-Disclaimer: The story presented here is a fictional creation.

-Credits:

Pictures used in this story are credited to their respective owners.The song referenced above belongs to its rightful owner.

-Grammar Note: The translations provided aim to convey the meaning of the text accurately, but there may be grammatical errors depending on context and interpretation.

Oksihina

Mia walked slowly along the park path, feeling disappointed. She had just argued with her mom, who refused to let her join the volleyball team because of her asthma.

"Putek naman tong asthma na to," she complained.

She found an empty swing and walked towards it. She sat down, her feet gently pushing off the ground.

"Ayaw niya pa nun, extra-curricular na kaya yun," she muttered while kicking the stones on the ground.

Just then, she noticed a girl walking nearby with a cute golden retriever. The girl was laughing and talking to her pet, her voice carrying a lightness that caught Mia's attention.

"Good boy, Max! Galing naman!" The girl's laughter was contagious, and Mia couldn't help but watch her. She seemed so carefree, so happy.

The girl suddenly looked to her side and met Mia's gaze. She smiled warmly, a smile that reached her eyes and made Mia's heart skip a beat.

Feeling a bit shy, Mia quickly looked away but couldn't resist glancing back.

To Mia's surprise, the girl began to walk towards her, her dog trotting happily beside her. Mia's grip tightened on the swing's chains, unsure of what to do. She kept swinging, pretending to be lost in thought, but her mind was racing.

"Hi there! Mind if I join you?" It took a few seconds for Mia's mind to process, but she slowly nodded.

"Uh, sure, go ahead."

The girl sat on the swing next to Mia, still smiling. Her dog sat at her feet, looking up expectantly.

"I'm Alexa, by the way. And this little guy is Max."

"So, what brings you to the park this evening?" Mia looked up, her face reflecting a mix of surprise and curiosity at Alexa's talkativeness.

"Mia, my name's Mia," Mia replied.

She hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Just needed to clear my head," Mia said quietly.

Alexa's eyes softened with understanding, as if she knew Mia's problem.

"That must be really tough," Alexa said, looking at her dog Max. "But sometimes, it just takes a fresh perspective."

Mia was confused for a moment but then realized what Alexa meant.

Mia smiled, feeling a bit lighter.

"What I meant is that you should widen your mind and open your heart to more opportunities," Alexa said, looking into Mia's eyes.

Mia nodded slowly, her mind processing Alexa's words. "You're right. I've been so caught up in seeing things one way that I forgot there could be other possibilities."

"Exactly," Alexa replied, her gaze unwavering. "Life has a funny way of surprising us when we least expect it."

A faint smile tugged at Mia's lips. "I guess I've been missing out on those surprises."

Alexa chuckled softly, the sound carrying a warmth that mirrored the setting sun. "Well, lucky for you, surprises have a way of finding us eventually."

Their conversation lingered in the air, Mia absorbing Alexa's wisdom like a balm to her troubled thoughts. She felt a sense of gratitude for Alexa's presence, a steadying force in the midst of her uncertainties.

"I might just take you up on that." As Mia spoke, Alexa stood up, giving a gentle tug on Max's leash.

"Thank you, Alexa," Mia said earnestly, meeting her friend's gaze. "For listening and for understanding."

Alexa smiled warmly. "Anytime, Mia."

As Alexa rose from the swing, Mia couldn't help but feel a pang of reluctance. "It's getting late, huh?"

"Yeah," Alexa replied softly, her fingers idly stroking Max's fur. "Time flies when you're having deep conversations, huh?"

Mia laughed softly, the sound mingling with the rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. "Definitely. Tomorrow then?"

Alexa nodded, a hint of anticipation in her eyes. "Tomorrow. Take care of yourself, Mia."

"I will," Mia assured her, watching as Alexa walked away with Max by her side. As the distance between them grew, Mia couldn't suppress a sudden urge to call out.

"I'll see you tomorrow evening!" Mia's voice carried across the park, filled with hope.

"I'll see you when I see you!" Alexa's replied back.

Mia stood up from the swing, her heart feeling lighter than it had in days.

...........................................................

Mia couldn't stop thinking about her conversation with Alexa the previous night. The girl's positive energy and thoughtful advice had given Mia a new perspective on her situation.

Hoping to see Alexa again, Mia decided to visit the park the next evening.

"Max, slow down! We're almost there!"

Mia's heart leapt. She turned to see Alexa jogging towards her, Max bounding ahead on his leash. Alexa's face lit up with a smile when she spotted Mia.

"Hey, Mia! It's great to see you again. Buti bumalik ka!" Alexa said as Max wagged his tail happily.

"Hi, I was hoping I'd run into you," Mia said as Alexa sat down on the swing.

"Hey buddy, nice to see you again," Mia greeted the dog as Alexa began to swing gently.

Max settled at her feet, his tail wagging furiously.

"Sus, miss mo lang ako, eh," Alexa teased. Mia laughed and closed her eyes.

Alexa didn't bother her, thinking that maybe Mia wanted to clear her mind again.

"Ang kalma," Mia whispered, loud enough for Alexa to hear.

"Kalma talaga pag gabi," Alexa commented, looking at the sky.

"No..."

Alexa looked at Mia as she responded.

"Kalma kasi andito ka," Mia said, smiling at Alexa.

"Bolera ka pala, Mia ha," Alexa said, still gazing at the sky.

"Honest lang," Mia replied, also looking up at the star-filled sky.

"Sometimes, I wonder what would it feel like to be a star," Alexa said.

"Why a star? Ayaw mo ba maging buwan?" Mia asked, laughing at her own question.

"Nag-iisa lang ang buwan, Mia," Alexa replied simply, petting Max.

"Isn't that nice? Nag-iisa lang siya at walang katulad, which means the moon is one step ahead of the stars," Mia said, admiring the girl beside her.

"Pero ang bituin, marami siyang katulad. Hindi siya malulungkot kasi may mga kasama siya," Alexa said, her words tinged with sadness.

"Minsan nga naiisip ko na para akong buwan, buti nalang andito si Max."

"Right, Max? Di mo iiwan si mommy Alexa mo, diba?" Alexa said as she petted her dog again.

"Then I'll be your star. I'll talk to you. I'll be with you, Alexa," Mia said, smiling at Alexa.

"Thanks sa offer, miss bolera," Alexa joked.

"Hey, I'm serious," Mia rolled her eyes and looked back at the sky, Alexa doing the same.

"The moon and stars are like two worlds apart. Ganon din tayo, magkaiba ang mundo natin," Alexa said.

"But at least we're in the same universe."

"Tanga, malamang, iisa lang naman ang universe." Mia laughed.

"Nope, there's a possibility na totoo ang parallel universe," Mia said, looking at Alexa.

"Maybe in that universe, we're in the same world."

"And what do you mean by magkaibang mundo? San ba tayo ngayon? We're in the same world, Alexa. Duh." Mia added as she rolled her eyes again.

Alexa laughed.

"What I meant by that is, we are not on the same page. Kunware mahirap ako, ikaw mayaman. Tao ako, ikaw hayop," Alexa joked.

"Hoy, anong hayop! Really? In front of your dog, Alexa?"

"Hoy, hindi hayop si Max noh! He's an angel, and magkaiba yun sa hayop, bleh!" Alexa said, standing up and looking at Mia.

"You're an angel as well, Alexa." Mia complimented, napangiti naman si Alexa.

"Sana nga." Alexa mumbled.

"We have to go. It's already late." Alexa suddenly said, making Mia looking at her and max confusingly. Pero naisip rin ni Mia na baka nga ay hinahanap na sila.

"You're right. Uhm, I'll see you tomorrow evening again?" Mia asked.

"Sus, crush mo lang ako, eh."

"Assuming."

"I'll see you when I see you, Mia. Bye!" Alexa said before leaving with Max. Max glanced back at Mia before they walked away.

She left with a smile again.

...................................................................................

As the days passed, Mia and Alexa's encounters at the park became a comforting routine. Each evening, they would meet, talk, and laugh, creating a bond that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.

The park became their special place.

They talked about everything: their favorite books, movies, dreams, and ambitions. Mia learned that Alexa had a passion for painting, and Alexa discovered Mia's love for volleyball. They exchanged stories about their families, their schools, and their aspirations for the future.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the first stars began to twinkle, Mia and Alexa found themselves deep in conversation about their hopes and fears.

"I've always wanted to travel the world," Mia confessed, her eyes shining with excitement. "See new places, meet new people, experience different cultures."

Alexa smiled, her gaze softening. "That sounds amazing. I've always dreamed of having an art studio by the beach. Just me, my paintings, and the sound of the waves."

Mia nodded, imagining the serene scene Alexa described. "That sounds so peaceful. I can picture it now-your paintings reflecting the beauty of the ocean."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves in the evening breeze. Max lay at their feet, content and quiet.

"Do you ever feel like you're meant for something more?" Mia asked suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexa looked at her, her eyes thoughtful. "All the time. It's like there's this whole world out there waiting for us, and we just have to find our place in it."

Mia smiled, feeling a surge of affection for her friend. "I'm glad I met you, Alexa. You've made me see things differently."

"Same here, Mia," Alexa replied, her smile genuine. "You've brought so much light into my life."

...........................................................................

One evening, maagang dumating si Mia. She felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Tonight, she wanted to share something important with Alexa.

As she sat on the swing, she replayed the words in her mind, trying to find the right way to express her thoughts.

"Mia! Sorry we're late! Max got a bit too excited chasing a squirrel," Alexa's voice broke through Mia's thoughts.

Mia turned to see Alexa jogging towards her, Max trotting alongside. Ang nakakahawang ngiti ni Alexa ay agad nagpagaan ng loob ni Mia.

"No worries. I was just enjoying the calm," Mia said, smiling back.

They sat down on the swings, swaying gently. Max lay at Alexa's feet, his tail wagging contentedly.

"I've been thinking about our conversations," Mia began, her voice steady but soft.

"About the stars and the moon, and how you said we were like different worlds."

Alexa looked at her curiously, nodding for her to continue.

"I think it's true that we're different in many ways. But I also think those differences make our connection even more special," Mia said, her eyes meeting Alexa's.

"Thank you, Mia. That means a lot to me," Alexa replied, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Although, sometimes I feel like the moon would be more fun with a few more stars around it."

They both laughed, the sound echoing through the quiet park.

"Yeah, maybe the moon gets lonely sometimes," Mia said, grinning. "But then, it gets to shine the brightest, right?"

Alexa chuckled. "True. And it's got the stars to keep it company, even if they're far away."

They continued to joke around, sharing stories and laughing until their sides ached. Mia felt a warmth in her heart, grateful for these moments.

Suddenly, Alexa glanced at her watch. "Oh no, we actually have to go. Medyo busy kasi ngayon sa house eh."

Dali-daling tumayo si Alexa at hindi na ito nakapagpaalam ng maayos kay Mia dahil agad din itong umalis kasama si Max.

Mia was confused. "I'll see you tomorrow?!" tanong ni Mia nang hindi pa makalayo si Alexa at Max.

"I'll see you when I see you! Bye, Mia!" Alexa responded, waving as she hurried away with Max.

Mia watched them go, the laughter they shared still ringing in her ears, making her feel lighter and happier despite the sudden goodbye.

..................................................................

The next day, Mia's family gathered at the cemetery to commemorate her Lola's death anniversary. They placed fresh flowers on her Lola's grave. After paying their respects, Mia wandered off to a quieter corner of the cemetery, her volleyball in hand.

As she played with the ball, it bounced toward a bushy area at the corner of the cemetery. Mia followed it and noticed an old, uncleaned tombstone partially hidden among the overgrown bushes.

She knelt down and brushed away the dirt to reveal the inscription:

"Rest in peace, Mariah Queen Alessandra Arcela and Maximus."

The engraving of a dog paw next to the name "Maximus" indicated that it was a beloved pet.

Mia's heart skipped a beat as she remembered Alexa and her golden retriever.

She looked closer at the dates: "Died: June 11, 2012." Today was June 11, 2024-the