The Fortunate

EPILOGUE

JOAQUIN

I suddenly woke up after losing weight on my right arm. I saw her sitting up from the bed. "Darling?" I called her with my woken-up voice, barely creating a sound.

I'm tired and want to get more sleep, but if she's not with me, I think I might go with her instead of sleeping here.

She stopped her track after hearing my voice. She looked back and smiled at me, "Naalimpungatan ka kaagad?" She whispered, making sure that our daughter won't wake up.

Of course, I've been like this since the day she finally came back to me. I don't want to lose her for the second time. Even just sitting up and creating a gap leaves so much space in me. I am afraid to lose her again.

She cupped my cheeks and leaned closer to my face, "Bantayan mo lang si Darlene, magsi-cr ako," I chuckled after hearing that.

I still want to join her even if she will just pee.

I'm fucking obsessed with her.

Although I don't want her to leave, maybe the call of nature calmed me down a bit. The assurance she gives to me is something. Her soft palms caressing my cheeks make me believe that she will still lie in my arms after. I love how she keeps her promises.

I nodded and let her go. And then I fell asleep again.

But it didn't last for hours since I still feel empty. Is she still in the bathroom? Why does it take so long for her to come back into my arm again?

I sit up and checked if she is okay inside. But when I was about to knock, I realized that it was open. She is not there.

I panicked inside, my senses became more awake and nervous. Where did my wife go?

I took my phone and tried to call her. Even if she will just get some fresh air, I am still worried.

I can't live without her.

It is so weird but I clearly know that I am being dependent on her. It was the other way around last time, she is the one who depends on her life to me before.

I am certain that she has her own life right now. She and her parents are already okay, our daughter loves her, she had a stable job, many guys are interested in her, and she is happy on her own.

But I know to myself that I am not happy if it is not because of her. It's fucked up, but I like it here. Not ideal, but I will depend my life to her.

I went out of our room and called her phone. She answered, "Where are you right now?"

["Naghanda ako ng breakfast. Pagtimplahin mo si Darlene ng gatas bago ihatid sa school ha,"] she told me.

"Where the fuck are you?" I asked her again.

["Magkita nalang tayo sa school niya, family day ngayon sabi ng teacher niya 'di ba?"] Bakit hindi niya pa rin sinasagot ang tanong ko?

"Sula, I will go. Nasaan ka ba?" I said to her with an authoritative tone. But I know that only one glare from her eyes will make me fold.

["Magkikita rin naman tayo ulit--"]

I scoffed, "You're still unaware,"

Well, she is not obligated to know how I depend my life in every move she makes. Hindi niya kailangang malaman na para na akong makina na siya lang ang tanging makakapagpagana.

["I'm sorry, gusto ko lang ng time para makapag-isip nang mag-isa. Babalik ako d'yan,"] she reassured.

["I love you, Joaquin,"]