Masked Joy

4

As I walked out of the ward, I felt a sense of numbness wash over me. I couldn't believe what had just happened. My husband had cheated on me, and with someone who I thought was my friend.

As I walked down the hospital hallway, I could feel the tears streaming down my face. I didn't know where to go or what to do.

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see a kind-looking nurse looking at me with concern.

"Are you okay, honey?" she asked.

I shook my head, unable to speak.

"Come with me," the nurse said, taking my hand. "Let's go to a quiet place where you can talk.

The nurse led me to a small room with a couch and some chairs. She sat me down and handed me a box of tissues.

"Now, tell me what's going on," she said, sitting down next to me.

Through my tears, I told her everything had happened. I told her about Luke, Scarlet, and our marriage. I told her about the pain and the betrayal that I was feeling.

The nurse listened patiently, nodding her head in understanding.

"I'm so sorry," she said, putting a hand on my shoulder. "That must be really hard for you."

I nodded, feeling grateful for her kindness.

"Do you have anyone you can talk to about this?" she asked. "A friend or a family member?"

I shook my head. "I don't have anyone," I said.

The nurse looked at me with a sad expression. "I'm here for you," she said. "And there are other resources available. Have you considered taking to a therapist?"

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope.

"I can give you some information on local therapists," she said, getting up from the couch. "And if you ever need to talk, I'm here for you."

The days that followed were difficult. I tried to keep myself busy with work and other activities, but my mind kept wandering back to Luke and Scarlet. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I had been betrayed by the two people I trusted the most.

One afternoon, I decided to take a walk to clear my mind. As I walked through the park, I saw a couple sitting on a bench, holding hands and laughing. They looked so happy and carefree, and I couldn't help but feel envious.

I sat down on a nearby bench, feeling defeated. Why couldn't I have that kind of love? Why did my relationship have to be so complicated?

As I sat there, lost in thought, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and saw a woman smiling at me.

"Excuse me, I couldn't help but notice that you look like you're having a tough day," she said. "Is everything okay?"

I forced a smile and shrugged. "I'm fine," I said. "Just going through a rough patch in my relationship."

The woman nodded understandingly. "Relationships can be tough," she said. "But remember, everything happens for a reason. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is let go and trust that things will work out in the end."

Her words resonated with me, and I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe she was right. Maybe I needed to let go and trust that everything would work out in the end.

I thanked the woman for her kind words and watched as she walked away. As I sat there, I began to reflect on my situation. Maybe it was time to let go of Luke and move on with my life. It wouldn't be easy, but maybe it was for the best.

Alam ko naman na nagpapanggap lang si Luke na nagaalala lang siya sa akin, pero ako ay nandito pa rin at handang mahalin siya ng buong-buo. Mahal na mahal ko siya, hindi ko alam kung bakit. Sana ay magising na ako sa katotohanan, na iba ang mahal ni Luke at hindi ako.