Letters, Storms, and Intertropical Convergence Zones

Letters, Storms, and Intertropical Convergence Zones

It was one of the rainiest mornings. A Friday in October when gloom enveloped the atmosphere. A time when the northeast trade winds meet the southeast trade winds. It was an unusually cold morning for a country consumed by tropical heat. An occurrence which can demand reverence from its entirety. Heavy precipitations prevailed. It flooded most parts of Region 3 and Region 4 and Metro Manila. Most AM radios are blaring, while students are eagerly waiting for the DECS announcement: “classes suspended.”

The final judgment for class suspension was made. On the other hand, I worry that I won’t be able to complete my college application. It lacked one requirement: a recommendation letter. I said to myself, this is my future. If I don’t handle this now, how can I handle the potential responsibility of being a college student? Then, I was moping around for 2 hours.

In some sleight of luck, phone lines are still working. With all the impending dilemma and misery going through my mind, such misery would love company. I reached out for the telephone, with all fervent hope that I can find a person with the same dilemma.

Coincidence. Concurrence. Synchronicity. I found out my friend and I had a mutual concern. Discussions went on, until we came to a collaborative conclusion. We have to get those letters because the application deadline is two days from today. Another blessing was bestowed upon us. The recommendation letters are ready to be picked up in school.

I remember it took me a while to hail a jeepney. The reason was not jeepneys were full. The reason was not that I was picky. The reason was there was only minimal public transportation willing to face gusts of wind going at about 90 kph. Most of the houses were flooded. I did not see any bystanders nearby. Mostly, I saw branches of trees falling off as if being pulled by mighty winds, and plants arguably brimming with raindrops of delight.

I got to school safely. Malolos was like a ghost town. I did not see any street vendors and panhandlers. The stores were closed. It reminded me, I didn’t see my friend. I said to myself: if you ever ditch me, it would really be raining cats and dogs. Brawling animals were off my mind when I saw him arrived. Then we got our corresponding recommendation letters.

I do not recall any vivid observations on the way back home. I was just too relieved that I would be able to complete my college application for De La Salle University. And of course, my friend did not ditch me and went through the madness of traversing a storm just to be with each others company for the sake of recommendation letters.

Blogger’s note: I tried to have a picturesque narrative for one of my fondest memory, in terms of school and friendship. This was also germane to the friendster testimonial I received.