waiting at the usual place — a cassette tape for patrick

A personal message on this cassette for patrick

ang hirap mong kausapin pag stressed ka. i tried checking in three times this week and every reply felt like you were already halfway out the door. i know work is eating you alive but i'm not asking for essays, just a sign that you still want me in the room. last friday i waited at the usual place thinking maybe you'd show. you didn't. i ate alone and it tasted like nothing. miss the version of you that still made time even when things were heavy