Hi people on earth! I’m Grace Ann and you can call me 
The day felt different from the moment I woke up. It was my boyfriend’s last day here in Cebu before he returned to his home. For almost two weeks, I had the privilege of having him by my side, and every single day with him felt like a blessing. Those days were filled with laughter, comfort, and love that I knew I would miss deeply once he left.
We wanted to make our last day together count, so we decided to spend it with his cousins, who have also become my friends. The plan was simple: enjoy each other’s company, take pictures, eat good food, and make memories we could hold onto while apart. Our destination was IT Park, a place full of energy and life, perfect for a day we wanted to remember.
When we arrived, the air was filled with excitement. We walked around, shared stories, and teased each other about little things. His cousins brought so much joy to the day, making it lighthearted and easy, even though I knew what the end of the day meant for us. We found a spot to take photos, and the smiles we wore in those pictures were genuine. I wanted to capture not only the moment but also the feeling, hoping that one day I could look back and remember exactly how it felt to be there with him.
We had lunch together, and like any group who enjoyed food, we ordered more than we probably needed. I watched him while he talked and laughed with his cousins. There was something about the way he smiled that day, a mix of happiness and calm, that made me want to freeze time. I kept thinking about how much I would miss seeing that smile in person.
The weather started to change in the afternoon. Dark clouds began to form, and before we knew it, heavy rain poured down. We ran for cover, laughing as we tried to avoid getting drenched. It was one of those small, spontaneous moments that made the day even more memorable. Since the rain showed no sign of stopping, we decided to head to the nearest mall where we could rest and wait for the weather to clear.
Inside the mall, the energy shifted a little. The laughter was still there, but I could feel the weight of what was coming. While we were sitting together, I found myself slowly becoming quiet. My heart started to feel heavy, knowing that in just a few hours, we would have to say goodbye again. I tried to hide my sadness, but deep down, I knew he could sense it.
As we walked around the mall, holding hands, I thought about the past two weeks. I thought about the moments we shared, from simple conversations. I remembered how he would look at me with that gentle expression that made me feel safe and loved. The thought of not having those moments in the coming days made my chest ache.
Eventually, we all found a place to sit and rest. The rain outside still tapped against the glass windows, creating a calm but bittersweet atmosphere. His cousins continued chatting, but my mind was drifting. I thought about how fast time had gone by. It felt like he had just arrived, yet here we were, preparing for another
stretch of time apart.
I reminded myself of the word “Puhon.” It has always been our word, a simple reminder that in God’s perfect time, everything will happen according to His will. Saying it to myself gave me comfort, even though I knew the coming days without him would not be easy. I believed that someday, we would no longer have to go through goodbyes like this. Someday, there would be no more waiting, no more counting the days until we saw each other again.
We stayed at the mall for a while, letting the rain pass and enjoying the last hours together. There were moments when I caught him looking at me, and it was as if he was trying to memorize my face, just as I was memorizing his. I wanted to tell him everything I was feeling, but sometimes love speaks louder in silence.
As the evening came, we all decided to head home. The closer we got to the time we would part ways, the more I felt the knot in my throat tighten. I kept telling myself to be strong because I did not want him to leave with the image of me crying. Instead, I wanted him to remember the smiles, the laughter, and the love we shared.
I whispered my gratitude for his presence, his efforts, and the love he had shown me. I thanked him for making these two weeks so beautiful and for reminding me once again how lucky I am to love and be loved by him.
He promised me that this was not the end, that the distance would only make us stronger, and that we were building something worth every sacrifice. Hearing that gave me the strength to let go, even if my heart wanted to hold on. I smiled at him, telling him once again, “Puhon.”
Walking away that night felt heavier than I expected. The streets were wet from the earlier rain, the air cool and quiet. I replayed the day in my mind, holding onto the laughter we shared with his cousins, the silly moments, the food we enjoyed, and even the way we ran under the rain. I realized that even though goodbyes hurt, they also make the moments we spend together more valuable.
The truth is, it will never be easy to see him leave. There will always be a part of me that wishes time could stop when we are together. But I also know that love is not just about the days we are physically together. It is about the commitment to stay connected, to believe in a shared future, and to trust that one day, the waiting will be over.
That night, as I lay in bed, I felt both the ache of missing him and the warmth of the memories we created. I closed my eyes and thanked God for the gift of having him in my life. I prayed for his safety, for our strength, and for the day we could finally say goodbye to goodbyes. Until then, I will keep holding onto “Puhon,” knowing that in the right time, everything will fall into place.
Those almost two weeks with him will always be a part of me. They were not just days on a calendar; they were moments of pure joy, of love felt deeply, and of faith in what is yet to come. Even if distance separates us for now, I carry him in my heart, and that is something no distance can take away.