death by a thousand cuts (lenrisa)

the oath and the heartbroken

Author's note: Just like the name of the book, this—out of many one shots that are yet to be republished—is an angsty chapter. I believe there is another chapter that follows this one. So if you're feeling very angsty, read away. If not, I hope you find the fluff, smut, or any genre that would satisfy your liking. <3
P.S. Thank you to C for giving me the idea about the PLB. This is for you!

Content: angst

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Therese is debating whether to wear the pink leather bracelet or not. The ribbon held so much significance to her and Leon's relationship. She could only recall how happy Leon was when she found out that the pink leather band was there just in case Therese wasn't wearing anything pink on a daily basis. Just in case there was no sign of Therese carrying her love for Leon in her everyday living.

"This is the sign of my love and support for you, my L. No formal event could take this ribbon away from me."

Well, that was before.

Now, Therese found herself debating if wearing the leather band still mattered, if anything between them is still worth fighting for, if there is still anything left to fight for.

Her children worry. They worry about their mother whose nights are still spent weeping. Even after all these years, the pain from that night still holds so much significance to her.

It's like everybody moved on, but she stayed there.

"Ma? Are you sure you don't want me or Yanna with you?" Isabel, Therese's eldest, peeped into her door, making sure her mama is fine with being alone to attend the 17th President's inauguration. Who, unfortunately, is Therese's ex-girlfriend.

"Sabel love, I'm fine. Ate Jess and the rest of them will be there. I think... I'm good."

But the truth of the matter is that she didn't want Isanel to share the heartbreak that is today. She knew that Isabel would pull her out there before she could see or hear anything, but Therese needed a nudge. She needed something that would truly take her love away from Leon. After all this time, all she could do was love Leon more and more, even from afar.

Even when she knows that there's someone who loves Leon just as much as she does.

Her and Leon's children have been nothing but supportive of their relationship, in fact, the children have collaborated in many ways to get their parents to sit down and talk. Therese was always game; but it was Leon who was adamant and firm.

She was damn sure that she didn't want to be with Therese any longer.

"Mahal, I cannot wait na isama ka sa speech ko when I become president. Your name deserves to be screamed at the world, I want to tell the world how much I love you."

The words of the past come back and haunt Therese as she tries to keep herself in check.

Today, my heart would break. But I will be fine, just like I was years ago, just like I have always been.

"Look at you, Mama, you look so beautiful." Isabel, wide eyed with disbelief on how her 56 year old mama looks young as though she was just fresh out of university.

She gave her mama a reassuring look, placed her hands on Therese's shoulders, and whispered, "I'll try to get myself made up just in case I have to pull you away from there. I'll be on call for you, Ma."

It broke her heart on how keen Isanel was about the situation. It broke her heart because not only is Therese mending a broken heart, but her children are also nursing a loss of a loved one. No matter how they try to play safe with their emotions—the loss was paramount and they've never gotten over it since.