Gone

"Rin? Rin? Wake up!" said my mom, waking me up.

As soon as I opened my eyes, the strand of light is coming through the clear glass windows of my room. The warmth of the summer sun hits differently. It feels like it's doing a warm and loving embrace to the people of the earth.

A smile drew unto my face as I look upon my mom.

"Good morning sweetheart!"

Those kind, warm words enveloped my heart. Through all these chaos in the world, one that erases it away is my family.

As soon as I rose from the bed, i immediately fixed my bed and went down straight to the kitchen.

The scent of freshly cooked bacon, the sound of the eggs sizzling in the frying pan made me hungry.

Families play an important role in one's life. It makes no difference whether you have a large or small family, as long as you have one. A family acts as a child's first education, where he or she learns about different topics. Only one's family has fundamental awareness of one's culture and identity. To put it differently, you are a product of your parents.

Families are a gift that not everyone is blessed with. Many that do, however, do not always appreciate this gift. Some people seek independence by spending time away from their families.

However, they are unaware of its significance. Families are important because they aid in our growth. They help us develop into full individuals with distinct identities. Furthermore, they provide us with a sense of safety and a secure world in which to thrive.

We only learn to socialize and grow our intelligence through our families. People who live with their families are happier than those who live alone, according to studies. In times of difficulty, they are your rock.

When the rest of the world questions you, your family is the only one who believes in you. Similarly, they are the first to cheer you up while you are down and out. It is undoubtedly a true blessing to have a supportive family.

In a nutshell, I will be eternally grateful to my family for all they have done for me. Without them, I can't imagine my life. They were both my first teachers and colleagues.

They are in charge of making my home a safe and secure place for me. I can tell my family something and they never judge one another. Above all, we believe in the power of compassion, which motivates us to assist one another in becoming better human beings.

But through it all, my parents left me for their work at such an early age. Well not necessarily left like left me and will never come back. I'm talking about not spending time with me and left me all alone with my nana.

When we were still living in Nagoya, me and my parents would stroll around Shimozono Park, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the shades brought about by the trees. We would spend the summer nights coming to summer festivals.

I can still remember how we used to wear our yukatas for the summer festival. Summer is the time for renewal and a chance to start over. Summer is the time when Japanese people go out to their festivals. You'll see fireworks and beautifully colored mache paper floats. You will see masses of people eating shaved ice-cream in the hot, humid weather.

Everything is into place until we moved to our new home in Tokyo. It was sad to leave our old home full of happy memories. All of it changed. Especially my parents.

My parents were both doctors in Nagoya University Hospital. Even if we are still living in Tokyo, they were not that busy in the hospital attending patients. Maybe I'm not used to them being so busy and not giving me their time. Maybe I'm just too selfish.

Every morning, my parents would just pack up some toast and leave.

I spent half of my childhood without them. I think it's just too sad but I know they are working for our survival. I know they still love me even though they do not spend time with me anymore.

"Hey Phil just order what you want okay? I'll be back."

I stood up and went out just to call my nana.

If you're wondering who nana is, she is my mom's sister. She's in the Philippines for the meantime since my mom's a Filipina.

"Nana. Hello? I have bad news."

"Yes Rin. I've heard of it. Don't mention it, it just hurts. Your grandma is heartbroken right now. I know it'll be hard for you too as you have no one to accompany you tonight. I have booked a flight to Japan and it will be in a week. Can you manage yourself while I'm not there?"

Nana booked a flight and has to left her work there.

"No it's okay Nana. I'll be fine on my own. The house would be safe for me anyways. Take care of lola first. I can handle myself."

"Okay. If you insist Rin. Take care okay? I'm sure your parents would look after you from above and would keep you safe always. Love you."

Tears fell down my eyes as I ended the call. I had to wipe them off before i go back inside the restaurant.

"Oi you came back! I thought you were going to ditch me or something."

"Why would I ditch someone who's accompanied me all this time?"

His eyes widened and his ears turned red. Maybe he was flattered with what I said huh.

"Anyways here is the food. I hope this would be enough to pay you back for accompanying me here."

We started eating as soon as the food arrived. I was so hungry that I didn't realize that I already finished my food. I was going to order some more but I guess it's not that womanly to eat that much? Maybe I'll just eat at home.

Home. Maybe I do have a home, a shelter for me to reside but I've lost the real meaning of home. They are not around anymore. It does not feel like home at all.

Phil finished eating and I was about to pay the meal when the waitress told me that he already paid for our meal.

"Oi I said I was going to pay for it!"

He just laughed and we walked towards the door when he told me something.

"Hey is it really okay for you to be staying alone? I mean, in times like this people would usually cry their heart out."

"Nah it's okay. Both of my parents would hate it if I cry. I know I need someone by my side in this times but I'll do okay. Thank you for your concern."

"You're a strong woman. You remind me of someone from my childhood. She's a crybaby but she's a strong girl. You were like her."

I don't know what he's talking about but I smiled by what he said.

"Hey, you can go home now. I can go home by myself-

"Ma! Hii!"

I looked on the direction where Phil is waving.

"Phil my son! What a coincidence! What are you doing here? Oh, and who is this lovely girl?"

OMG. Is this her mom? She's pretty AF. She looks familiar tho.

"Oh this is Ariana. Call her Rin. I am accompanying her because uhm..."

Phil went closer to me and whispered something in my ear.

"Is it okay to tell my mom? I mean it's confidential you know."

I nodded in approval and went ahead to tell her mother what happened. I mean i don't like telling people my life story. I don't want people to pity me.

"Oh I'm so sorry my dear. Deepest condolences to you. Uhm, do you have a place to stay now? I mean you're welcome in our house if you'd like."

"Oh thank you for you offer but I'll be just fine Mrs De Leon-

"Call me Michelle. Tita Michelle. You're Filipina right?"

"Yes. Anyways, I'll be fine on my own now tita. Phil is going home now maybe he can join you. Thanks for the offer tita! Nice meeting you!

They both waved at me and I waved back.

I booked a cab and went home.

When I finally arrived home, I was hesitant to go inside but It'll be so weird of me to just sleep here outside. I don't want mosquitoes to feast on me LOL.

I went immediately to my room and finalized the papers for their funeral. Nana told me to cremate both of them so that it wouldn't be painful for me to see them longer.

After finalizing all the needed things, I went to my study table to study. I grabbed my books in my bag and started studying.

As I was memorizing the articles, I saw the picture of us three near the study lamp. My tears won't hold back and now it just started falling. So this is what it feels when you don't have a family to go home to.

I closed my book and cried my heart out. It's just too painful to think that Both of them disappeared in an instant. I've never get to bond with them once more.

Life truly is short.

I tried to close my eyes but the feeling I have right now

It's really heavy.

I looked up on the window where the moon and the stars are shining so brightly. You sure are a part of the stars now.

I closed my eyes as the heavy feelings are starting to fill me with anguish, anger and sadness.

I wish you were here.