Fit the Puzzle (Azcona Cousins #3)

09

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Chapter 09

I was wrapped on a thick blanket of conscience. I overheard Kuya Alex and Papa talking about Brent Iverson's condition right after we had our dinner.

Malala pala ang naging food allergy reaction niya. I've heard that he had to use oxygen equipment to alleviate the shortness of his breath. He was advised to get admitted for the meantime so that attending physicians can properly monitor him.

I went home earlier than usual. Kulang na lang yata ay makiusap ako sa teacher namin para paikliin ang lesson niya. Sasama kasi ako kay Kuya Alex sa pagbisita. We have to abide by strict visiting hours. Nabalitaan kong malaki ang shares ng mga Azcona sa ospital na pupuntahan namin kaya paniguradong nasa isang mamahaling private room siya.

Inabot kami ng trapik sa daan. My brother had to take the shortcut so we could still have time to visit Brent Iverson. When I jumped out of our car, I was holding a basket of fresh fruits and an apology letter.

Gumawa ako ng isang informal letter sa kanya. I hope he wouldn't give a damn if he'd notice some incorrect usage of words. I crammed my message so I am pretty sure that there are errors.

I stated in my letter that I am truly sorry for being insensitive.

But a part of it was actually his fault! Why would he eat such a kind of food in the first place?!

'Di kasi ako naniniwalang nalimutan niya na may ganoon siyang kondisyon. Imposible naman masyado 'yon!

I wrote my message on a pale pink stationary paper and put it inside a nice envelope. I sealed it with a cute sticker. Those were the things available in my drawer and I had no time to purchase a formal one. Ang pangit naman kung ilalagay ko sa puting sobre. It'd look so boring.

Sana h'wag na lang niyang pansinin ang medyo pambabae at pambatang disenyo ng gamit ko. Ang mahalaga naman ay maipahayag ko nang tama ang mensahe.

My brother was the first one who marched towards the white door. The antiseptic scent smoothly filled my nostrils. I inhaled deeply to store the scent in my not-so-healthy lungs. Weird as may it seems, but I do like the smell of hospitals.

Nasa tabi lamang ako ng aking kapatid nang matagumpay niyang pinihit ang doorknob.

"You shouldn't impress someone by killing yourself, Brent," iyon agad ang bumungad na mga salita sa amin.

"Shut up. I was not impressing somebody," the guy in a hospital gown hissed.

The door clicked when I pulled the doorknob to close it. Pareho naman silang tumigil dahil sa biglaan naming pagsulpot.

Kuya Atlas was sitting on the hospital bed where Brent Iverson was currently resting. Ang isang binti ay nakataas pa at mayroong hawak na mansanas. On the other hand, his brother was busy manipulating his iPad, as if he was sketching something.

The way they turned their heads was abrupt. Nakita ko pa ang kaunting pagsilay ng galak sa mukha ni Kuya Atlas.

"Kumusta?"

Bumagsak ang tingin ko sa hawak na basket. Umurong ako para bigyan ng espasyo si Kuya Alex na unang bumati sa dalawang Azcona.

"Alex," namamaos na tugon ni Brent Iverson sa kapatid ko.

"Ah, sinama ko si Zian dito... may ibibigay raw siya. 'Wag niyo sanang masamain."

I sensed that it was for Kuya Atlas.

"No, no... it's okay! I am really expecting my hipag to come一 ouch!"

I ascended my head as anxiousness soared too.