where the wind rises

03

"Yes? What is it, Ms. Mirabile?" His tone is a bit harsh and distant. I blinked.

"Oh, I just... I have some questions." I almost cursed myself after saying that. Stupid Flora. You need to apologize first. I sighed loudly before looking up at him.

Naabutan ko ang isa niyang kilay na nakataas habang titig na titig sa akin. Halos matunaw ako roon sa harapan niya.

"I want to apologize first..." His furrowed brows slowly relaxed. He stood properly this time and I took that as a cue to continue. "I want to apologize for being rude to you the other day. I realize what you meant and I know you didn't deserve that. So, yeah." I smiled at him. He didn't say anything and just stared at me. I can feel my face heating up.

Ayaw ko na malaman kung tinatanggap niya ba iyon dahil hindi naman iyon ang dahilan kaya ako humingi ng pasensya. Nagsisisi lang kasi talaga ako. And he didn't deserve that.

"Anyway, back to my question. Is it okay for Max to travel even with his injuries?" Napaisip siya sa tanong ko.

"It depends whether he's already fine. When and where?" Napanganga ako bago nangapa ng isasagot.

"Next week. Palawan." Napakagat ako sa ibabang labi. I watch him think seriously and quietly. I got nervous. Is Max not allowed? Paano na iyan?

"If he gets treated fairly this week, I think he might be able to." I saw a ghost of a smile on his face but I didn't mind it. I even heard him inhale a huge amount of air.

"That's good to hear. We'll go see a vet once he comes home! Thank you!" Masaya kong sambit. Nawala ang multo niyang ngiti kaya nawala rin ang akin.

"What is it?" Kabado kong tanong. Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko habang naka bilog ang kamay.

"I am a veterinarian, if you've already forgotten, Ms. Mirabile." I blinked at his tone. It was said with conviction. "I think it would be convenient if I'm the one who treats Max... I was the one who took care of him first anyway. I know his condition the best." He uttered with absolute clarity.

Oh, he's right. Why didn't I think of that? I gave him a small smile and nodded my head.

"Thank you. I'll contact you once I'm with Max." A satisfied smile also appears on his face.

"Good. Here's my business card." He got something out his chest pocket and handed it to me. I read his information.

Paws & Wishes Veterinary Clinic
Dr. Nikolas Victor Wyatt
0995-421-0973
nikolaswyatt@gmail.com
pawsandwishesvet@gmail.com
Marikina City

"Can I also ask you whenever I have concerns about Max and his well-being?" I tried sounding innocent, like I wasn't thinking of anything funny.

I just want to make sure since I have no one to run to if there're problems. I just hope there are none. But we'll never know.

"Yes. Don't hesitate to contact me." Tumango siya kaya nakahinga na talaga ako ng maluwag. "I'll get going now. They're probably waiting for me." Napakamot siya sa likod ng tenga at napansin ko na medyo namula iyon.

"R-right!" I stutter before showing him the way. I stood a meter away from him.

"And as for your apology earlier," he glanced at me after we walking. We stood there in front of the grand door, revealing their shuttle and the staff.

"Hmm?" I unconsciously hummed and looked up at him underneath my fluttering long lashes. His blue eyes piercing through me.

"You didn't have to apologize. I should be the one apologizing, I was the one who approached you in a hostile way, so I understand why you reacted like that. I'm sorry. I appreciate it nonetheless." I inhaled a huge amount of air while staring at him.