budin”—just a simple celebration, but a memorable one. I was thankful. By the way, I hope my little sister recovers from the pain. Because the loud sound downstairs that I heard earlier is her, hitting her head on the table. I feel so sorry for her. Write to me next time! “Oh, the good old days,” I said to myself. I heard a knock on the door, it's my mother. “ Come down, we're going to have dinner.” I came down while reminiscing what happened ten years ago on my birthday. “Hey, we have a surprise for you.” my older sister told me when I got down. My father got up from his chair and brought something from the fridge. “Because it's your birthday soon, here you go.” He handed me a box. When I saw what was inside it, I did not know how to react. I was so overwhelmed. In front of my eyes is my favorite bread pudding, Budin. “I remember when there are still many vendors that sell this kind of bread pudding. The smell of margarine mixed with milk, egg, sugar, and salt.” I said. “Come on sister. It's time to eat what you're holding.” my silly little sister said. “Okay, enough with the drama,” I said putting down the budin. We finished our dinner laughing. I got up to my room after our dinner. I opened the window and saw the stars. An idea came to mind when the wind blew, hugging me. It felt cold, but I was comforted. I sat down on my study chair and started writing in my diary. February 10, 2030 A taste of the past “I want to go to Wonderland and watch where my feet would land. Like Alice down the rabbit hole, chasing the rabbit's sole.” The smell of margarine that I have longed to smell. I remember that whenever I go out on the streets, someone is always selling Budin. It is one of the most famous delicacies/kakanin here in Quezon. When someone asks about the delicacies of Quezon, Budin is always on the list. It became part of the Filipino culture. It became one of the marks of the Filipino people. At any time of the day, one can eat this kind of bread pudding. It is also one of the “pasalubongs” when traveling the different parts of Quezon. I can say that I am lucky enough to be able to taste it again, now that things have changed. There is no permanent thing in this world. Just like how people come and go. Anyway, I know you can keep this as a memory. For me, you’re the only way to revisit the old times. Until my pen meets you again, au revoir. I stared again at the sky. And I sigh.