GONE WRONG (Gone Series 1: Summer Aine Quin)

Kabanata 40

He's not here... again?

"He's not coming today, attorney."

Napabuntong-hininga ako hawak ang mga papeles na ipapasa ko sana sa kaniya. Bumalik sa pag-upo si Abel habang ako ay nakatanaw sa labas ng opisina niya.

After what happened a few days ago, I tried my best not to talk to him other than about the paper work he was giving me. Ibinibigay ko lang iyon kay Abel kapag ipapasa ko na sa kaniya. Alam kong ramdam din niya na hindi ako kumportable kaya't siya na mismo ang dumidistansiya din sa akin.

Before walking away, I quietly placed the folder on Abel's desk. I know I shouldn't be thinking too much right now, but where is he? I'm doing my best to be professional right now, and he can't always do that because we made a deal.

I got out of the elevator with my lips pursed. I decided I'd go to my old office since he wasn't here. I'm desperate to see what it looks like right now. When I left two years ago, I didn't get the opportunity to visit it, dahil na din sa dami ng nangyari sa buhay ko.

I hugged myself as I was standing outside an old building.

Tiningala ko ang kabuuan ng dalawang palapag na gusali at luminga sa paligid. Napangiti ako. I approached the door and was surprised to discover that it was not locked. I walked softly towards the stairs, thinking back on my days here.

This office was a witness to the life I've tried to live for myself. It witnessed the struggles I had, the late-night conversations I had with my best friends, and this place held so many painful and happy memories I had with Zacharias.

Huminto ang paa ko sa harapan ng isang pintuan. As I glanced at the sign on the door, I could feel tears welling up in my eyes.

Law Office of

Attorney Summer Aine G. Quin

Annulment Lawyer

I tried to push the door open and my forehead creased because it was also unlocked. Did this office remain unlocked all these years?

Kinabahan ako. Shit. Baka ninakaw na ang mga gamit ko sa loob!

I immediately pushed the door open, only to be surprised to see what was on the inside. Gulat na napatingin ako sa paligid. Walang nagabago. Ganoon na ganoon pa din ang itsura nito maging ang mga codals na naiwan ko sa bookshelves at mga libro. Nagtatakang naglakad ako papalapit sa mesa nang may makita ako doong isang tangkay ng pulang rosas.

I left this two years ago, but why didn't the office look as dusty as I expected?

The red rose stood out because the petals were significantly larger than usual. Nakalagay lang ito sa gitna ng mesa kasama ang mga gamit ko noon.

My brow furrowed as I noticed a small piece of paper attached to the rose by a ribbon. When I picked up the note and read it, I could feel my insides starting to quiver.

Day 852...

I missed you so much.

I still love you. Nothing changed.

Nanghina ang tuhod ko habang nakatingin sa simpleng note na iyon. K-kanino galing 'to?

I gasped for air when I felt the loud banging of my heart on my chest. Malakas na kumabog ito nang bumalik ang mata ko sa rosas na nasa itaas ng mesa. It seemed, fresh... na para bang kakapitas lang nito at hindi lanta.