Love was too broken and wary to settle for another kind of relationship. So she built high walls and closed her doors that no one can penetrate. But a stranger came bearing the name of Friendship. He persistently knocked on her doors. He didn’t force his way in because Friendship does not work that way. Instead, he waited until Love would be ready to tear the walls she built and open her doors for new opportunities.
Then one day, Love agreed to finally meet Friendship.
To get to know more each other, they decided to go on camping. So excited for this new kind of adventure, Love had a hard time finding out what to pack. When she’s finally certain on what to bring, she went on to their meetup place. But she was caught on traffic and began to think of going back home. Then Friendship chatted her, “Take your time. No need to rush. I’m willing to wait.”
‘Friendship is patient,’ she thought.
“I’ll wait on the second floor. There are old people lining up. I’ll give my seats to them. It’d be hard for them to find seats here. Would you want me to order something for you to eat?”
She politely declined but at the back of her mind she thought, “Friendship is kind.”
When she finally arrived, he gave her time to relax before they began their short trek to the campsite. To keep up the mood, he began to tell stories he learned from all his dwellings. She began to ask him questions to which he honestly answered. But what amazed her is how down-to-earth he was even with all the achievements he earned. “Friendship does not envy or boasts. He is not proud.”
Because of this, Love slowly opened herself and began to share her story. She talked about how betrayed and disappointed she felt because of some people. Instead of him taking her side and insulting the people whom she resented, he allowed her to reflect on the lessons she learned from those people – that each one she encountered brings with them insights to which she can use in the future. “Friendship does not dishonor others.”
When they reached the campsite, he offered to help her set her tent first. Since it was her first time, he allowed her to watch and observe how to put up her temporary shelter. Once finished, Love started to unpack her things while Friendship began to set his own. She couldn’t help but smile at his gesture – Friendship is not self-seeking.
Friendship then began to forge for dry woods for their campfire. But it rained the other night so it was kind of difficult to light up what he gathered. He took time to arrange the tinder into teepee shape. Curious, Love immediately blew the fire when it began to build, destroying what he worked hard for. Love felt cold and guilty. She couldn’t afford to say sorry and was tremendously shamefaced of what she’s done. But Friendship went on with his fire building. He instructed her to gather sticks for their marshmallows. She apologetically looked at him to which he smiled in reply. “Friendship is not easily angered. He does not keep records of wrong.”
The night went on with songs and stories. Of drinks and marshmallows. They took a lot of pictures to commemorate everything they’ve done but Love knows that there are things that can’t be relegated to the lenses of the camera. Love became more honest with her feelings and realized what she has been missing with life just because she allowed others to manipulate it. She later on realized that Friendship has his own share of mischiefs as well. Friendship is not perfect. But he was real to himself. Friendship does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth.
It showered the following day. She suddenly got afraid of coming out of her tent. But Friendship went out and checked the weather. He then announced that the rain will eventually stop and the clouds will immediately go away. But Love doubted. Maybe she kept her hopes so high. Maybe she was going way too fast. Maybe…
Maybe…
Maybe…
Then Friendship unzipped the doors of her tent and greeted her with his ever smiling face. He was holding an umbrella with him. The rain stopped and thick clouds began to fade away. Friendship always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Maybe…. It’s worth the risk.
They may not always live happily ever after, but love knew that at that moment, they were infinite.
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P.S. The moderator of our recollection once said that if you want to know if a person loves you, you have to try to replace the word “love” in 1 Corinthians 13: 1 – 13 with that person’s name. If it fits perfectly, man, don’t ever lose that person. *wink*
PSS. I would have wanted to fully document what happened on the Kamote Club Camping, but if there are things that can’t be relegated to the camera, there are also words that can’t compensate everything that happened during the camp.
Dakilanglaagan 