P.R.N

24

Something was lifted off my chest as I look at Erica Victoria. She was happily dancing with Papa who dressed himself as Bing bong.

He didn't look funny, though.

My Dad is really attractive for his age. It's the same for my Mom. They both have the visuals of people in their 40s when they're actually on their way to 60s.

I was just looking at Tory as she dance. Hindi ko pa siya nilalapitan kaya hindi niya pa ako napapansin.

Cole approached her before me.

"Happy birthday, Riley." I heard him say.

Tory's eyes went wide when she saw Cole. Hindi nagtagal ang mata niya kay Cole dahil agad na naglikot ang mata niya para hanapin ako.

She immediately ran to me when she saw me. I welcomed her in my arms.

"Happy birthday, my Riley." I greeted her.

I can't believe she's already 6. Nilingon niya si Cole at pinalapit habang yakap niya ako. Nang makalapit si Cole ay niyakap niya kaming pareho.

"Thank you po for coming!" She enthusiastically said.

Cole and I kissed her cheeks.

"Nilagay ko sa room mo yung gifts namin sa'yo." I whispered to her. She nodded. "Check mo nalang after the party, okay?"

"Aalis ka po after the party?"

I shook my head. "Tomorrow morning. I'll sleep beside you tonight." I told her.

Maya-maya ay nakipaglaro na si Tory sa mga kaibigan niya. Lumapit ako kay Papa na nakamasid lang din kay Tory.

"Hi, Pa." I greeted him.

He welcomed me with a warm hug. I relaxed when I was already in my Father's arms.

"You okay, Doc?" He asked me. My hug tightened. I inhaled my Father's familiar scent. When I was younger, I used to sleep on top of him all the time. I was such a clingy child to my Father. His arms were the safest, most comfortable, and warmest place i've ever been to.

"I'm just tired." I said. So tired.

Medical School is really tiring. I do love it. I do love studying. But, reality checking, you can love something and still get tired of it.

I know I'm not stopping, though.

There is no way out but to survive.

"Tito..." I was still hugging Papa when I heard Cole greet him.

Papa acknowledged Cole while still hugging me.

"Kumukuha ng charge kay Papa Bear." Pagbibiro ni Papa.

Ngumiti ako bago bumitaw sa yakap.

"Cole, hijo!" Nilingon namin si Mama na nasa kusina. "Can you give me a hand?"

Cole immediately excused himself to go to Mama. Ako naman ay bumalik sa pagyakap kay Papa. I was side-hugging him.

"What's up, my koala?" Tanong ni Papa.

"Nothing." I answered. "Just Medicine being Medicine."

I wrinkled my nose when he pinched it.

"You look like a complete grump but you act like my baby." He commented.

I almost pouted.

"I'm just gonna go to Mama." Paalam ko bago umalis para sundan si Mama at C.

I was about to enter the kitchen when I heard my Mom talking.