My best friend's homecoming

Hazel recently came home, after eight long years! (She's been living in the US.) It was a sudden thing. One Thursday she just texted me, saying she'll be home that Sunday. Of course, I immediately filed my leave from the office, and carefully planned the next week so that I can spend time with her.

When she finally arrived here, I called her up. I was just so happy to hear her voice--and happier to feel and know that she was just so near (i.e., in Manila). And when she asked me, "lutuan mo ako, ha!,", I could not have been happier to hear that, her usual hirit. That's how I missed my best friend so much!

So. She went to our apartment to have lunch there, and to also see her inaanak Lia and baby Kaitlin. When we saw each other, we didn't hesitate at all! We were both so happy with our small reunion. When she saw Kaitlin, she immediately warmed up to her. And here's another thing: when Lia, who came home from school, saw her, Lia warmed up to her immediately! It was instant connection, I tell you.

The next day, we saw Ruth. We had dinner at Nanbantei, Greenbelt. Caught up with each other. Argued a little about religion and faith. Reminisced on Hazel's bloopers (which was a lot, hahaha). Revealed the secrets we would have told each other had we been together for the last eight years. Missed our other best friend, Tiffany.

Hazel had to leave three days after our last meet. I wish we could have spent more time, but then, as I also wished before we parted ways--the next time we'll see each other, we'll all be in another place and it will be a bigger reunion, and we'll all be there.