A Promise of Yesterday

Author: Ernesto Icogo Date: December 29, 2015 Place: Quezon City

A PROMISE OF YESTERDAY (A New Year Special)

"I took many photos in Lublin, Poland during my last day in the city. I went back from a conference in Wroclaw even though classes were already finished and most of my classmates and colleagues were already home enjoying their respective families.

I was requested by the International Exchange Office to get my final stipend money before I go back home to the Philippines. I did. I stayed in a hostel in the Old Town. The following morning, I walked unhurriedly to Bank Zachodni near Grand Hotel. Afterwards, I stayed inside McDonald's for some hours, savored and enjoyed the view from the second floor for the last time.

Then, I picked up my backpack, looked towards Plac Litewski for the last time. I noticed the tree, my favorite Lublin tree. I saw it changed colors during the four seasons - from green to orange to brown to nothing and then to green again. Lazily, I went out of McDonald's glass door, walked towards Lublin Plaza and boarded a bus to the main train station. The bus passed by ulica Nadbystrzycka and moving my head to the right, I saw the deserted street towards Politechnika ... It was quiet now without any signs of students or anything that reminds us of the active school days.

The bus went on moving until it shortly stopped infront of Dworzec Glowny, the main train station. I went direct to buy a train ticket. By that time, I am already conversant in buying bilet (ticket) ... "kupicz bilet", I told the receptionist with a smile. The old lady smiled back at me.

Several minutes later, the train attendants blew their whistles and the metal wheels that will bring me to Warsaw started to roll ... I should be happy because Marty is waiting for me. But while the metal wheels are rolling, mist turned to water and tears, instead, rolled down from my eyes. I simply can't help it ...

“Did you cry?, she asked. “Yes I did”, that was my proud reply.”