The Conversation of Leticia and Tikboy

        The Asylum story of Kahlil Gibran at Paolo Coelho's Blog reminded me of the "classic" encounter of Leticia and Tikboy years back.

        Leticia is a well known character in rural Balete. She is one of those "itinerant" mentally sick people roaming about the town's small urban area. What made her standout from among the rest is her genial and engaging personality. Tikboy on the other hand was an organic member of the community's peacekeeping force. He was equally popular for being a huge man with a small soprano voice. He is now retired and has devoted his life to farming.

A view of the town of Balete from the Municipal Cemetery. (A sketch done in 4 January 1999)
        Now, about the so called "classic" conversation these two characters had when Tikboy was still on active duty. He was manning the station one summer afternoon when there and about came Leticia with her characteristic grin flashing her yellow brownish teeth in full glory.

        "Hi there!", she addressed Tikboy. The policeman just ignored her and continued with his preoccupations.
        "Oi, he's grumpy today!", added Leticia, still smiling.
        "Hey, why just go home and leave me in peace? Iya ka't ing magpaepakaumangon! (Stop fooling around, would you!)
        "Heh, huo ay maeumo magpaepakaumangon!" (Bah, what make you think fooling around is easy business?), she rebutted and left the place in a victorious mood.

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