Love and Crosses (DELREAL SERIES #1)

FIFTY FIVE

ZACH

Hindi ko alam kung paano namin nagawang ipagpatuloy ang buhay namin pagkatapos mamatay ni Milkah.

It was so hard at first. Our house that used to be so lively and full of Milkah's giggle and laughter became dull and silent. I didn't know how many times I saw my Mom crying while staring blankly. Ni hindi na namin siya makausap ni Dad at panay lang ang iyak niya. She was depressed to the point that we took her to a psychiatrist. I was so worried about her condition, nawalan na 'ko ng kapatid, hindi ko alam kung makakaya ko pa ba kung pati si Mommy mawawala sa'kin. Hindi ako umaalis sa tabi niya kahit hindi niya 'ko kinakausap. Palagi kong kinikwento sa kaniya 'yung masasayang ala-ala namin kasama si Milkah. There are times that I'll caught her smiling, and then a lone tear will escape from her eye. As if missing those moments we had with Milkah.

And thankfully, after months of therapy, she finally recovered. Nagsimula sa unti-unti niyang pagkausap sa'min ni Dad, hanggang sa naramdaman kong bumabalik na siya sa'min. As of now, she's busying herself on filling our garden with lots of plants and flowers. Kung hindi pagtatanim ay pagbabasa at pagluluto ang inaatupag niya. I felt so proud seeing my Mom living her life again. Alam kong sobrang hirap para sa kaniya 'yon, pero ginagawa niya pa rin. She's so brave, just like Milkah.

I was also grateful that Dad never left her side. Palagi rin siyang nakaagapay kay Mommy. We became close too. Sabay-sabay naming hinarap ulit ang buhay. Sabay-sabay kaming bumangon at nagpatuloy, dahil 'yon ang gusto ni Milkah.

I also took a months of hiatus in showbiz, I'm not even planning to go back but then I remember my sister. This is her ultimate dream and she wants me to pursue it so that's what I did. I entered showbiz again after a year, good thing the management still welcomed me with their open arms.

“You're here...” I looked up and smiled a little when I saw Callie. Nasa mausoleum ako ngayon ni Milkah. Despite of my busy schedules, I always find time to visit her. This became my second home, because this is where my sister was buried.

”Yeah,” I tapped the space beside me so she can sit there. She smiled before sitting beside me. We're  both silent, like no one wants to break it. Nakatingin lang kami sa puntod ni Milkah. Her mausoleum was so full of different flowers and pictures of our family.

Callie and I became more close as time passed by. She was there when Milkah took her last breath and she even pretended that she's Celline for my sister. She stayed with me. She was there when I was mourning for Milkah. She didn't say anything that time but her presence is already enough for me. It was just so good to have someone by your side while your world is falling apart.

“I miss her...” She muttered and gently caressed Milkah's name that's engraved in the tomb.

“I miss her too.” So much.

“I know she's happy now. Kung nasaan man siya ngayon, alam kong masayang-masaya siya. Kasi hindi na siya nahihirapan, at nakikita niya kung paano kayo bumangon ulit.” She glanced at me and smiled.

“You're right. I know she's happy in heaven. She's now an angel.” She nodded at me before sighing.

“Time flies so fast, 'no? Its been a year since that happened. Masaya 'ko na nalagpasan 'yon ng pamilya niyo, Zach. I'm also proud of you for being this brave and for still pursuing Milkah's dream.” I stared at her. Callie never mentioned her feelings about me again but I know that nothing has changed. I can feel it by the way she cared for me.