"Teppanyaki"

Our close friend was hired as a chef in a newly-opened Japanese restaurant in town. He invited us to the grand opening. On the day itself, I saw him performing serious Teppanyaki skills in front of a dining audience. I saw two more of our common friends shouting, “Wow… magic, magic!” I laughed so hard, it was like they were “planted” audience in on the whole act or just amazed 40-year-old “children”. Either way, very supportive friends. HAHAHA!!! 😆😂🤣

And then I saw you, sitting alone on a two-seater. I got self-conscious, noticing you were staring at me, smiling.

“Hi.”

“Are you with someone?”

“No, the other seat is vacant. Care for some Katsudon?”

(I can’t even remember what ‘Katsudon’ is, it’s been such a long time since I last tried Japanese cuisine. I have had indigestion in the past with their raw-meat recipes. I had to google it after waking up. Hehehe…) 

“Sure, if it’s with you!” 🙃

Then you giggled— a lovely sound you make which I miss so much. I sat there staring at you, like it’s my turn… you are so pretty, it’s as if you’re “coming of age”, you appeared so interesting as well because you wore cute baggy pants which I think suited your style. Then the rice bowls arrived at our table, with some other side dishes. “Dig in”, you said. And that was it. Abruptly cut again. I didn’t even see how we enjoyed our Katsudon together… I “hate” it when a dream leaves me hanging!! In our vernacular, “bitin na bitin!!” Very open-ended. HAHAHA!!! 😅😊

___

My OFW friend started messaging me again yesterday. She has some issues with things, like “life plans not exactly going well”. I couldn’t understand what she was trying to say. And then I remembered you. I just thought of you, I don’t know why. Then I stopped replying to her messages.

I miss our friends and having a good laugh with them. But most of all, I miss you.

Covid is disrupting our world. I have two co-workers who’ve already died (indirectly) because of it. May God always protect you and your loved ones. Stay safe. I love you. 🙏💗