My Ex-Boyfriend Is My Professor (New Version)

CHAPTER 35

The funeral preparations were relentless, and I couldn't stop moving.

There was always something to do: arranging flowers, checking the food, making sure the guests were comfortable. My mind was too crowded, my body too exhausted, but I didn't care. This was the least I could do for Papa.

"Tyrell, magpahinga ka na," mahinang sabi ni Draven, nakatayo sa pintuan ng kusina. His worried eyes bore into mine as he placed a glass of water on the counter.

"Hindi pwede," sagot ko nang hindi siya nililingon, masyado akong abala sa pagsasaayos ng mga pinggan.

Lumapit siya, at mas matigas ang tono ng boses niya. "Ty, you're running on fumes. You can't keep doing this to yourself."

"Okay lang ako," sagot ko ulit, pero kahit ako, alam kong kasinungalingan iyon. My legs were trembling from standing too long, and my hands ached from carrying trays back and forth.

Agatha appeared beside me, holding a fresh batch of food for the guests. "Kami na dito, Ty. Pahinga ka muna kahit saglit lang. Nandito naman kami ni Train."

Umiling ako. "Kaya ko pa. Please, hayaan niyo na lang ako." My voice cracked, but I pushed through, forcing myself to look strong even when I was barely holding on.

Agatha didn't argue further but shot a knowing glance at Draven. He sighed, stepping back and rubbing his temples. "Ty, I know you're doing this for Papa, but you're not doing yourself any favors. Magpahinga ka muna, kahit saglit lang. Kami na bahala sa lahat."

Pumalya ng ilang sandali ang mga kamay ko habang inaayos ko ang mga huling pinggan. I wanted to listen to them, I really did. But there was no time. Papa deserved the best, and I had to make sure everything was perfect, even if it meant pushing myself past the point of exhaustion.

Lumipas ang mga oras, and my body was rebelling against me. Every task felt heavier than the last,  ang aking paningin nanlalabo, ang mga iniisip ko ay magulo. The weight of everything—the grief, the responsibility, the overwhelming pressure—was starting to suffocate me.

Finally, Agatha and Train insisted I take a break. "Kami na dito, Ty. Magpahinga ka muna, kahit saglit lang," sabi ni Agatha, ang boses niyang malumanay ngunit matatag.

With a reluctant sigh, I gave in and sank into a chair by the window. I closed my eyes, allowing myself to rest for a few minutes. Pero hindi ito sapat. The stillness only made my thoughts louder. I couldn't stop thinking about Papa, how he would never walk through that door again, at kung paano magiging mas malungkot ang bahay nang wala siya.

I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting back tears.

By the time night fell, I was completely drained but still unwilling to stop.

"Tyrell?" It was Mama's voice.

I froze. My grip tightened on the rag I was holding. Slowly, I turned around and saw her standing there, looking uneasy.

"Mama? Anong ginagawa mo dito?"

"Anak, gusto lang kitang kausapin," she said, her voice gentle but cautious. "Gusto ko sanang imbitahan ka sa rest house. Doon ka muna magpahinga, kasama kami ng bago kong asawa."

"Ano ba talaga ang gusto mong mangyari?"

"Gusto ko lang makatulong. I heard you been so busy." sabi niya. "Sumama ka sa amin ng tito mo, dun tayo–"

I scoffed, unable to stop the bitterness from seeping into my voice. "Mama, nasaan ka nung kailangan ka namin? At ngayon, gusto mo akong sumama sa bago mong buhay? Hindi ko kailangan ng tulong mo."