It was raining outside the road of Santa Lucia Mall. It was five 0’clock in the afternoon and everyone’s day has just ended. There was heavy traffic outside, people with their coats and umbrella, some placing their bags over their head attempting not to get wet just to get home.
While others were eager to go home, some chose to stay in the mall and enjoy hanging out with their friends, dining in at their favorite restaurants, or playing arcade games. It was a place where nice people enjoy themselves and have fun. The mall was not a place for unfriendly people, people like William Francisco. Will, is currently in his sophomore year at Narra University majoring in Biology. A course he definitely did not like. But he did not like any course, really. His parents wanted him to become a doctor. He agreed to the idea since he really didn’t know where else to go.
Will walked around looking for a place where he could just sit and let his mind wonder or observe people. He found a place to sit at the Food Court on the Ground floor. He sat down with his bag in front of him and tried to sit comfortably. And then does what he usually do - looking at families eating, kids playing, couples cuddling, friends laughing hysterically - The same old things he thought. He was tired of people, and obviously didn’t like them.
As he was keenly observing people, seizing them up, finding faults, supporting his philosophy that mankind in its core is pure evil and everything they do has a self-serving motive. Henry, one of two of his only friends, sat down in front of Will and greeted him “Who are you sniping at this time?”
Will looked at him and set his eyes back at the group of College kids, around the same age as them. “Look at these people, laughing at someone’s idiotic jokes; probably talking about how one of them got wasted the other night and puked all over the place.” Will observed. “That’s the extent of their great plans in life. ‘Where to party next? Who they should invite?’ ”
“What about you?” Henry said.
Will looked at him. “What about me?” Shrugged his shoulders and gave him a look as if he’s waiting for a good argument.
“You plan to change your major; you don’t even know what course you want. You’re no different than these people. At least they’re having a good time”. He argued. “You’re always looking for a sign or something dramatic to happen, like someone getting hit by bus before you could make a decision”.
“Want to volunteer? Coz’ I could really use a big sign right now.” Will rebutted. “I’d rather be with myself and think about anything else, than being with idiotic people who make you feel all warm and fuzzy.”
“What’s wrong with that?” Henry asked with distaste. “People make other people happy. It makes them feel that their life doesn’t have to always go downhill. You ought to try it some time. It will probably help with people thinking you’re not actually The Grinch. ”
“Being happy makes you feel content, it makes you feel that waking up every morning with a smile on your face is enough.”
They went on like this for a while. It has become a habit for these two to argue about everything since they were little. Pointing out each other’s mistake, highlighting the smallest flaw in their argument, and if you were to observe them, you would probably think the next step would be for them to exchange blows. But to those who know them well, they’re actually enjoying themselves.
After their heated debate, they finally paid attention to their stomach. They went to one of the food stores. Henry ordered food for both and paid for them since Will didn’t have any money with him, or wouldn’t spend it. In any case, Henry was used to this. They’ve been with each other for so long that being polite, exchanging pleasantries, asking permission, and the likes would translate to the other as a plot to gain something.
They went back to their table, and sat down, and ate. Around halfway through their meal Henry asked Will “Are you going to Armand’s wake later?”
“Armand?” Will asked as if it’s the first time he heard this name.
“Armand, our classmate at junior year in high school. You don’t remember him? Top of our class, wears glasses, a little hefty, fast swimmer.”
Will stared at him, as if to say he’s describing the color red to a blind man. Henry defeated, dropped his shoulders and rubbed his temples with his fingers. He was suddenly aware to whom he was talking to.
“Never mind, you’ll remember him when you see him” Henry continued. “You are coming, aren’t you?”
“Uh, no thanks. I have plans”
“No you don’t. You never have plans.” Henry argued.
“Oh my God, you caught me.” Replied Will, sarcastically. “Not interested. “
“Why not? It’s just a wake, everyone’s gonna be there.”
“Hmm, I guess for the same reasons I didn’t want to go to the past three hundred invitations to your hypocritical gatherings.” Will argued. “And ‘Everyone’s going to be there’?” Gave him a look as if it was the worst possible way to persuade him to do anything. “You really need to know your audience. ”
Henry shook his head. “Fine, I’ll just give you a ride home.” He said with a voice tired of explaining. It was impossible to reason with someone who has his mind already made up, Henry thought.
Will observed him suspiciously as Henry stood up, expecting another lecture about being with people will help him and that he needed it. There wasn’t. Something was up. But just he went with it. It was still raining and he needed a ride home.
They finally arrived at Henry’s car in the mall’s basement parking lot. It was a black 97’ Honda Civic that look like it just got a car wash. They got inside the car, Will still looking at him, looking for a hint that would tell him what he was up to. Henry turned on his radio and listen to music. He looked at Will and noticed his questioning face. “What?” Henry answered, trying to look offended by his accusing stare.
“You’ve no intention to drop me off at my place, don’t you?” Will asked with a grin, not expecting a real answer.
“That’s absurd! Why would I do such a thing?” Henry answered, not attempting to sound sincere.
They drove off. There was no use trying to escape now, Will decided. He’ll just have to endure this whole night at the wake. It’s going to be a long one, he thought. Another day wasted for Will, or is it? Looking back on this day, William confesses, marked the turning point of his life.
