Memory in the Street (Paraiso Series #3)

Kabanata 27

Kabanata 27

With his hug, the feeling of comfort and home felt surreal but at the same time painful with regrets.

Nanghina ako. His tight hug made me feel so weak that even lifting my hand, I couldn't do it. Hindi pa nakakatulong ang pagsubsob niya ng mukha sa balikat ko habang mahinang humahagolhol.

I did not notice that my eyes were like waterfalls already. I only felt my cheeks with unstoppable cascade of liquids. Kahit ang pagpunas doon kay hindi ko magawa.

"I love you so much, Karita. I could never do that to you..."

"Please, listen to me. Mahal na mahal kita, baby..."

He was whispering words but I felt so light-headed to even comprehend him. Hinayaan ko lang siya sa ganoong posisyon. As much as my will wanted to push him away, my body couldn't focus. His sobs were too drowning. It made my knees wobble until my eyes forced to shut down.

The last thing I heard was Zhigor calling my name but I was too lost. My lids were heavy that after that, black consumed my sight.

I woke up with the sun rays hitting my face. I scanned my sight all over the place and then I realized I was inside my room. The curtains beside me danced while the wind blew them merrily.

I sat at the bed and shifted my sight outside. It was already broad daylight. May mga sasakyan ng umuugong sa kalsada. When I looked at the clock, it was already nine in the morning.

I sighed and just got up. Guess I had a rough night then? Hindi naman ako late nagigising. Pero dala siguro ng nangyari kagabi ay late na akong nagising.

I took the comb from the bedside table. May nahagip akong papel doon. Kuryuso kong kinuha iyon. Hindi naman ako naglalagay ng papel sa bedside table kaya nakakunot ang noo ko habang sinusubokang basahin.

Baby, I went out early. You slept in my arms last night so I carried you to your room. I prepared yours and our baby's breakfast. I also prepared your vitamins and milk. Please take it, baby. Yours and our child's health matters to me. Take care always and I love you, I can die risking everything for you.

Your first baby,
Zhiggy

Mas lalong lumalim ang gatla ng noo ko sa nabasa. I crumpled the paper. Itatapon ko na sana iyon sa labas pero bigla akong nagkaroon ng urge na basahin ulit iyon.

The second time I read the note, I felt my cheeks getting damp again. Napahawak din ako sa tiyan ko dahil naramdaman ko ang matinding pagkamiss sa kaniya.

"Want mo talaga si daddy, baby?" I asked my child as if it's going to respond.

My womb actually churned. Halos takbohin ko na ang sink sa kusina dahil pakiramdam ko ay magsusuka na naman ako. Nang matapos magsuka ay pagod akong umupo sa silyang narito sa kusina.

Hinilamos ko ang mga palad sa mukha bago ipinatong ang mga siko sa lamesa.

Nakita ko ang asul na pantakip ng pagkain sa lamesa kaya binuksan ko iyon.

The scent of freshly cooked eggs and bacon greeted my sense of smell. Naroon din ang isdang tuyo na may sawsawan na. May eskabetse rin. A bowl of rice was also there. Beside it was a mug of milk.

Akala ko hindi totoo iyong sabi niya sa sulat. That's why my heart swelled at the sight of these simple foods before me. Marahil ay niloko at trinaydor ako ni Zhigor ngunit hindi ko rin maikakailang kahit papaano ay hindi talaga nawala ang pagmamahal ko sa kaniya.

His simple gestures still made my heart warm and find solace within. Subalit sa kabila nun ay hindi talaga matanggal sa isipan ko ang ginawa niya sa akin.