The story begins in the radiant, carefree days of childhood, where two friends, Dexie and Arnel, believed they owned the world. From first grade through elementary school, they were inseparable. Dexie, the valedictorian, and Arnel, the salutatorian, were constant companions on the walk to school and back home. Because Dexie was small and somewhat frail, Arnel would often carry him on his back. Their laughter was a soundtrack to their youth, pure and unburdened.
The Golden Days of Innocence
Their happiest moments were during vacations. They would play amongst the goats, then roll around on the vacant lot owned by Iya Bering. The mango and lomboy trees stood as silent witnesses to their boisterous joy. The flowing water of the river and the chirping of the birds provided a symphony to their delightful laughter. Together, they would eat lunch under the shade of the mango tree, unwrapping their rice packed in banana leaves, their meal simple—salted fish mixed with tomatoes. Their innocence seemed to brighten the very sunlight that filtered through the leaves. They would only head home as dusk began to fall, crossing Iya Bering's wide, empty field, carrying with them a joy that felt limitless.
A Bitter Farewell and a Solemn Oath
This idyllic world shattered with a bitter dream. One day, Dexie delivered heartbreaking news with a trembling voice. "Arnel, I'm leaving our town tomorrow. I will continue high school in the city," he said. Arnel was devastated, pleading for Dexie to stay, to ask his parents to reconsider. "Who will I play with? Who will I carry on my back?" he cried, unable to stop his tears. The once-cheerful sounds of the river and birds now seemed to mock his profound sadness.
Sitting together on a large rock, gazing at the sky where clouds drifted aimlessly, the two friends made a solemn pact. They vowed that no matter what happened, they would remain the closest of friends. Dexie made Arnel promise not to be burdened by tears but to remember his genuine smile. "I will etch your sincere smile in my heart. I will weave our sweet memories into my very being," Dexie said. Arnel, in turn, swore, "Dexie, you will remain here in my heart forever. I will wait for you as long as this heart beats." With a finger pointed to his own heart, Dexie promised to return "as long as the river flows, the birds sing, and the clouds drift in the sky."
A Heartbreaking Return and a Final Letter
Time passed, and Dexie did return, only to find a world changed. "Arnel, you are a liar! You did not keep our promise. I came back for you, but why?" he cried out in anguish. The river's flow now sounded sorrowful, the birds' songs mournful. The clouds still drifted, but the light was gone, as if joining in Dexie's grief.
He was then approached by a young girl. "Are you Dexie?" she asked. "I am Claire, Papa Arnel's only daughter. Before he passed away, he left a letter for me to give to you." With trembling hands, Dexie accepted and slowly opened the letter. The words inside were a direct echo of their childhood: "GUKDA KO DEXIE...dagan...Dexie...ha! ha! ha!...If you get tired, just tell me, and I will carry you on my back."
As Claire urged her mother to go home as the night breeze grew cold, Dexie was left with a profound realization. He spoke to the memory of Arnel, "Death is not a barrier to our friendship. The sunlight may fade, darkness may fall, but then the stars smile, providing light to a sorrowful night. You were that light. Your grave has become a monument to our genuine friendship."
The leaves of the mango and lomboy trees rustled, the birds sang fervently, and the river flowed on. The clouds in the vast sky made way for the charming smiles of the stars, which became the eternal witnesses to their sincere and timeless vow.
