ET2: Through The Storm

Chapter 27

Crystal Dwight's POV

Paika-ika akong pumasok ng bahay dahil masakit ang paa. Sabi ni Doc Zack kanina ay minor injury lamang ito at ilang araw ay gagaling din ito. 

"Dwight, anak?" My mother looked at me, worried. "Anong nangyari sa'yo?"

"Ah, wala ito, ma," I replied, lively. "Natapilok lang po ako kanina habang kumukuha ng interview." Tumungo na ako sa maliit naming sofa at naupo. My body felt so exhausted. 

Dahan-dahang humakbang si mama at naupo sa tabi ko. Nakakalakad na si mama gamit ang saklay ngunit kung wala ito ay natutumba pa rin talaga siya. And she can't walk that long. Sampung minuto lamang ang pinakamatagal na nakakayanan ni mama.

"Ma, don't force yourself po muna," I uttered, worried. "Baka imbes na mag-improve, eh, ibang balita ang matanggap natin, ma."

Marahan akong binatukan ni mama. "Sus, batang ito." She laughed. "Strong kaya itong mama mo."

We both chuckled. I leaned closer and rested my head on her shoulder. It's indeed. A mother's embrace would always be the safest zone of their children.

"Ang anak ko naglalambing." She caressed my hair. "Hindi ka ba nilalambing ng Ryle mo?" She asked in teasing tone.

"Ma!" I raised my head, pleading to stop teasing me.

I just heard her chuckles but no words followed from her.

"Ma?" I began, softly. 

"Hmm?" She responded, still rubbing my hair.

"Ryle is. . . " I hesitated, embarrassed. But, I think I need to tell her about it.

"Boyfriend mo na?" she halted me with excitement in her tone.

I lifted my head and fixed myself on my seat. I nodded. "Opo."

"Then, I am happy for both of you, anak. Alam ko naman na alam niyo pareho ang priorities niyo sa bahay," she stated, cheerfully. 

"Ma, thank you po, ah," I mumbled with tears began to glimmer in my eyes. 

"Anak, may sasabihin sana ako." Her mood changes. 

"Ano po iyon, ma?"

"Nakausap namin ang doctor kanina at nirecommend niya na sa isang sikat sa hospital sa Maynila ipagpatuloy ang pagpapagaling ko."

"Po? Maynila? Pumayag po kayo?" I asked consecutively. 

She slowly nodded. "Hmm."

"Ah?"

My mom held both of my hands. 

"Anak, huwag kang mag-alala. Kasama ko naman si Levia. Nag-take siya ng leave dahil nami-miss niya na raw si Zyah," she explained. 

"Ma. . . " 

"Anak, mabuti naman ito, hindi ba? Baka ito na nag daan sa tuluyang kong paggaling. Hindi mo ba gusto iyon?"

I fought back with my tears but I felt too weak and was defeated by them. My heart aches hearing that my mother will be away. 

"Ma, syempre gusto ko pong tuluyan kayong makalakad. Gustong-gusto." I sobbed. "Pero ma, lalayo po kayo, eh. Ma, sasama po ako sa inyo."

"Anak." She sighed. "Kailangan mong pumasok sa trabaho mo anak. Saka kasama ko naman ang kapatid ko, 'nak."

Pinunasan ko ang mga luhang umaagos sa pisngi ko. "Ma. . ."

"Dwight, anak, don't cry. Pangako na babalik ako na nakakalakad na ako gamit ang mga paa ko. Wala ng wheelchair o saklay."

I hugged my mother tightly. "I love you, mama."