“Kakayanin natin to,” I was comforting Phoebe as we are heading to the hospital para sumundo. “As much as it hurts to hold back, please don’t let her see your tears.” Phoebe can’t even talk she just keeps on sobbing.
After a few minutes we finally arrived at the hospital, nagpark agad ako at the nearest entrance to the building as possible. “We’re here.” Paalala ko kay Phoebe. “Take your time to fix yourself. Mauna na ako sa loob.” Tinanguan niya lamang ako at nagsimula ng mag-ayos ng sarili.
As I walked to the entrance napatingin ako sa buwan. The moon was glowing more than any night I’ve seen it glow. It made me calm down for a bit. Pumasok na ako sa loob ng hospital, sumakay sa elevator at dumiretso sa floor nila Laureen.
Nang makarating ay nakita ko si tito sa hallway, agad akong lumapit at nagmano sa kanya, kahit itago niya ay kitang kita ko ang mga luhang pilit niyang tinatago.
“Tito,” May pag-aalala kong tawag sa kanya matapos magmano.
“Hijo, please make her the happiest lady on this night.” Buong pusong pagsumamo niya sa akin, naiintindihan ko siya kahit hindi niya sabihin lahat. Tumango ako sa kanya at inalayan ng maliit na ngiti.
I heave a huge sigh before knocking on the door. Pagkabukas ng pinto ay nakita ko agad si Laureen who was looking out the window, looking up.
“Sa wakas, uuwi ka na.” Panimula ko habang unti unting lumalapit sa kanya, her aura right now was so enlightening, so gloomy.
“I’m happy, you know.” She spoke while still looking up at the night sky. Her voice held more tiredness than before, yet it resonates happiness.
“Let’s go na, tito is waiting outside. Sige ka, mapapagsabihan ka na naman non na mabagal ka.” Pag-aya ko sa kanya at inalalayan siyang maglakad upang maka-upo sa wheelchair.
“You know, Ayden... I haven’t thanked you for everything...” Her voice sounds so fragile like her, who’s seating down a wheelchair.
“Wag mong simulan yan, Ree. Kundi sa hagdan ko idadaan tong wheelchair mo pababa.” I said as I try to avoid the topic and conversation. I heard her small giggle.
“Grabe ka naman! Edi wag.” Sabi niya. “Nasan nga pala si Bee?”
“Kasama ko kanina, ang sabi magsi-cr lang kaso ewan ko na ba, baka sinaraduhan na ng pinto ng cr.” With that I heard her small giggle again. Napakababaw talaga ng kaligayahan ng isang to.
We were escorted by some nurses palabas at papunta ng sasakyan. Then we saw tito and Phoebe on the entrance, they quickly smiled when they saw us coming.
“Bee!” Mahinang pagtawag ni Laureen kay Phoebe na agad din namang lumapit dito. “Akala ko di mo na ako susunduin eh!” Pabiro nitong bati habang magkayakap sila.
“Gaga! Pwede ba yon?” Phoebe broke the hug and held Laureen’s hand. “Tara na, uwi na tayo.”
“Kay tatay ako sasabay ha?” She looked up at me who was pushing her wheelchair.
“Of course, kailangan mong sabayan si tito, baka mali na naman ang malikuan na kanto yan eh.” Pabiro kong sabi sa kaniya. Sabay sabay naman silang natawa dahil doon.
Once we’ve reached tito’s car, agad naming siyang inalalayang tumayo at makasakay sa passenger's seat. “Salamat, hijo.” Pasasalamat ni tito sa akin pagkasara ng pintuan para kay Laureen. “Oh paano? Mauna kayo at kayo na ang susundan namin.”
“Tito...” Pagsingit ni Phoebe na nanginginig ang boses. “Play her favorite songs po ha? Kantahan niyo po siya. She always tells me how she loves it kapag nagdu-duet kayo.” With that her tears started to fall, mabuti nalamang at nakaharang si tito sa bintana ni Laureen.
