Peace of the Heart (Cacher Series #1)

Kabanata 44

Kabanata 44

(TW: sexual harrassment)

Divine

Forgiveness.

I do believe that this is not just a basic word. It takes time, healing, courage, and power to forgive. And when you forgive, you are ready to forget. To give everyone the peace of mind that they have been seeking. To complete the character development that they are improving. That's why you only forgive when you are ready, when you are really ready. Because it will hurt when you see them happy in their life, while you are here stuck in your life with many traumas that they have caused. You will only forgive when you are ready to accept. When you already moved on. It takes time, and you have all the rights to turn down their apologies. You have all the rights to wait for the right time to forgive them.

Because forgiveness is powerful. But when the time comes, it can be use against you. 

I sighed heavily at the thought.

The ocean of people did not escape my bird's eye vision. I was standing in the Palace's veranda with my relatives as the loud familiar anthem was playing. It felt lonely and miserable as I placed my hand on my chest. I felt empty as I stared at the golden coffin full of different flowers in front of many people. And my thoughts washed away when my eyes captured the massive portrait of Kuya Darrel being displayed beside of his coffin.

He was smiling at his portrait with his clean cut hair, his other hand was on the lower part of his chin, his body was somehow on the side while his head was fully facing the camera. He was smiling beautifully, he was smiling hard, he was so healthy. He was so happy.

I sighed heavily as I looked down. Hot liquid started to roll down on my face. I bit my lower lip to stop making any noise. The King Penreo held my hand to make me calm. I wiped off my tears and lifted my gaze like nothing happened.

"Are you fine?" The King asked.

I nodded my head.

I felt Kuya Wancho's hand brushing my shoulder. I gazed at my back, I then saw him holding Lucian on his arms as his eyes stayed on our brother. Lucian was smiling playfully as he waved his hand on the large crowd. He is unaware of the situation in front. I pinched his adorable cheek that made him stop.

He glanced at me as he pouted. 

"Why are you all crying, Tita? What is happening?" The kid mumbled adorably.

"Lucian," saway agad ni Kuya kaya natahimik siya.

Binalik ko ang aking tingin sa gitna. Nang matapos ang kanta ay nagtuloy ang seremonya. Marami ang nagsalita sa gitna na hindi ko na binigyan tuon pa. Nang matapos ang lahat ay naghanda na ang mga kasama para sa paglalakad. Tumingin ako kay Lolo sa aking tabi para magpaalam na sasama na humarap sa maraming tao.

"Are you sure that you are going to walk with our people?" Douglas immediately asked.

Tumango si Lolo sa tanong niya, gustong makasigurado.

"Pwede ka naman sumama sa amin sa kotse, Martiza. Hindi mo naman kailangan maglakad dahil paniguradong maraming tao ang makakasama niyo," alok niya sa akin ngunit buo na ang desisyon ko.

"Sasama po ako sa kanila," napatingin ako kay Kuya Wancho. "Kasama ko naman po si Kuya."

"Kung ganoon ay isama niyo sa amin ang bata, Wancho. Hindi natin alam na baka may inihanda ang mga nakaaway ng kapatid niyo. Mabuti na tayo ay mag-ingat."

Sabay kaming napatingin kay Lucian na nakapako ang mata sa loob ng Palacio. Gamit ang malalim niyang mata ay inilibot niya ang buong Palacio. Hind naman nakatakas sa aking pandinig ang kan'yang mga mahinang bulong na puno ng pagkamangha.