As I arrived back at my apartment, I immediately placed my bag on the chair and flopped onto the bed. The events of the day at the art gallery were still swirling in my mind, particularly the encounter with Jackson and the message on the poster he had signed. I couldn't shake off the excitement and the lingering thoughts about it.
After a moment of contemplation, I reached for my cellphone inside my bag. I unlocked it and opened the camera app, preparing to capture a photo of the poster with his signature and his apology. I wanted to preserve this moment and the connection that had unexpectedly formed between us. With the poster in one hand and my cellphone in the other, I snapped a picture, ensuring the words were clearly visible.
As I looked at the image, I debated whether I should share it on social media. While part of me wanted to showcase the incredible experience, another part of me valued the private nature of the interaction. Instead, I decided to send it as a direct message on his Instagram account. It felt more personal, a way to express my gratitude for the message he had written.
I navigated to his profile, hesitating for a brief moment before clicking the "Send Message" button. The chat box opened, and I attached the image of the signed poster. Along with the photo, I typed a heartfelt message:
"Hey Jackson, I just wanted to say thank you for the signed poster and the message. It really means a lot to me. Your music and art have been such an inspiration. Keep shining!"
Alam ko naman na hindi niya mapapansin ‘yong message ko, dahil for sure maraming nag me-message sa kaniya at matatabunan lang ito.  Kaya hindi na ako umaasa na nabasa niya, basta masaya ako na nakapag message ako sakaniya.
After a deep breath, I hit the send button and put down my phone. It was a simple gesture, but it felt genuine and true to how I felt. I didn't expect a response, but the act of expressing my gratitude brought a sense of closure and contentment. Whether he replied or not, I was grateful for the connection we had made and the impact he had on my day.
As I lay back on my bed, I reflected on how this encounter had become a memory etched in time. The journey from admiring his work from afar to having a genuine interaction with him felt surreal yet wonderfully real. Regardless of what the future held, I knew that this chapter of unexpected connections and meaningful moments was something I would always carry with me.
fast forward…
As the days went by, I found myself diving back into the routine of office work. The workload seemed to have multiplied overnight, and my desk was now a chaotic amalgamation of work papers, reports, and sticky notes. Each morning brought a fresh batch of tasks, each more demanding than the last. The familiar rhythm of emails, meetings, and deadlines resumed its relentless beat.
Navigating through the sea of paperwork became my daily mission. The once-tidy desk had turned into a maze of organized chaos. It seemed that every time I finished one task, two more took their place. The pressure was mounting, and a sense of urgency hung in the air.
As the morning sun streamed through the windows, I huddled over my computer, typing furiously and switching between spreadsheets. The hum of the office printer, the clicking of keyboards, and the distant chatter of colleagues created a symphony of productivity. But in the midst of this bustling environment, I couldn't help but feel a longing for moments of quiet and calm.
Lunch breaks became a respite, a brief intermission from the constant flow of tasks. I would step outside, letting the sunlight warm my face and the breeze clear my mind. Sometimes, I'd take a walk around the block, seeking solace in the bustling city around me. It was during these moments that I reminded myself to find balance and to nurture my own well-being amidst the chaos.
Back at my desk, the stack of work seemed to have grown even taller. The phone rang incessantly, emails poured in, and my calendar was a colorful mosaic of meetings. Yet, as I took a deep breath and dove into each task, I found a certain satisfaction in the challenge. Solving problems, meeting deadlines, and collaborating with colleagues brought a sense of accomplishment that made the effort worthwhile.
But in the midst of the hustle, I couldn't shake off the memory of the art gallery, the vivid colors of the paintings, and the fleeting encounter with Jackson. It was a reminder that amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities, there were pockets of beauty and inspiration waiting to be discovered. Just as the strokes of a paintbrush could create a masterpiece, so too could my diligence and creativity in the world of work.
As the days turned into weeks, I realized that managing the workload was not just about efficiency but also about maintaining a positive mindset. I learned to celebrate small victories, find joy in the process, and seek support from my colleagues when needed. The camaraderie of the office, the shared lunches, and the occasional laughter in between work were all part of the intricate tapestry of my daily life.
So, while the busy days might have felt overwhelming at times, they were also a testament to my dedication and resilience. Just like an artist pouring heart and soul into a canvas, I was pouring my energy into my work, each task a stroke contributing to the bigger picture.
As the clock ticked on and the day drew to a close, I glanced at the diminishing pile of papers on my desk. The sense of accomplishment was undeniable. I may have been buried under a mountain of work, but I emerged stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever to face whatever challenges lay ahead.