Mikha's days were usually a predictable routine: wake up, go to work, come home, and try to find solace in the familiar comforts of her small apartment. She often avoided social events, preferring the quiet and safety of her own space. Anxiety was a persistent shadow, coloring even her simplest tasks with hues of dread.
It was during one of her rare forays into the outside world that Mikha found herself at a friend's party. The gathering was lively, filled with laughter and chatter. Mikha felt out of place, her anxiety gnawing at her with every new face and every burst of laughter that seemed to mock her inner turmoil.
In the corner of the room, she spotted a girl with an infectious energy, Aiah. Aiah was surrounded by a small group, animatedly sharing a story about a recent adventure. Her laughter was bright and genuine, and there was something magnetic about the way she spoke, making everyone around her lean in, captivated.
Mikha watched from a distance, feeling a pang of envy at the ease with which Aiah seemed to command attention and enjoy the moment. She tried to blend into the background, nursing her drink and scrolling through her phone, hoping to appear engaged even as she felt increasingly isolated.
As the evening wore on, Aiah's group dispersed, and Aiah herself wandered towards the snacks table, a bit more subdued. Mikha saw this as her chance to escape her own discomfort and headed toward the same table, trying to stay inconspicuous.
"Hey, nakita kita kanina. Ang quiet mo naman sa party na 'to!" Aiah said with a warm smile, noticing Mikha's awkward presence.
Mikha, taken aback, gave a small, hesitant smile. "Ah, oo. Hindi kasi ako masyadong sanay sa mga ganito."
Aiah chuckled, grabbing a handful of chips. "Ako rin! Pero minsan kailangan lang sumubok. Baka masanay din ako sa party na 'to."
Their conversation started with small talk, but there was something disarming about Aiah's openness. Mikha found herself relaxing a bit, despite her usual inclination to retreat. They talked about the mundane and the funny—Aiah shared amusing stories from her recent travels, while Mikha responded with shy but genuine laughter.
"Alam mo, minsan kailangan lang talagang makipagsocialize. Hindi mo alam, baka may makilala kang magpapa-'wow' sa'yo!"
Mikha was intrigued by Aiah's enthusiasm, even if she struggled to fully embrace it herself. Aiah's ability to connect with her despite Mikha's reticence felt like a small victory over her own fears.
As the party began to wind down, Aiah noticed Mikha's quiet demeanor and her attempts to stay unnoticed.
"Naku, mukhang hindi ka pa ready umuwi. Gusto mo bang maglakad-lakad muna sandali?"
Mikha hesitated, but there was something about Aiah's genuine offer that made her consider stepping outside of her comfort zone. They decided to take a brief walk around the neighborhood, and during that time, Aiah shared more about her love for adventure and the outdoors.
"Gusto ko talaga ang maglakad sa labas. Sabi nila, doon mo matatagpuan ang sarili mo—pero mas maganda kung may kasama ka."
Mikha nodded, feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity. "Sana nga. Parang ang hirap nga lang minsan."
Aiah smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Siyempre, hindi rin naman laging madali. Pero sa tingin ko, maganda rin na minsan, sinubukan mo kahit konti. Baka doon mo makita ang bagong bagay tungkol sa sarili mo."
As they returned to the party to say their goodbyes, Aiah's casual yet sincere demeanor left an impression on Mikha. Though their interaction was brief, it was a rare moment of connection for Mikha, who often felt isolated and overwhelmed by her anxiety.
"Salamat sa pagkausap sa'kin, Aiah. I didn't expect my night to turn out like this."
Aiah gave her a warm, encouraging smile. "You're welcome, Mikha. Siguradong magkikita tayo ulit. Huwag kang mag-atubiling mag-reach out, okay?"
Mikha nodded, feeling a flicker of hope. The encounter with Aiah had been unexpectedly comforting, a small but significant break from the usual confines of her anxious world.
BINABASA MO ANG
In the Quiet and the Wild
FanfictionStruggling with the relentless grip of anxiety, Mikha finds a fleeting sense of relief when she accepts an invitation from Aiah to join her on a hiking trip. Surrounded by the serene beauty of nature, Mikha experiences moments of peace she hadn't fe...
