Long Lost Love

by Mycaela Mae E. Kalaw

“May God bless us all.” the last sentence that passed on to Harry’s ears from the gigantic speakers that were attached to the wall. The sound of the hands clapping was also heard that showed that the mass was successfully done. He looked up for a moment and saw the mural paintings and the birds were flying freely while chirping. The sun was setting while Harry rushed to go outside of the Cathedral church.  His sweat was continuously streaming down his face that his thick eyebrows and long eyelashes can no longer uphold it. His mouth was shivering because of hunger. His clothes were dirty and he was barefooted.He was a seven-year-old beggar that was mooching for alms. He was alone and was suffering from hydrocephalus.

Harry was roaming around and asking for alms but no one’s giving him penny. He was already losing hope and accepted the fact that he was not able to eat his meal for that moment.He was thinking that there were lions roaring inside his intestines and was commanding him to let them eat. His lip was pale and fragile, to the extent that it can be easily torn like a paper.His knees were shaking and his head hurts so badly. His mind was exploding weird thoughts because of hunger.

He continued to beg for alms and accidentally stepped on a man’s foot. The man was wearing a thick black jacket and faded loose pants. His shoes were white as a dove. Harry was looking at the man’s shoes and then he looked at his face.  Harry was about to apologize, but the man named Jack, was looking in his eyes and was so angry that made him frightened. He was so mad and pushed him away. He told Harry that he was a bastard for doing that to him. He yelled at his face while gripping at his shirt but soon let him go. He covered his nose as a sign that Harry had an unpleasant scent. The poor beggar seemed to receive all the hate that this man have in this world. He cried and ran away from Jack. 

            Jack walked slowly and sat on a bench. He put down his bag, held his camera and clicked the power button. He was a frustrated photographer who wanted to be famous. He was scratching his head and was staring to the photo of a child when suddenly tears rushed in his cheeks. He was a man who is a prisoner of the past. He’s the best example of the man who can’t be moved because there’s something haunting him from the past. He missed his son so much, his only family. He didn’t have the chance to see his son in person; he just captured the picture from the photo album that was hidden to their old house that was burnt out by a huge flame. 

            Harry was watching him from afar. His heart was breaking seeing that man cries. Even if his heart was pounding to its fastest rate; he walked slowly and sat beside him. He distanced himself first and utters not a word. At that moment, Jack felt his heart was so close to Harry, he just doesn’t know why. It was a hard time for him because he yelled to the kid a while ago and then now his feelings were reciprocated. Jack glanced to Harry and was about to push him away but something caught his attention. He sat closer next to him and stared at the pendant that the beggar was wearing. 

“Tell me, where did you got that pendant you’re wearing?” Jack asked Harry.

“I don’t know, I already have this ever since I was left here.” Harry answered.

“Who left you here? Who are your parents? Where are they?”

“I don’t know. I really don’t know. I’m sorry sir, but I don’t remember anything.”

He looked closely and noticed that they shared the same face. He glances to his camera and to Harry. The scar on Harry’s forehead was the same as the one that his son had. He was shocked. Jack cried and hugged Harry. His dreams led him to his son. Every night, he always dreams that hat he saw his son sitting at the door of a church waiting for him. Aside from wanting to be famous, he travels the world and took random photos to different churches hoping that he’ll soon see his son. 

“Excuse me sir, are you alright? Harry asked Jack.

Jack wiped away his tears while smiling. Harry thought that this man was insane for being angry to him a while ago and then hugging him right now.

“I have a son, my long lost love.” Jack explained.

“Where is he?” Harry asked.

“He’s in front of me.”

“What?”

“You are my son. We were separated when you were still a baby. I’m still young that time and coward for not fighting for you. I’m sorry son. I never stopped searching for you. I never did.”

“You’re my father?” Harry asked while sobbing.

“Yes, I am.”

            Harry hugged back his dad, Jack. He was so happy because for the first time, heleftloved. He felt special.

“I’ll come back. Wait for me here.” Jack told Harry.

            After several minutes, he came back carrying paper bags. Harry ran towards him and helped him carrying those stuffs. It was full of new clothes and a pair of slippers. He was so excited to wear his knew slippers and clothes. Jack also bought food for their meal and snacks. 

“Son, let’s eat.” Jack told Harry.

Harry nodded. 

Jack pulled out the snacks from the paper bag. He told Harry that they will give that to the other street children. At the back of his mind, he realized that it is not good to judge people for what they look but instead it is better to extend his helping hands to those people who are in need.