"I'll be gone for a month okay? I just have to fix some stuffs." Ani niya habang naka-akap sa beywang ko mula sa likod at hinalikan ako sa leeg pagkatapos magpaalam. Ako naman ay nagpupumilit na kontrolin ang pagtatampo.
Bagsak ang balikat na napabuga para pakawalan ang matinding bigat sa dibdib sa sobrang pagkadismaya. I badly want him to stay but I have to accept the fact that I have no choice. I remained standing while facing on a transparent glass wall with a good overview of a mini forest as as an idea build up in my mind before I finally come up with something to say.
"Okay, I guess. But can I at least try to feed Hilda?" I asked before finally turning around to face him and use my pleading eyes to persuade him to give me permission. Nanlaki naman ang mga mata niya at agad na napabaling sa salamin at bumalik sa akin bago umiling habang puno ng pag-aalala ang mukha, "Please? I'll be bored as hell in this gorilla temple of yours if I do nothing."
Agad na nawala ang pagkawindang niya at hindi napigilan ang ngumiti, "Gorilla Temple?" He chuckled as he finds it silly and accurately funny, "Look, there are fresh fruits bearing inside the cage sweetheart. You can watch him eat but don't even dare to get in. Gorillas tend to act dangerously when they panic so its risky. He's not familiar with you so he might hurt you without my supervision." He warned in a concern yet sweet tone before lowering to my shoulder giving a quick kiss in my cheek then he glances at the huge glass wall again.
"Just let Hilda eat his stocks inside the cage. When I get back, I'll introduce you to him and then we'll feed him together okay?" Ani niya sa malambing na boses habang hindi pa rin kumakawala sa pagkakayakap sa akin. Now here I am, smitten and wrapped around his finger, nodded as a reply before watching him walk away while carrying the big luggage I fixed last night.
I was expecting for a romantic vacation when we arrived here since he assured me that our first moment as a married couple will be unforgettable. Looks like his work is a mistress of some sort, acting like a snake in our garden who doesn't want us to be happy. It will be a month for me sleeping in a cold bed and its making me miss him already. I really don't want to stay here for too long without anything to do or anyone to talk to but I'd rather wait than exceeding more effort to fight my fear of hights and get in a helicopter four times. If I get crazy then I'll just swim out of the island to follow him.
Nang makaalis na siya at tumahimik ang buong paligid, balak ko na sanang dumiretso na lang sa kuwarto kung saan pwede akong kumain at manood ng pelikula para diretso na akong matulog pero hindi maalis ang mga mata ko sa loob ng kulungan na animo'y gubat sa loob ng bahay. There's something about it that catches my eyes totally and makes me wonder of different things. What could that gorilla be possibly doing right now? Is he eating those bearing fruits that my husband told me?
I watched intently and waited for a minute before finally seeing the crawling giant hairy Hilda, the infamous Western Lowland Gorilla that my husband owns. Nakatingin ito sa paligid at hinahayaan na daanan ang balahibo niya ng hangin habang seryoso at tahimik. His big fury body shows how mighty and strong he is as his feet and knuckles step to the ground while wandering the whole cage. I observed every detail about him even when he scratches that big silver buttocks of him. I am always amazed by how this big monkey can just take my breath away out of amusement.
The thought of touching his muscular and hairy body won't just get out of my head. Its taking all the spaces in my mind and any time, I think it will explode. Its like my hands are craving for the gorilla's skin texture and the curiosity dominating my whole system's at fault.
"Hello Hilda." I whispered while trying to control myself from walking through the titanium-made door to open the cage and just run my fingers on the glass  to make me feel ease. But I don't feel satisfied at all. Nothing helps and all I have in mind now is one thing.
"Mind having a naughty visitor big guy?"
***
Disclaimer: Please be informed that the setting of this story revolves around the country of origin of the author. The system, culture, and characteristics of the fictional characters are inspired by real lifestyle in the Philippines. The story is translated in English to reach more views.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Date Published: June 30, 2021
Date Ended:
Cover Design © Ruth Villalon