© By Dexter Amoroso
Like two stars destined to shine in the same sky, Don and Dona's paths converged, creating a celestial bond that defied logic and reason. Their journey is marked by countless adventures, from exploring hidden corners of their hometown to embarking on spontaneous road trips. They would spend hours hiking through dense forests, their laughter echoing through the trees as they discovered hidden waterfalls and picturesque vistas. Each new adventure brought them closer together, solidifying their bond and igniting a sense of shared purpose. As they matured, Don's affection for Dona deepened, evolving into an undeniable love that consumed his thoughts and dreams. The fear of jeopardizing their profound friendship, however, held him back from confessing his true emotions. Don was torn between the desire to express his love and the fear of losing the person who meant the world to him. Years passed, and Dona remained a constant pillar of support and strength for Don. She continued to encourage him to pursue his dreams, celebrating his successes and offering a shoulder to lean on during moments of doubt. Dona became not just his friend, but his guiding light, always there to provide guidance and solace when needed. One evening, while Don and Dona wandered through the vibrant streets of Manila, they stumbled upon an old, abandoned building. The dilapidated walls resonated with the nostalgia they both felt, serving as a metaphor for the unspoken emotions they had carried for years. Don took a deep breath, gathering the courage that had long been suppressed. He turned to Dona, locking his gaze with hers, and finally poured out his heart, confessing his love. To Don's surprise, Dona's face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes brimming with affection. She admitted that she had loved him for as long as she could remember. In that abandoned building, their hearts aligned, and they sealed their confession with a passionate kiss, embarking on a long-awaited journey together. Their romantic relationship blossomed, filled with shared laughter, stolen kisses and whispered promises. However, as time went by, they began to notice subtle shifts in their dynamic. The deep connection they had as friends started to clash with the expectations and pressures that came with a romantic relationship. One night, while sitting under a starlit sky, Don and Dona engaged in a heartfelt conversation. They acknowledged the profound love they shared but also recognized the unique bond they had as friends. They realized that their connection transcended the boundaries of romance, reaching a depth that could only be fully expressed and sustained as lifelong friends. Tears streamed down Don's face as he spoke, struggling to find the words that would convey the intensity of his emotions. He confessed his fear of losing Dona, his worry that their decision would create an irreparable rift between them. Dona, too, struggled to articulate her own fears and doubts, her voice trembling as she spoke. After a long, emotionally charged conversation, they both agreed to transition back to being the best friends they had always been. It was not an easy decision, but they recognized that their friendship was the core of their connection, the unbreakable foundation upon which everything else was built. Dona reassured Don that their love remained intact, albeit in a different form, and they held each other tightly, their tears mingling with shared vulnerability and understanding. Years passed, and life led them on separate paths. Dona found love in the arms of another, and Don witnessed the radiance on her face as she walked down the aisle on her wedding day. Although a bittersweet ache filled his heart, Don knew that his place was beside her, supporting her happiness. He watched as she embarked on a new journey with her partner, seeing the joy and contentment reflected in her eyes. After the ceremony, Don approached Dona, a genuine smile gracing his face. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the incredible friendship they had shared over the years, acknowledging the indelible mark they had left on each others' lives. Tears welled up in Dona's eyes as she embraced him, thanking him for being her constant, unwavering support. As Don walked away, a whirlwind of emotions filled his being. He reflected on the extraordinary journey they had embarked on, the growth they had witnessed in each other, and the profound impact of their connection. He realized that sometimes, love doesn't always follow the conventional path, but it can still exist in its purest form, transcending boundaries and defying expectations. And in that moment, Don found solace in the unbreakable ties of their friendship that would forever be a guiding light in their lives.
Dexter Amoroso is the author of 'Rustic Charm' and 'Stay-At-Home-Dad: Makin' Popcorn & Wiping Asses: Their Turn to Pop is Coming, but Don't Poop at the Same Time!', a former quality professional who has changed careers with the desire to enter the world of teaching. He subscribes to Gardener's Multiple Intelligence as it is one of the highest truisms, but he adds another intelligence called "intuition." And he argues that intuition is the highest form of intelligence as it can identify and target a particular thought or feeling. Intuition is instinct...you don't think at all but it just comes to your mind...a thought, a feeling, a gut feel. He believes that intelligence cannot be measured only by the ability to do one task. As per what institutionalized education does to gauge intellect. Exposing children to various stimuli will expand their horizons. This will also deepen them as individuals. Dexter Amoroso is a National Book Development Board's registered writer/author and book editor who mostly pens academic writing and some creative writing in the English language. He was the former VP Public Relation and VP Education for Pinoy Writers Toastmasters Club (PWTMC). He had a bad case of glossophobia (fear of public speaking). PWTMC was one of the things that pushed him out of his comfort zone. Conquering his fear of public speaking is liberating. Probably like how birds feel when they realize for the first time that they can fly. Really happy to overcome this speech anxiety because he wants to enter the world of teaching and he is so happy to share what he can with future students and colleagues! Dexter is inspired daily by his two little boys. In his free time, Dex likes to read and write.