Song of the Wind

Kabanata 40

Hello, everyone! This will be the last chapter of Cybele and Sandro's story. I am happy that I was able to impart to you some of the deepest feelings I've long to express. Thank you for listening.

It's hard to face our family for there are times they would gaslight us or assume something bad about us. And then there comes a time when they treasure us as precious gems. Indeed, our relationship with our family is conflicting. Living a paradoxical life is not a joke. If you're one of the people who suffer from that burden, know that there is someone who is also grieving for you. I hope that this story has somehow validated what you feel.

For Sandro's POV (Wakas), it might take me some time to finish it, so please wait. Thank you and take care! Love you, babe!

---

Song

Gusto nang kumawala ng puso ko sa sobrang lakas nitong tumalon. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay ni Sandro sa sinabi niya kay Mommy.

He just confessed that he is eager to marry me! Ni hindi ko nga masabi kay Mommy ang tungkol kay Sandro dahil kailangan kong isipin ang nararamdaman niya.

And marriage! We are talking about marriage already! Ganoon ba siya kasigurado sa akin? Marriage is not something to be taken lightly. There is a difference between wanting marriage and wanting a wedding. I do dream of having a wedding but a married life? I am still scared.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin kay Sandro. He sensed that I looked at him so he directed his attention to me. Humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ko. He planted a kiss on my forehead. That made me close my eyes and feel the sensation of his kiss.

Sa tagal ko na ring pinangarap na magkaroon ng payapang buhay, hindi naman siguro masamang sumugal? Within those eight years of living in solitude in a waterfall valley, despite the tranquility, I still couldn't find the peace I longed to achieve. Mayroon pang nakadagan sa akin, at iyon ang tungkol sa nakaraan ko kay Sandro.

I knew I have to talk to him eventually. I want to hear his side. Now that I've heard him and he had heard me, I would be lying to myself that not once did I feel a connection and longing for him. Gusto ko siya noon pa. Mas lalo lang na depina ngayon dahil ngayon, mas ramdam ko ang sinseridad niya. Hindi na ako tulad noon na lagi siyang iniiwasan. I just find myself enjoying his company each day we spend together.

Noong ilang linggo kaming nagkahiwalay, hindi ako mapakali na wala siya sa tabi. Para bang natural na na nasa tabi ko siya palagi. His warmth gives me peace. I am incomplete without him.

Natatakot akong nag-angat ng tingin kay Mommy. Nakita ko lang nagtaas siya ng isang kilay niya sa akin bago bumaling kay Sandro.

"For how long?" Tanong ni Mommy kay Sandro.

Parang nahugot ang hininga ko sa kritikal na pagtingin ni Mommy. Akala mong terror teacher!

"For a month, Madame."

Laglag ang panga ni Mommy at lumingon sa katabi niyang si Tito Max. Marahas na tinampal ni Mommy ang ama ni Sandro kaya napangiwi sa sakit si Tito.

"Bakit ako?!"

"Ang lahi mo talaga, Maximillian, magaling mang-akit!"

Napaismid si Tito Max kay Mommy. He shrugged his shoulder as if he is bragging about something and that it is a cool fact.

Napabuntong-hininga lang si Mommy at 'tsaka tumingin sa amin ni Sandro. She look stoic and scary. She has always been like that.

"You want to marry my daughter? Prove to me your worth." Napahalukipkip si Mommy at napasandal sa kanyang upuan.