Wounded Hearts

Chapter 6

⚠️ Warning: Some words and scenes are related to sexual abuse. Kindly read at your own risk.

Living alone in the busy city of Manila was never easy. Everytime I feel lonely or stressed, I have to deal it alone. Minsan nga ay tumatawag lang ako kay nanay dahil marinig ko lang ang boses niya, napapawi ang lungkot ko. But most of times I feel sad, stressed and anxious, I just cry it all out and give my self a hug. A butterfly hug.

A butterfly hug is known to reduce stress, anxiety and is very calming. But right now, all I know that this person needs a hug. Kahit hindi niya sabihin ay ramdam ko ang bigat ng kaniyang pinagdadaanan. Losing a family member is a difficult situation to deal with.

All I know right now is I want to help this person. I know he is good man and everything he is doing is just his way to cope with his loss.

According to studies, hug can make person feel safe, reduce feelings of loneliness, stress and anxiety through body hormones; dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin.

He didn't even bother to move, he's stiff.

"What are you doing?" he coldly asked.

"10, 9, 8" I counted

He just let out a deep sigh.

"7, 6, 5"

Just ten seconds, I promise.

"4, 3, 2"

I can now feel his tears in my shoulder.
Cry Miko, cry. It will help a lot. It's not a weakness, it's being human. Men are capable of feeling pain and expressing emotions.

"1" sa huling bilang ko ay dahan-dahan akong bumitaw.

I looked at him and he did the same.

"Feel better now?" I smiled and asked.

He slowly nodded. It's already 9 pm but here we are, sitting on a wooden bench while watching the colorful dancing fountains. Ilang sandali ring namayani ang nakakabinging katahimikan sa pagitan namin.

"I heard what happened. I-I'm-. My deepest condolences" pagbasag ko ng katahimikan.

"I bet you also heard how miserable I am right?" He said and faked a laugh. His gaze is still on the dancing fountain.

"You might be really disappointed in me. Did I turned you off?" nakangisi niyang sabi atsaka tumingin sa'kin.

Umiling lamang ako.

"Siguro, you pity me. That's why tou hugged me, right?"

Malalim ang mga tinging ipinukol niya sa'kin.

"Miko, hindi. Hi-"

"Then why Ara? Why are you suddenly so concerned with me? Bakit? I told you, I won't come near you nor bother you anymore. But why, why are you doing this to me now?"

I can hear glimpse of pain with his craking voice.

"Miko, I just want to help-" at hindi niya na naman ako pinatapos magsalita. Naiintindihan ko.

"Right, just because Sofia asked you to help me right? Is that so? You know, you can always turn down that favor. You don't owe me anything Ara. You-. You should have just ignored that"
aniya. It's funny how I feel so rejected now when I am the one who's making him feel that for a long time.

Why Ara? Why do you always like to act as a superhero, trying to save anyone who's in distress? Psychology student ka Ara, hindi ka superhero.

"Miko, listen." Bumuntong-hininga siya at muling ipinukol ang tingin sa fountain