Chapter 10: Besilda's Diary
Zabid attempts to say something romantic in Filipino but hilariously butchers the pronunciation.
One quiet evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky turned into a canvas of orange and pink, Zabid decided it was the perfect moment to express his feelings to Nancy in her native language, Filipino. He had been practicing some romantic phrases he found online, hoping to surprise her.
As they sat on the veranda, sipping on cups of aromatic Arabian tea, Zabid cleared his throat, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. He turned to Nancy, who was gazing at the setting sun, and said, "Nancy, meron akong isang bagay na sasabihin sa'yo."
Nancy turned to him, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Ano 'yon, Zabid?"
Zabid's voice quivered slightly as he continued, "Nancy, ikaw ay napakaganda. Ang puso ko ay napupuno ng pagmamahal para sa'yo."
Nancy blinked in surprise, not because of the content of his words but due to the pronunciation. Zabid's attempt at Filipino was filled with mispronunciations that made it sound like a different language altogether. She couldn't help but stifle a giggle.
With a playful smile, Nancy replied, "Zabid, that was very sweet, but I think you need a little more practice with the pronunciation."
Zabid, unaware of his linguistic misadventure, looked puzzled. "Practice? I thought I said it correctly."
Nancy decided to help him. "Zabid, it's 'Nancy, you are very beautiful. My heart is full of love for you.' Try saying it again, but slower and with the right pronunciation."
Zabid took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, let me try again. Nancy, you are very beautiful. My heart is full of love for you."
This time, he spoke more slowly, but the mispronunciations persisted. Nancy tried to hold back her laughter as she gently corrected him, emphasizing the correct pronunciation of each word.
"Zabid, it's 'Nan-si,' not 'Nancy.' And 'maganda' not 'magaan-da.' And 'puso,' not 'poo-so.' Let's try it one more time."
Zabid, still determined to convey his message, attempted to repeat the phrase with more accuracy. "Nan-si, you are very magan-da. My puso is full of love for you."
Nancy couldn't help but burst into laughter this time, and Zabid joined in with a chuckle. They laughed together, their hearts light with joy.
Nancy leaned in and gently said, "Zabid, your effort means so much to me. You might need a bit more practice, but your sincerity shines through."
Zabid smiled warmly, relieved that Nancy had taken his attempt in good humor. "Nancy, I'll keep practicing, and one day, I'll get it right. For now, let's enjoy this beautiful sunset together."
As they watched the sun dip below the horizon, the mispronounced romantic phrase became a cherished memory, a testament to their love and the laughter they shared in their journey together. It was a reminder that love could bridge any language barrier, even if it required a few laughs along the way.
Excerpts from Besilda's diary, revealing her inner thoughts and emotions during her mother's absence.
Besilda, a young girl of seven, had been through a rollercoaster of emotions during her mother Nancy's absence while she worked in Saudi Arabia. To cope with the separation and the challenges she faced, she began keeping a diary where she poured out her thoughts and feelings. Here are some excerpts from her diary:
**Excerpt 1: The Loneliness**
*Dear Diary,*
*Today was another day without Mama. It feels like she's been gone for a really long time. I miss her so much. Every night, I look at the moon, and I think that maybe Mama is looking at it too, and it makes me feel a little less lonely.*
Besilda's diary was filled with drawings of the moon, a recurring symbol of her connection to her mother.
**Excerpt 2: A New Friend**
*Dear Diary,*
*Today at school, I met a new friend named Maria. She's really nice, and we played together during recess. But when she asked if she could come to our house after school, I had to tell her that Mama is far away working. It made me sad because I want to show off my house and my family.*
Besilda's feelings of pride in her family were mixed with the sadness of her mother's absence.
**Excerpt 3: The Tears I Hide**
*Dear Diary,*
*Sometimes, when I'm alone in my room, I cry. I don't want anyone to see me cry, not even Lola (grandmother) or Tita (auntie). I know they love me and are taking care of me, but it's not the same as having Mama here.*
Besilda's diary contained smudges where her tears had fallen onto the pages.
**Excerpt 4: The Dream of Reuniting**
*Dear Diary,*
*Last night, I had a dream that Mama came back home. In my dream, I ran into her arms, and it felt so real. When I woke up, I cried because it was just a dream. But I hope, I really hope that one day, Mama will come back for real.*
Besilda's hope and longing were evident in the words she had written.
**Excerpt 5: Mama's Letters**
*Dear Diary,*
*I got another letter from Mama today. She tells me about the things she's doing in Saudi Arabia and the friends she's making. She even sent a picture of herself with a big smile. I keep all her letters under my pillow, and I read them when I miss her. It's like a piece of her is here with me.*
Besilda's diary included a pocket where she kept her mother's letters safely tucked away.
**Excerpt 6: When I'm Brave**
*Dear Diary,*
*Sometimes, when I'm feeling really sad, I remember what Mama told me before she left. She said, "Besilda, always be brave and strong. I'll come back, and we'll be together again." So, I try to be brave, even when I miss her so much it hurts.*
Besilda's diary contained drawings of herself with a brave and determined expression.
**Excerpt 7: School Achievements**
*Dear Diary,*
*Today, I got a star on my drawing in school. It made me really happy, but I wished Mama was here to see it. I hope she's proud of me even though she's far away.*
Besilda's diary was adorned with stars and drawings of her school achievements.
**Excerpt 8: A Wish on a Shooting Star**
*Dear Diary,*
*Last night, I saw a shooting star. Mama once told me that when you see a shooting star, you can make a wish, and it might come true. So, I made a wish. I wished for Mama to come back soon.*
Besilda's diary contained a drawing of a shooting star with her wish written beside it.
**Excerpt 9: A New Friend in Saudi Arabia**
*Dear Diary,*
*Mama sent me a picture of her with a new friend named Zabid. She said he's very nice and that he has a son named Badi. I hope I get to meet them one day. Maybe they can be my friends too.*
Besilda's curiosity about her mother's new friends in Saudi Arabia was evident in her diary.
**Excerpt 10: The Love for Mama**
*Dear Diary,*
*Every night, before I go to sleep, I say a little prayer for Mama. I tell her that I love her and that I can't wait for the day when she comes back. I know Mama loves me too, and that love is what keeps us close even when we're far apart.*
Besilda's diary ended with a heartfelt drawing of a mother and child, united by their love.
Besilda's diary was a treasure trove of her inner thoughts and emotions during her mother's absence. It was a testament to her resilience, her love for her mother, and the strength she drew from the connection they shared, no matter the distance.