It's been raining slash drizzling nonstop since this morning. I woke up and found myself snuggled under my blanket, enjoying the cool chilly breeze that wafted from the windows. The curtains flapped gently, and the sun had not risen yet. Outside, the sky was dark and gloomy. No birds twittering about, just the sound of the rain drops pitter-pattering on the roof.

At first, I didn't feel like going back to sleep. I love it when it rains. The cool weather it brings us, just the right temperature for me. I love stormy, rainy days too. I enjoy sitting on the window seat; watching the rain and swaying trees, with a mug of warm milk or a bowl of noodle soup in your hands, and occasionally hearing the thunder. It sounds very cozy.

I stared at the ceiling for the longest time, trying to go back to sleep. I mean, it was only 4 or 5am. I had a few more hours. I couldn't go back to sleep, so I got my phone and texted everyone that it was my best friend Joaquin Nacpil's birthday, and that we should show importance by greeting him.

After that, I fell asleep. I didn't wake up until 12nn. It was still raining. So anyway, like I said, it's Joaquin's 16th birthday today. I've known him for the longest time, and he's one of my really good friends. When I first met him, I thought he was older. That's cause he's REALLY tall, and mature-looking. Turns out, I was older than him by a year or so. He's an awesome person, because you can talk to him about ANYTHING. Sometimes he doesn't completely understand, but he tries to. And he'll always have your back. He does wonderful sacrificial things, and he's totally compassionate (unlike me) and open.

I thank him for being the coolest friend ever, and for being so supportive of me. He usually calls during exams, and I tend to snap at him for calling because I was busy studying and panicking, but he manages to turn the conversation around and I end up having a good time. He helps me review via phone (kid's really smart) and stuff like that.

Now I know that I wasn't exactly a good friend to him, because I always snap at him when I'm in a crabby mood, but he really doesn't seem to mind. I apologize after of course, but I know that I've hurt his feelings. I'm sorry about that, and I resolve to be a better friend. Many Happy Returns, Joaquin Nacpil. Thank you for just being you. You have a wonderful disposition. May God bless you and your family, and may he give you many more birthdays to come.