The Unseen Trial [Ace Lucifer's Series Three] ON GOING

Forty Seventh Trial

PRESENT TIME

Weeks turned into months, and Candace's slowly healing. Not only physically but also mentally. Sa nagdaang buwan simula nang makalimutan nito ang nangyari, everything went smooth ride for them despite of the secrets they're trying to hide from Candace. Nahihirapan man sila, but seeing Candace recover made the hardships and the pain they're feeling while trying to help Candace recover was worth it.

Though, Dra. Calista said that there's still Candace not telling that she didn't forget even when the accident happened, but then, unlike back then, there's an improvement on Candace's case compared to last time where in, it was like Candace just chose to ignore what happened, but the burden is still there, making no improvements at all but just a mere survival.

Candace's support system helped a lot. Ang presensya ng mga magulang nito, ang maya't mayang pag-luwas ng mga kaibigan nilang dalawa ni Macey, at ang pananatili niya sa tabi nito, ang pagtulog nila nang sabay, at pag-gising na kayakap ang isa't isa.

It was... it seems that Candace was able to recover...to move forward... to improve because all the people she treasures, all the people she tried to hold on to, the people she tried so hard...she sacrificed so hard just to make them stay are now around her... as if all of her efforts came into end and became into a worth. Her answered endless prayers.

That's when Bryson realized what was she really needed... hindi nagbago magmula noong mga bata sila, hanggang ngayon. To feel loved...to feel treasured. To feel that she's worth it... she's worth sacrificing and staying for.

Bagay na isinakripisyo niya kahit alam niya...para lang ma-protektahan ito...

Bagay na... sobra niyang pinagsi-sisihan. The high school Bryson who took the risk of staying was a much better person, than the senior high school Bryson, who has more power and ability to protect Candace but chose to ran away and leave. And the lawyer Bryson, a mafia boss Bryson who has every means of connection, skills, and power but chose to be a coward once again.

If I could just... turn back time...

I will stay.

Hindi mapigilan ni Bryson na titigan si Candace tuwing natutulog ito. He would often stare at Candace, who falls asleep first than him. Doon natititigan ni Bryson nang maigi si Candace. Doon niya nakikita ang unti-unting pagbabago ni Candace, from losing weight since their break up more than a year ago, to Candace gaining weight. The pale skin of Candace turned into a warm, pinkish one. She looked healthy. Her dead, and weary with dark circles underneath eyes, turned lively despite of her being emotionless.

For months... Candace is slowly...she's coming back to life.

Unlike them.

Siguro, ang kasiglahan ni Candace ay nakukuha nito sa kanila, habang sila naman ang nauubos. There's no night that Candace's parents didn't cry, nor shed a tear. Na sa buong araw na ginagawa nila ang lahat para kay Candace, sa gabi ay ang oras para sisihin ang sarili, at isipin lahat ng pagkukulang, kung paano babawi. Nakaka-ubos...nakaka-pagod, but then, despite of those dark nights after a day light, none of them... no one of them dared to even let Candace feel or hear... or notice those trials at night.

Just like... what she'd been through.

Magaang hinaplos ni Bryson ang natutulog na si Candace. She just fell asleep few minutes ago, and Bryson could see how peaceful Candace is. She looks well rested... well taken care of. Healthy.

Is this what you've been through, Candace?

Sacrificing all of you, just for our sake? Just to save us, even it meant endangering yourself in the process?