COLD
Arman spends his night on the lazy boy sofa. He stares blankly at the ceiling above - wide awake. He lays with a Throw pillow resting beneath his head and a comforter providing him warmth. He has not fallen asleep, Not even a nap. He tries to but every time he closes his eyes, all he can see is a vision of Sandy crying. The incident keeps bugging his mind and to think about Sandy's reaction is heartbreaking. Sandy is still in the room, locked up with sorrow.He has been waiting for her to come out. In case she needs something, he would be glad to serve her what she needs.He just wants to make sure that if she has decided to show up, at least he was there to explain everything. And if she slaps him, he would be glad to accept it as well or if something happened, he would be there to handle the situation. Sandy is at her most vulnerable state; she could do unpredictable and reckless things. She is not composed and to watch over her, will be the best thing to do.He couldn't hear her weeping anymore. Finally, She has stopped crying and that is a relief, on his part at least. No more signs of breathing spasms. Maybe she must have been fallen asleep because of tiredness.
The ambience of the living room is dark, gloomy, and lonesome. It is so quiet and peaceful. No noise can be heard but the snorting of Manong Pedring, in the next room. Manong Pedring is the husband of Aling Mina. Arman is always grateful for their service and already considers them their second parents. They have been married for more than 35 years now, and Arman always admires how they still managed to be sweet and understanding to each other. He would always comment, " Sana pagtanda namin ni Sandra, ganyan din kami."
The rain has stopped pouring, and the coldness of the humid air starts to enter from the open window adjacent to where he is. He begins to feel the cool breeze on his skin. It's an odd feeling because at the moment he has no one in his arms. No sweet scent of his wife filling his nostrils. No warmth from her touch.No Sandy. He feels so empty inside. Maybe it is the reason why he can't sleep. Sandy used to sleep with his protective arms wrapped around her. She is used to sleep all over him - on top of him. He would play with her hair- twirling and smelling it, kiss her every second and just stare at her face the whole time and is always mesmerized by her beauty.
Oh, how he wish he could do that tonight.
Flashback:
He woke up feeling the weight of his wife on top of him. He smiled automatically watching her sleep peacefully. He caressed her back gently and whispered 'I love you' in the sweetest way possible. Sandy's face was buried on his neck and he knew why. He remembered her say, "I feel safe and sound" She told him he smells so masculine and strong that it makes her feel secured and protected.
As much as possible he didn't want to move.He tried to avoid making any movements, to prevent her from waking up. Seeing her wife first thing in the morning is the best way to start the day. He couldn't help but smile seeing her cuddled up to him. He kissed her head and tightened his arms around her body. A minute after, he saw her moved. She moaned and started to blink slowly. She then lifted her face and smiled at him with those sleepy eyes.
"Good morning beautiful" Arman cupped her face and gave her an eskimo kiss (nose to nose). It was their everyday ritual when waking up in the morning.She just nodded and rested her head on his chest.
"Still sleepy? Did I wake you up?"
She lifted her face again and glared at him playfully. "You whisper too loud. And you keep on kissing my hair. Di pa ba ko magigising?"
He chuckled again, "I just love doing that. You're too perfect."
Arman caressed her face gently and looked in her eyes with so much love. It has always been that way. He would look at her as if it was their first meeting. Enchanting and full of love.
