Why am I here, anyway?

Today my aunt and I went to LEYECO, the region's power distributor to pay this month's electric bill. After that chore we proceeded to the downtown area to have late lunch, and since it started to rain again we took a tricycle and headed back home. As we rode on the tricycle I suddenly thought of my father. He is also drives a tricycle for a living nowadays, as he already retired from his job at the courier service. I haven't seen him since New Year's Eve, and yes, I am beginning to miss him.

I am too shy to admit it in front of his face but he is the main reason why I am here in Tacloban. I didn't grow up here in this place, and the first time we met I wasn't ready to call him "dad," given the way things were back then. It took me another thirteen years to see him, and after a short visit last February 2008, I packed my bags and took the bus coming to this city, in order to build memories with him.

Funny though, that for each time we see each other I become timid and shy. I could only smile and ask a few stupid questions such as "how are you," "how's life on your part of the world," and other random stuff. He gives me a warm smile, but after a few minutes we'd have to go on our separate ways since we have other tasks to do. It seems however, that since the New Year, he became too preoccupied with his own chores he doesn't get to visit me anymore. I on the other hand am hoping that one of these days I'd be able to ride on his tricycle by chance, and he would have the time to tour me around the downtown area.

I miss you, Dad. Sampaguita Village seems 900 kilometers away from the Tarcela Street, just like Manila.