Chapter 35: Peace After Chaos
I was not prepared for his sudden appearance, nor did I expect to bump into him this soon after we parted a while ago. The disappointment and frustration I felt before and after he left didn't falter just yet. But I remained composed and seated.
Be composed.
It was disheartening watching him comforting someone else after he wreaked my hopes and expectations havoc. Maybe it affected me so much because he had shown me enough reasons for me to trust him, not just with his words but actions too. I saw it, and I believed in him.
Just disappointing.
"I-I'm sorry, but I am not asking for money," Kristan said after Kath offered him compensation for the heroism he had shown just to save her life. "Just like I told you, I did what I had to do. I just came here to check on you."
Hinawi ni Kath ang luha sa pisngi. She's been crying since he came in. I could still sense the fear in her weary eyes. She almost died. If Kristan had not shown up to help her, she could have been buried there alive. She's still more fortunate than me, after all. A piece of me was left and buried there.
"I owe you my life," Kath sobbed. "I want to give you something in return. Please let me do something for you. Anything. Just name it, I beg you."
"You could ask her for a sports car," Hestia butted in, shrugging her shoulders as if they needed her opinion. "Or a cape."
"Do you want that?" tanong ni Kath.
Kristan just shook his head. I hate the fact that I know nothing could persuade him into accepting the reward even though he could ask for a thousand things that would make his life better now that I don't think he has a place to stay in. This was just simply an act of kindness for him.
As though that realization just hit me. Now that he's not with me, where is he going to stay? Is he even familiar with this busy city? Where is his cat? Why would he do that? Why would he hurt me with truth if he could just simply lie? Why is he like this?
Why am I like this?
"Please, Kristan..." Pinatong ni Kath ang kamay niya sa itaas ng kamay ni Kristan na nakapahinga sa kama. "I'm sure you are struggling on one thing. Say it, I will try to help you."
I fucking hate that. I hate that comforting someone comes with physical touch. What's next after holding hands? They are done with hugging. What's worse that could happen in this hospital room?
I leaned on my chair, crossed my legs, and languidly watched them. Nanatiling nakatayo sa gilid ko si Hestia. Sina Kristan at Kath naman ay nakaupo sa kama. I don't even know if I am needed here.
"There's one thing..." he mumbled, finally giving in.
That put a smile on Kathlysse's face. She looked relieved now that he was willing to accept her help. I had all the time in the world to stay and listen as I was curious why it took him this long to decide, but he couldn't say it. At least, right now.
"I-I want this to be just between us," he said.
My burgundy red pride flashed before my eyes. I knew where this was heading to. Before they could even ask us to leave, I stood and prepared myself.
"We should go now." I hugged her for the last time.
"Thank you for visiting me for the second time," Kath smiled at me. I was starting to hate it again. "You too, Hestia. I know you two are both busy, so I really appreciate it. Please be safe."
"I hope for your faster recovery," I said.
Naunang lumabas si Hestia. Sumunod ako.
I slowly closed the door and heard the last thing he said.
