hermanajuli

I wanted to be at home for the holidays.

I took the flight home alone.

Hongkong to Taiwan

I was wakened early probably so I still have time to figure things out if I ever got lost. I arrived at the airport a few hours before my flight. Checking in, the lady told me to return after some time. My morning self was eager to have coffee.

As I came back I was asked that I shall board the next plane flying to Taiwan. I was with a woman who works as a domestic helper in Hongkong. We were assisted by one of their staff and as we pass through immigration I introduced myself to her.

Throughout the flight, we had each other and among the stories, my favourite was:

Other DH would loan money when they are coming home, as much as 30,000 Hongkong dollars. Just so they can spend it at home. They come back and work to pay for it including the interest. I know some who have been blacklisted because they were not able to pay their debt. They have loans at the banks then they still ask for a loan from people. They shop for clothes because it’s relatively cheaper here to show them on social media. It looks nice but our life there was actually difficult scrubbing floors.  Feeding the kids. Sometimes I even went to China just to clean their homes there. I was very scared. Everything I wear was mostly handed me downs from my “amo”. Sometimes I would pick I nice bag from the trash, Ralph Lauren Miss. I know I look tacky but I don’t care I was able to buy the land my father used to lease so he could farm. Our home is something we could live in safely even if there will be storms. I might not be able to throw a party for the whole Barangay to know I am home but I will be able to sleep soundly knowing I am debt-free.

Taiwan to the Philippines 

I can feel my face cracking so I went to the washroom to freshen up. Upon returning an old man was already occupying my seat by the window. In respect, I gave it to him. I was planning to watch a movie but we ended up chatting for the whole flight.

I am happily retired, I was in Taiwan with my family. A few times a year we go abroad to have a vacation. I was an ex-OFW, I spent a few years in Saudi working in sales. I guess I was one of the few lucky ones who was able to put his shit together in mid-life. A few months ago I attended the funeral of a colleague. He was able to make a lot of money when we were young. Aside from our salaries he used to win bowling competitions. We used to compete and he used to win the cash prize, one time a car. As we grow old I stayed modest, wore the same old clothes still ate at the same restaurant I used to afford when I was just starting to climb up the ladder. But he elevated his lifestyle, bought a home in a nice fancy village in the Philippines. Sent his kids to universities, gave them the luxuries he can afford but he forgot himself. Before his death, his children told me they owe the hospital millions of pesos and their home is mortgaged.

When the pilot announced that we were about to land I asked him what can he teach me and he said;

Kid, when you die, your name will carry a story. A story that people who have crossed your life will remember.