Queen Of Damn

CHAPTER 41 (Rainy Days) Part 2

*Reina*

"We're really sorry for your loss,"

Someone touched my shoulder and spoke those words. I just looked through them. A couple, one of my father's friends.

"Be strong, Reina." the guy gently patted my shoulder.

They just walked towards the coffin to look at my sister, for one last time.

The crowd inside the chapel of the hospital was getting thick, many had dropped by to give their thoughts and offered condolences to me. I just remained muted time after time. And every minute passing is hard, thinking I'll be all alone—again.

May mga pumasok na ilang kakilala ko, mga anak ng doctor at mga kamag-anak ng malalapit na kaibigan ni Dad. Mga business friends and colleagues, giving me a sad, worried face.

Ate Rossanne was with me but I never felt so alone in my life.

She was at the entrance, offering a seat and talking to the people before entering.

I motioned my head to look at her, she was engrossed in a chat with one of the senior doctors, the head doctor of the neurology department.

Then some folks I hardly know. They were just coming by, taking a glance at my once lively and cheerful sister, now lying inside her black, ornated with silver and gold linings, cushioned coffin, giving an unhappy, tortured smile. She looked different to my eyes.

She'd experienced a lot from a very young age, tied in medication throughout her youthful years, she'd spent more time in the hospital than school or in our house, didn't live long to experience life, to have a normal life, cut short by this sudden death, scarred by a trauma, severely damaged and corrupted by the devil, that man.

My hands curled into tight fists. I will make him pay. I promise I won't let him get away this time.

"It's a good thing you make it early, Mom."

"How is she holding up?"

I didn't have to cast my eyes, that was Tita Theresa.

Silent whispers, steady gaze then heavy sighs.

"She's in shock, kahapon pa siya ganyan,"

Then I continued to remain indifferent, letting the people come and go without any word coming out of my mouth.

I just stared out of the glass ceiling, for almost an hour or two.

Then someone patted my back. I gave an indolent glance. Seeing the weary smile of Tita Theresa then held me inside her embrace. "Things will be fine, you'll be fine,"

I didn't bother to reply, letting her caress my back then continued giving me words of encouragement.

"Just always remember, we are just right here for you." then placing a kiss on my temple.

I didn't move nor speak, just absolute silence. Sighing, she looked at someone, newcomers arriving. She stood, greeting them. Both ladies hugged each other.

"Theresa, we're sorry, Mauro can't make it," a lady, around 40s said, giving me a side glance. "How is she?"

"Not good in speaking terms she's still in shock, she's super close to her sister,"

The lady turned her warm gaze at me. "Can I?"

"Sure," Tita Theresa gave way, stepping aside.

Clearing her throat, the somewhat familiar lady sat next to me. "I'm deeply sorry for your loss and suffering," she opened, taking my hand and gently squeezing. "My deep condolences to you,"