I don’t usually believe other people’s words about me, about what they think of me or what role they think they play in my story—but I eventually learned to trust their goodbyes. I just stopped asking why one day. I guess I’ve come to see how this world is so busy, and how it’s not as little as they all say it is. It’s big, just like our dreams, and time does come when there’s nothing else to do but burn bridges so we can build more or make some turns. So we can focus on things that matter most, or those who really care. We just can’t keep everyone in our bubble, and most of the time, they’ve already kept us out of theirs, anyway. That’s just how it is. 

That’s why when people say goodbye, I believe them. I accept it with an open heart, knowing so well that if I ever come across them again somewhere, be it on a busy street or a cozy cafe, I got good stories to tell if they’re up to it.

—Jun Mark Patilan