Unexpected bonding 🫶🏻✨

Last night, the most unexpected thing happened: my cousin from Dubai suddenly arrived in the Philippines. I had no idea he was coming home. He had only mentioned in a chat that he would be back, but he didn't specify when, so I was completely surprised when he appeared at our gate, holding a box of donuts.

I was overjoyed to see him. Out of all my cousins, he's the one I'm closest to. Back when he hadn't moved to Dubai, we were practically inseparable. I spent countless hours at their house, playing games and enjoying their company. I even relied on them for help with my modules during my senior high school years. We shared a bond that transcended the usual cousinly connection—it was a friendship forged in shared laughter, late-night talks, and the comfort of knowing we had each other's backs.

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As soon as he arrived, we caught up on everything. It felt like no time had passed at all. We talked about all the things he missed about the Philippines, the familiar smells of street food, the warmth of the sun, the vibrant energy of the city, the comforting rhythm of life that he had left behind. He shared stories about his life in Dubai, the bustling cosmopolitan city, the towering skyscrapers, the desert landscapes, the multicultural melting pot that was a world away from our quiet town.

He also chatted with my mom, who was equally surprised and delighted to see him. They exchanged stories and reminisced about the past—a time when he was a mischievous child, always getting into trouble, but always with a twinkle in his eye. He gave us all his "pasalubong." If you're not familiar with the term, "pasalubong" refers to gifts that people bring back from their travels to share with their family and friends. It's usually something like chocolates, snacks, or souvenirs from the country they visited. My cousin, ever thoughtful, had brought back a variety of treats—dates from the Middle East, exotic spices, and even a small, intricately carved wooden box from a local market.

After catching up, my cousin mentioned that he needed some cash because he wanted to go grocery shopping. It was late, and I suggested that he should have gone to the mall earlier, but he said he thought it would still be open. He decided to try his luck.

Unfortunately, he couldn't find any stores open that late that would cash out money. He asked if he could borrow some from me, and of course, I said yes. He then asked if I wanted to go grocery shopping with him, and I was happy to tag along.

We headed to the town mall, a familiar place filled with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and the clinking of shopping carts. It was a place where we had spent countless hours together, browsing the aisles, trying on clothes, and sharing secrets whispered between shelves. We bought some things he needed—basic necessities, toiletries, and some local snacks that he couldn't find in Dubai. We also picked up some treats for his niece and siblings, knowing that a little surprise would brighten their day.

Then, something unexpected happened at the cashier. He asked if they accepted Gcash, a popular mobile wallet app in the Philippines. The cashier said yes, but the signal inside the mall was incredibly slow, and he couldn't access his Gcash account. He had to use his credit card instead.

The same thing happened at Watson's, a pharmacy and beauty store. We were both starting to feel a little frustrated. But this time, the mall suddenly experienced a brownout. The lights flickered, then went out completely, plunging the mall into darkness. It was a sudden and unexpected event, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life.

It took a while for the power to come back on, and the card swiping machine wasn't working yet. My cousin didn't have any cash, and we couldn't withdraw any because it was payday and the ATM machines would be crowded with people.

He decided to void all his purchases and we left the mall. We were both a little deflated, but we decided to make the best of it. We stopped by the Jollibee drive-thru near Sands, a popular fast-food chain in the Philippines. We ordered some burgers and fries, a familiar comfort food that always brought a smile to our faces.

After that, we went to the Metro Mall to withdraw some cash. The ATM machines were indeed crowded, but we managed to get through the line. Finally, we were able to get some cash and head back to Jollibee.

We ordered some food and found a table near the window, enjoying the view of the bustling street outside. While we were waiting for our order, I noticed a cute guy. He was tall and handsome, with a charming smile. I couldn't see his name tag because my glasses were useless. I don't know why I still wear them, but they're the only ones I have, so I just keep using them. My cousin, however, managed to see his name tag. He thought it said "Roel" or "Noel," but he wasn't sure.

After we finished ogling the cute guy, our food arrived, and we ate. We talked and laughed, catching up on old times and sharing stories about our lives. We were both happy to be together, enjoying each other's company after so long.

When we were finished, we left and went our separate ways. My cousin went to his sister's house, and I went home.

It was a night filled with surprises, laughter, and a touch of frustration with the mall's power outage and slow internet. But it was also a night that reminded me how much I cherish the company of my family, even when they show up unexpectedly with a box of donuts and a need for cash.

The unexpected visit from my cousin was a reminder of the beauty of life's little surprises, the joy of reconnecting with loved ones, and the importance of cherishing the moments we have together. It was a night that I will never forget, a night that reminded me of the simple joys of life, the warmth of family, and the unexpected adventures that life throws our way.