“Neng, wala na si Bernard.”

A message I got from Kate.

My hands was shaking while trying to confirm the news. I tried calling his number but his mobile was turned off.

Bernard was my constant date and whenever I feel blue he was just a call away. He helped me organize Navidad party for Yuppeace – this is the time that we really bonded.

The night of the party he was so happy with his newly purchased Celio long sleeves only to find out that it looked like what the waiters wore. He insisted that he still stands out (from the waiters) because I was beside him.

Bernard is one of Vs GodParent. He insisted to sit in the front row during the baptism ceremony. He was part of my family.

Wednesday night Coy found old photos and videos of Yuppeace activities and we talked about Bernard. I told myself that I’ll call him the following day but I never did.

We always have lunch or sit down for coffee whenever we went home for vacation. This year he invited us to have lunch at his favorite restaurant in Marikina – Cafe Lydia. We didn’t bother to take any photo.

As we all walk to our cars and said goodbye I said ” Naks naman Pre! John Lloyd na John Lloyd porma mo ah!”

He replied with a laugh paused and gave me his sweet shy smile.

Lunch at Cafe Lydia with V, LittleMiss, daddy C and me is was the last happy memory my family have of him.

I will miss you my John Lloyd. You will always and forever be in my heart.