Timelapse of Catastrophe (Solis Occasum Series 1)

Kabanata 52

Kabanata 52

Happier

My eyes grow wider as a small flicker of hope returns. The possibility of what she has said gives me hope. Her words fill me so much... It seemed like the suffering and pain from the past were all gone in a single blink of an eye.

A small smile creeps out onto my lip.

"Really?"

The hope is slowly returning into my life.

"It's not like, uh... may duda ako. Alam kong alam mo kasing imposible rin, pero," muli akong tumingala sa kanya. "Totoo ba?"

"Sasabihin ko ba sa 'yo kung hindi?" Seryosong ani Henriette.

I took some time to think—looking out from the windows while my mind travels to different possibilities.

"You're so determined..." I whispered softly. "Pero nag-aalala ako na baka masayang 'yung pinaghirapan mo."

"Why?"

"I don't think I'll try to find her."

Binalot kami ng isang mahabang katahimikan. Sa pagitan naming dalawa ay walang naglakas-loob na magsalita.

My mother's still alive. When Henriette received that good news, she immediately talked to me. Words can't define how happy I am at this moment. Alam ko na kung nasaan ang Mama. Hindi ko intensyon na i-invade ang privacy niya. Ang sabi pa ng asawa ko ay si Mama mismo ang nagbigay ng address na kinalalagyan niya madalas ngayon doon sa taong pinagkatiwalaan niya. Dagdag pa nga raw ay kung sa akin nga ibibigay ay sana'y makarating ako. Umaasa rin siya, marahil, sa panahong ito.

But all of those will be useless because of my choice.

"Sapat na sa akin na malamang buhay pa siya. At ligtas." A bitter smile was formed on my lips. "Hindi ko na lang siguro siya pupuntahan..."

Even though I badly want to run towards her, hug her tightly, and talk to her, I just can't. Well, hindi ko alam. Matagal na akong nawalan ng pag-asa at ng gana. Kaya siguro alam ko sa sariling hindi rin makakaya. Baka sa oras na puntahan ko siya ay mawala ang kaligtasan niya dahil naman sa banta ng pamilya ko. I want her to keep the peace in her life.

Muli akong napalingon sa asawa ko. Kita agad sa mata niya ang panghihinayang.

"It's okay," she said. "I respect your decision. I respect your choice. But, just keep this thing, in case." Sabay abot ng papel.

"Yeah, I'll keep this safe," I whispered. "Thank you."

"Who knows? Baka hindi pa talaga ito ang oras." Naupo si Henriette sa harapan ko. "Malay mo, magkita-kita tayo d'yan sa labas habang naglalakad. O baka mabunggo natin o aksidenteng makilala. O hindi kaya'y, siya naman ang mapadpad dito."

"Did someone tell her our address?"

"No. Pero 'yung napagkatiwalaan ko n'yan, alam naman kung saan tayo nakatira. Wala naman akong sinabi na ibigay niya rin."

"Lalaki?"

She nodded instantly.

My brow furrowed.

"Kamag-anak ko 'yun, bobo," I then received a slap from her.

I feel like I deserve nothing. I feel like I am unworthy. I'm not the man I used to be after all... But I'm still her man.

She... she is amazing, strong, kind and beautiful, and somehow she still find the strength to believe in me and to trust me. I thank her for that. She so perfect. A wonderful woman. Her kindness knows no limits. I don't know what to say, I am lost for words. I am overwhelmed by her beautiful compassion and determination.