“RAINFOREST MOANINGS 1”

The mall had just opened when we arrived. During those moments, I couldn't explain why it felt like the world belonged to Marius and me. It was as if it was just the two of us. And because Marius kept holding my hand while we browsed and picked out the perfect gift for Mang Tasyo.

What we were doing seemed so simple. But maybe because of the feelings we had for each other, even the simplest things became special. It felt like a special occasion that needed to be celebrated.

In the end, Marius and I decided to buy a beautiful handcrafted wooden clock as a gift for Mang Tasyo. Something that could reflect all the happy and timeless events in the old man's life. And while we were wrapping it at the mall's gift wrapping section, I couldn't deny the overwhelming satisfaction and excitement I felt for later.

As we left the mall, the sky quickly darkened due to thick clouds, hinting at heavy rain. Our agenda then was to head straight to Mang Tasyo's house since that was our first stop on the way back before reaching the orchard. Even before we entered the yard, we could already feel the uncontainable joy of the people there. And the atmosphere became even more lively and joyful when some of them spotted Marius.

The entire household was busy with preparations. But despite all that, everyone was happy. As I mentioned earlier, we felt the warm reception of the people there despite the fact that there were so many tasks to be done.

Mang Tasyo greeted us with a big smile on his face. Besides that, the sparkle in his kind eyes was noticeable because of the unmistakable joy.

"Come in, come in! Thank you for coming even though I know you're very busy, Marius,hijo," he said as he hugged Marius and shook my hand. The tone of Mang Tasyo's speech was filled with joy and gratitude, which we also saw and felt in his actions.

After a brief catching up, he led us to the kitchen. There, Marius introduced me to his eldest son Damian, whom he said was Mang Tasyo's son's classmate back in elementary. While the old man's wife, Aling Sitang, was also there.

Marius introduced me to many more people. Honestly, I can't even remember the others anymore. And since it was still early, after we ate, I also helped with cooking. Marius did the same as he took on the task of slicing the ingredients for the Menudo we were cooking.

We spent the whole afternoon helping with the final preparations, setting up decorations, and arranging the tables. Marius and I made sure everything was in order. While it was tiring, I also felt happy. I felt the teamwork among the people there. I knew that it was a Filipino tradition. Showing appreciation for family, friends, and fellow humans. Something that touched my heart because I liked it.

It was past four in the afternoon when the earlier predicted rain finally started to pour. But it didn't dampen the joy of the people who were having fun and gathering.

Marius and I didn't stay long because we still planned to go to the orchard despite the pouring rain. I don't know why but I think I wanted that too. So when he whispered that plan to me, I didn't protest.

We were about to leave when Marius handed Mang Tasyo the gift we bought for him. "We hope this reminds you of the wonderful times we’ve shared and the many more to come. Thank you for everything you do for the farm. I love you," Marius said, his voice full of emotion as he hugged the old man.

Mang Tasyo's eyes sparkled with tears as he spoke after receiving the gift. "Thank you both. I can't express how grateful I am that you're here today. But thank you," he said, his voice slightly choked with emotion as he fought back tears.

After a few moments, we bid our final goodbyes. As we were about to leave, we could still hear the singing and laughter of the people having fun. As I buckled my seatbelt, I felt Marius's gaze on me. His dark eyes seemed to be asking me as they met mine.

"Thank you for today," I said to Marius, leaning my head on his shoulder as he started the car. "It was perfect," I added.

When I glanced at Marius, I saw a beautiful smile on his lips. He then held my hand and raised it to gently kiss it. Then he squeezed it gently. "I should be the one thanking you, Sam. For being here, for everything."

I didn't respond anymore. Marius kept kissing the back of my palm tenderly as he continued to hold my hand. While I felt tired, I also felt a sense of warmth and security.

The heavens seemed to cooperate with us because as we approached the orchard, the rain finally stopped. And as Marius promised me earlier, he brought me to that forest to see the narra and mahogany trees up close.

We walked hand in hand. It was such a beautiful moment because it made me breathe deeply. Marius and I stood amidst many towering trees. Here I felt an instant connection not just with Marius but also with nature.

"I can see why you love it here," I whispered almost inaudibly as I looked up at the trees towering above us. "It’s beautiful."

"It is," Marius agreed as he continued to gaze at me. "But it’s even more beautiful now, with you here."

I turned to look at him, feeling an unnamed happiness and love that I always kept to myself in my heart. "Thank you," I said in a voice full of emotion.

At that moment, Marius stepped closer to me. And in a moment I didn't realize, he was already in front of me. He hugged me tightly as he passionately kissed me.

I decided to release myself from Marius. But it was only for a moment. Because he pulled me back to him to embrace me in his arms once again.

“I love you, Sam. More than you’ll ever know," he said before claiming my lips again.

As Marius kissed me, I felt the cool breeze playing with my hair. Its touch hid within me a sense of peace and joy that I knew I couldn't find anywhere else.

The orchard and its beautiful and refreshing scenery. The trees seemed to offer a calming song between us. Even though the weather was moody and rain was inevitable at any moment, it didn't matter. Because I was with Marius. With his passionate kisses, the mystery of the atmosphere in the place seemed to increase.

Marius hugged me tightly again as if he couldn't get enough of my lips. At that moment, I had the chance to breathe properly. As we stood there, wrapped in each other’s embrace, I didn't know where the feeling came from, as if no matter what challenge came our way, we'd surely overcome it. This day seemed to remind us or remind me how strong the love we have is.

I glanced at the trees once more. Then we decided to go back to the car. In my heart, I knew I was ready to face any challenge as long as I was with Marius. And in those moments, the rain started to fall again.