// Later that night - Manila, Philippines //
Although the supernatural moon can be seen by the naked eye, five telescopes were made available to the public at the university observatory. They said the astronomical trifecta is visible in other parts of Asia, Middle East, Russia, Australia, and some part of the western North America.
“I wish your Mom, in Melbourne, is seeing this, too,” I told Anthony as we stood near one telescope. He was agreeing, smiling, as the moon climbed to its peak at 9:29 p.m..
The three lunar events on the same night reminded me very much of my first night with Anthony in Sydney, in the harbor. This time, the moon was larger and brighter.
“Do you remember when you told me about the moon?” I gazed at Anthony, pertaining to how he described the moon before the man fell in the harbor-side. “It was just days ago in Sydney. And now, we have another one again.”

Anthony returned my gaze and held me closer to him. “Only this time it is better.” He smiled dearly and together, we watched the moon grace the skies with all its glory.
***
// 01 February 2018 - Manila, Philippines //
“Mom sent an e-mail last night and she wants to meet you,” Anthony said only in a whisper during our breakfast. But the whisper turned into a noise when I spilled my Chamomile tea over the table runner which my father brought home from Cairo, almost a decade ago.
A lot of things had been bothering me since last night. Mom and Yvonne are arriving today, and the Chamomile I hoped to calm and soothe me ended up dripping on the floor. In my mind, Anthony haven’t met my family yet, the very reason he flew over here with me, and now he’s implying we go back to Australia and meet his mom.
Despite my half-attentive bearing, I smiled at Anthony and agreed to his offer, my mind in pandemonium, as he volunteered to wipe the spillage.
The daunting thought whether Mom would be an angel or a witch upon seeing Anthony consumed me the whole time. Mom can be playful with her mood, and it often ends up in a disastrous family gathering.
“When do you want us to go back to Australia?” I looked at Anthony as I asked it. It’s clearer now that introducing each other to our respective families was not as easy as I thought. Especially us living in different countries. Different continents, even.
Anthony and I began talking about it last night. About the possibilities. “You know I can’t stay here,” he said to me. I understood him by that. He has his own life back in Australia, and a mom, too, to look after.
But I also have my own family here. Although I am already resigned in the company, I feel I still have roles to play. I have Anthony in my life now. I do love him. There’s no way I’m losing him. But the quiescent desire to resurrect my hold in the company gave me some extra thoughts to reckon.
“I know you have responsibilities…” Anthony was careful in empathizing. “I shouldn’t be pressuring you to decide.” His head swayed in frustration. “It’s hurting me too, you know.”
Anthony looked lost when he said it. I was, too. More than ever.
Still, we needed a tower of strength here. This was only the first dilemma of our relationship. And it seemed we’re already vulnerable. We had to overcome the friction.
***
// At night, the same day - Manila, Philippines //
Silence is dangerous. It may be invisible, but it has the power to divide people. It has the power to create gaps and separate even those linked by fortified ties.
Anthony and I sat that night on the edge of the bed, after he met Mom and Yvonne at dinner. Evidently, Mom didn’t display any sign of interest in Anthony, and rather held on to the sentiment that he wasn’t making at least a six-figure US dollar annually.
I tried not to detest Mom about it. I understood where that was coming from. She was penniless as a child, and it’s probably her maternal instinct to shield me from the same horrible past.
And Yvonne? She did quite the opposite. She was way too accommodating to Anthony, hadn’t shown any speck of disapproval, which was a huge relief on my part. One dagger was already more than difficult to bear.
For a reckless moment, Mom inquired more on Anthony. “How do you like the Philippines so far?” I know Mom is good in faking smiles but this one was unrehearsed.
Gallantly, Anthony returned a polite response. “It’s great. Everyone is kind and hospitable…”
Unlike Mom’s smile, Anthony’s was genuine, and he proceeded with enough enthusiasm.
“The food is great, the music is great.” Anthony could go on with his compliments despite him spending only just three days here, and us only visiting the nearby cities and tourist spots on his first day.
“Oh, don’t tell me about the heavy traffic!” Yvonne joined in Anthony’s bliss, pertaining to the congestion the country is widely well-known for.
Yvonne was right. Anthony did notice the heavy traffics, especially when we left the pristine waters of Patar White Beach, a paradise only 5 hours away from Manila that is untouched and uncommercialized, unlike the famous Boracay and Palawan.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying your stay here,” Mom slipped in, showing a face like she’s enough with the pleasantries and rather move forward with the trial.
“I’m curious…” Mom spoke again to Anthony. “Aside from the Philippines, what other countries have you visited?” I knew then that she was testing the waters of Anthony’s finances.
“I haven’t been outside Australia till now.” Anthony was proud in telling, and I already made efforts to send the red lights to Mom, to slow down and be easy on him. There was enough condemnation already through her gaze.
“And Natalie shouldered your plane ticket here?” Mom wouldn’t stop. “No, Mom,” I replied immediately for Anthony. Not only that it was true but it was also a question of one’s self-respect. I detested her heedless move.
Back in Australia, Anthony already admitted that most of his family’s money went to his father’s expenses. For rehab. Accidents. Lost lawsuits. Because his father was a self-confessed alcoholic before he died of drug overdose.
But tonight, as Anthony and I sat still on the edge of the bed, he finally admitted that his father, in fact, committed a suicide.
“It’s something I’m not proud in telling.” Anthony’s head was tilted down as he spoke. “And lying is the best antidote to counteract the pain and shame. You wouldn’t understand.” Anthony swayed his head in frustration.
An awful ache bloomed within me I embraced him instantaneously. I told him I was sorry for everything, including that of how Mom had treated him.
“I’m not having any change of heart,” I reassured him. “I feel really ashamed of how Mom spoke to you.”
“Don’t bother.” Anthony only nodded, not looking me in the eye, his voice tinged with enough sadness and pain.
“You’re the whole world to me.” I laid my head on his shoulder and reached for his clenching hands. The heaviness in my chest unloaded when he finally faced me for a longer time.
“Natalie…” Anthony wanted to say something, evidently fighting for composure. “I love you, Natalie,” he said and cupped my chin, his eyes revealing more bravery now. “Damn it! I do love you!” He struggled further, got up, and rounded in front of me.
“I love you too, Anthony,” I almost cried because he began acting weird. When I met his gaze, a terrible ache broke through my chest when he said, “I’m flying back to Australia tonight.”