Roots
— They say it's the hardest job
But wasn't it their responsibility?
Their the parents.
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"Apollo!"
"Dad, what is this? Kayo ang nag-utos na saksakin si Elos?"
"That kid, Apollo is not good for you. Hindi naman din kita pinipigilang mamili ng babae riyan a."
"Dad, hindi ko gusto ang kahit sinong babaeng ipakilala niyo. Hindi niyo ba maintindihan?"
"Apollo, walang baklang sundalo. Hindi mo rin ba maintindihan yun?"
"Ayoko pong maging sundalo!"
"Apollo!"
"Elos?"
"What is that kid doing here, Apollo?" He watched his father get a gun from his cabinet and went outside. He knew he saw danger there and then.
"Elos, what are you doing here? Baby..."
"Apollo, I am telling you you won't like how things will turn out if you keep dating that kid."
"Elos, ang sabi ko'y umuwi ka na. Talagang nagpunta ka pa rito."
"Father, I love him. Please... kahit eto na lang."
"Dad, fine. I'll be a soldier. Basta hayaan niyo na lang po kami, please."
Both were facing their fathers. The tears that kept gushing down their eyes didn't change a thing. Their fathers stood there, unfazed with the sight of their sons kneeling on the ground.
"Tumayo ka riyan, Elos Yilmarez! Huwag kang umiyak sa harap ko dahil hindi pa ako patay!"
"Dad, just this once."
"Stand there, and bid your goodbye to him. Wala kayong mapapala sa kung anumang kamangmang 'to, Apollo."
"Dad, please." Apollo stood, and went to Elos who was rubbing his palms together, still crying.
"Elos ko, you shouldn't have come here. Baby, its fine for me if you have to end our story there."
"I waited like how the moon did to the sun, Apollo. Even if he knew he won't see him after the night of waiting."
