Free Long Distance Love by Kate Valdez Page B

country.”
    Getting his bag from the chair, she stood up and led Kokoy out, locking the door to their small apartment, and walked him to school. Juan Carlo, or Kokoy as she fondly calls him, just entered as a first grader in school a few months ago. She thought it would be hard for him to adjust to the school environment but he was able to adapt quickly, gaining friends on the first day with his boyish grin and outgoing character. ‘Just like his father,’ she thought absentmindedly but pursed her lips at the unexpected thought.
    “Is he still fighting bad people?” he held her hand tightly as they strolled on the sidewalk.
    She smiled and went quiet for a moment. “He’s not fighting them anymore because he’s in a safer place now,” she ruffled his hair and sighed as confusion morphed in his face.
    “Where is that safer place? Can’t we go there? Can’t I see father?” Cecilia was saved from answering when they turned at the corner of the school. Kokoy was distracted when they came across his classmates whom he talked to enthusiastically.
    Their conversation brought her back to what happened the other day and she was tempted to not let her son go to school anymore. Maybe she could tell his teachers that he would be gone for a day, but the excitement on his face forced her to let him be. She was worried for nothing and maybe, it was the hot weather that day that caused the hallucinations.
    It was just impossible. Eight years have passed yet a familiar-looking back can easily haunt her memories.
    ***
    It was extremely hot that day and the cold stream of water didn’t help. Cecilia wiped the sweat from her forehead with an arm and rinsed the shirt she was washing, the remnants of soap mixing in with the clear water.
    “He’s been looking at you Ces,” her friend, Clara, mentioned, before gesturing at a group of men which arrived a few minutes ago. They seemed to be fishing and building a bonfire but Cecilia paid them no heed when they arrived half an hour ago. She needed to finish doing the laundry fast because she still had to cook for dinner.
    “Who?” she threw a glance at the group and caught Harry’s eyes. A shiver run down her back.
    She broke their eye contact and wrung the shirt off excess water before putting it on the pile of clean clothes. She picked the metal basin up and ignored Clara’s protest as to why she was leaving her alone and told her a quick apology before going on her way.
    The rocks were slippery but she tiptoed her way slowly, stepping on each with familiarity. She thought she had successfully evaded him but she was wrong. Someone was following her. Cecilia can clearly hear the heavy steps behind her and she quickened her pace.
    “Cecilia, wait up.” She halted and grumbled. She should have walked faster. Now she could not give out the excuse that she didn’t hear him.
    Harry was smiling at her when she turned but she just looked at him blankly, waiting for what he was about to say.
    “Do you need any help with that?” he gestured at the basin full of clothes, which she perched up on her waist for support.
    She shook her head before turning around. If someone sees them and tells her parents or siblings, she would be in trouble.
    “Hey,” he jogged up to her until he’s blocking her way.
    “Are you avoiding me?” he asked slowly. She lowered her gaze and was amazed once again by how tall he is.
    “You are,” he sported an awkward grin before snatching the basin out of her hands.
    She squawked indignantly and attempted to get it back but he raised it to his head, which was nowhere Cecilia’s reach.
    “I have to go home,” she said worriedly. She thought of jumping for it but the clothes might slip down the ground and she didn’t want to wash it again.
    “I’ll walk you,” he started to lead the way.
    Cecilia panicked and grabbed his arm. “No!” she said in a raised voice which made Harry’s brows shoot up, confused.
    “Please give it back.”
    The soldier