MY WIFE and I have an understanding. We have promised each other that no matter what happens, we shall be together. And the years have tested us in that. But there is one thing that we have agreed upon. One incident, that when it happens, God forbid that will break that promise of standing by each other. An earthquake. In her own words, “bahala ka iwanan talaga kita.” For some reason my wife is terrified about earthquakes. Let me explain.
I remember one time we were having a meal when suddenly the earth trembled. I was left alone talking to a plate. She rushed towards the door in mid sentence oblivious to anything and everything.
Then, of course, there was the rather strong quake a couple of years ago. I remember we were in the room and just lounging and then it happened, the strong quake. In a flash faster than the Flash she was outside under the mango tree. I was left alone in the bed. It was only a few seconds after the tremor stopped did I hear the words, “saan si Rene.” And suddenly I see her entering the room scolding me saying, “saan ka ba, nag lindol na naka higa ka pa.” She ordered me out. I slowly stood up and went outside and there she was talking about how strong the tremor that even the mango tree was shaking. I wanted to tell her not to stay under the tree because it could be dangerous. But I have been married to this person for a long time so I just kept my mouth shut.
And just recently we were once again jolted. Again we were in the room and I noticed it first. I said “lindol” and suddenly she was up. A few seconds after I said, “ wala na.” She said, “meron pa, naga galaw pa ang electric fan.” Plates, mango trees and electric fans.
I actually know the real reason she is afraid of tremors but I would keep it to myself.
But to be fair to her there is something that would probably make me break that eternal promise. A chasing dog. Let me explain.
Many years ago while we were talking in the garage, for some reason a stray dog managed to enter our yard. And to our horror the dog was growling and coming after us. We both ran towards the car because it was the closest. I opened the door and jumped in. Only after did I realize that Chona was left outside. It was a good thing that our help managed to get hold of the dog. Shamefully I stepped outside and she said, “bakit mo iniwanan?” She has her earthquakes and I have a chasing dog.
Aside from those I think we are pretty good. Like life we have had our share but we are here and we are better. Unless of course we have an earthquake that will unleash a pack of dogs.