They said saying goodbye the second time around would be easier... maybe it was as I knew of things to come, knew what it was like being back at home and back to my life... yes, it was easier in that sense... but the pain of leaving was no less... it may have even hurt more.

In my head, I didn't know what I wanted. A part of me was saying to just leave and not let my friends see me off... another part of me was wishing so bad that they come as quick as possible.

At about 5:15 Pat, Jacq and Alex finally arrived at the hotel. We had 45 minutes before I had to go. I was so glad to see them and yet I could not utter a single word. I just looked at them... looking down and sad. I needed not to explain how I was feeling, the look on my face painted all what I wanted to say.

We had some final pictures and they helped me with my luggage as the bus parked outside the Marco Polo Prince. Then Pat stuck his hand out for a shake along with his goodbye. As I shook his hand he patted me and then Jacq and Alex hugged me. I never felt so safe and happy anywhere else in the world in that group hug. I didn't want to let go... but I knew I had to.

I sat by the window seat inside the bus and they still stayed outside looking on. Right then it was glass that separated us and in a few hours it will an ocean, time and space. There was nothing I could do but stare, hold on to them inside of me.

As the bus slowly moved, we waved our goodbyes. The scenery of Hong Kong slowly moved past me faster and faster... just like how the last 4 days went in a blur... The heavy feeling inside beared on me more and more... Soon a tear fell and I just wiped my eyes dry.

At the airport, I felt a little better. There is a reason why God gave me these friends, this experience and the blessing of letting me be with them once more for 4 days... There is a reason why I should go back to Manila... but no matter what I know soon, I will be back with my friends... I just know it.