Lacuna

21

TRICIA'S POV

The ride from the hospital to the condo was monotonous, the grab driver sensing that you're not in the mood to talk, simply let you be in your thoughts.

It's been years since Y/N left the country. All my messages whether in social media or through email were successfully delivered but Y/N never opened any of them. Alison visited me the day Y/N left. She told me that her ate will be back probably in 2-3 years but it never happened. I remember it like it was yesterday, when mama told me that Y/N left to pursue her Master's without saying goodbye to anyone, to me.

Flashback

"Good morning 'nak." Mama Leni greeted you as soon as you opened your eyes. Looking around your room, you saw Jill peacefully sleeping on the couch while ate Aika was busy talking with Ralph and other doctors. They were updating your family about your situation.

"Can she be discharged today doctors?" Mama turned her attention back to the doctors while you listened intently.

"She can Ma'am. We just need you to fill out all the discharged forms then Doc. Tricia can go home around afternoon. About what happened to her... All the doctors that were present during the dinner and drinking party are under investigation. We hope that we can clear this as soon as we can." The Head of GS spoke to your mama.

"That's good. We also already file the case with the proper authorities. I hope the hospital will fully cooperate. Before I am a VP of our country, I am and will always be a mother to my children. I hope you understand doctors." Mama Leni calmly said while looking at each doctor in the room then she turned her attention to you and your sisters, "I'll protect all my daughters."

"We do po madam VP. We already have a suspect for this but we need substantial proof. As soon as the authorities get here. We will fully cooperate and keep you updated." The Head of GS said. Then he signaled to the other doctors that they need to leave soon to check on other patients, "If you excuse as Madam, Ms. Aika and Dr. Tricia. We still need to continue to check on other patients.

You frowned when you saw the worried look on your family face. You remembered that your mama has an emergency on the OVP but she's here, overworked and maybe she has yet to sleep.

"Sorry po mama. Alam ko busy ka sa OVP and wala pa tulog pero andito ka po. Sorry ate Aika." You struggled to keep your voice steady, swallowing the lump on your throat.

"Patty. 'Nak. I will always pause and step back from my position if one of my daughters are in danger." Mama Leni softly said. She walked towards your bed and reached out to your had. Gently rubbing it in assurance. "It was no one's fault. Hindi mo naman ginusto ma-hospital, dba? Let me be a worried mother, okay?" She warmly smiled at you.

"It's a good excuse to be absent sa office ngayon Patty." Ate Aika lightly joked, "OT ako lagi eh."

You laughed, "Ginamit pa ako eh." You rolled your eyes at her.

"Btw po, pumunta ba dito sa Y/N?" You asked.

"Ma, fill up ko lang yung discharged papers para makauwi na tayo sa condo." Ate Aika quipped then made her escape, clearly avoiding the Y/N topic.

Mama Leni sighed. A few seconds later, she looked at you, "She's not here Patty... She left the country." She sadly said, squeezing your hand as she witnessed saw how broke you were after you heard it. The light from your eyes leaving as soon as you heard.

"She left..." You cried out. Mama gently guided you to her embrace, letting you cry until you passed out from exhaustion.

End of flashback