this is how my sister loves me

i had my eyes closed in the darkened plane, talking with angels for a smooth and safe landing, and working forward in my mind to the next few days. suddenly there were grinding sounds and new movements that so surprised me, i clutched at sis. and she, seeing my fright and empathizing with it, said, "oh" and put her arms around me to comfort me.

i laughed, explaining that i thought we were still suspended in the air, circling over metro manila. and she said, "oh, poor you. i was wondering why you weren't happy we had landed."

a 747 lands differently from a smaller plane. no single thud but a lot of sounds. oh, poor me.

i had tears in my eyes from the ready and genuine sympathy of sister