Chichi

In a small, town in the Philippines, two children formed a bond that would shape their lives forever. He was three, and she was two, but even at such a young age, their connection was undeniable. They spent their days playing, laughing, and exploring the world together. He called her “Chichi,” because he couldn’t pronounce her real name at the time but this is a name that stuck with her as they grew.

As the years passed, their friendship deepened. They were inseparable, holding hands and sharing dreams. He promised to protect her, and she believed in him with all her heart. They imagined their future, with him proclaiming he would be a hero and her determined that she would be a doctor. A Doctor of Children. They laughed at their dreams, not knowing that life had different plans.
When they were seven and six, Chichi’s family moved away. The day she left, he felt an emptiness that he couldn’t understand. It was as if a part of him had been taken away, leaving a void that nothing could fill. He tried to move on, but the memory of her lingered, casting a shadow over his heart.
Years went by, and he grew up as everyone said he would—big, healthy, and smart. But no one knew, not even him, the sadness he carried inside, deep within his heart. He remembered the feel of her small hands in his, the way she held him tight with all her might. Those memories were etched in his mind, a reminder of a love he didn’t fully comprehend at the time.

One day, he received a letter from Chichi. She wrote about her life, how she had excelled in school and grown into a confident young woman. She included a picture of herself with her baby brother, looking tall, dark, and bright. Seeing her so happy and successful brought a mix of emotions—joy for her achievements and a deep longing for the past.

He remembered how they had prayed for her to have a brother, down on their knees, begging God as they were taught to do in their Christian school. Now, seeing her with her brother, he felt a bittersweet satisfaction. She had moved on, but the memories of their time together remained vivid in his mind.
As the years continued to pass, he realized that time doesn’t wait, and life goes on. They had gone their separate ways, each finding their own path. Coming to terms with this, he knew she would be fine in someone else’s arms, but in his heart, she would always be his Chichi.