The Archer

Chapter 16: Healing Touch

Nagising ako sa liwanag na parang nanggagaling sa kisame. Unti-unti kong idinilat ang mga mata ko at nagulat sa nakita. Puting ilaw. Puting kisame. Bakit puro puti ang nakikita ko? Ibig sabihin ba nito nasa langit na ako?

I found myself lying in a comfortable bed, wrapped in a warm blanket. My head was pounding and my body felt heavy.

Nilibot ko ang aking paningin sa paligid nang mahagip ng mga mata ko si Rio sa labas ng pintuan, 'di kalayuan sa kinaroroonan ko. Bigla naman akong nakaramdam ng pagkahilo kaya napahawak ako sa ulo ko at mahinang minasahe ito.

Nasaan ba ako? Bakit parang sobrang bigat nitong pakiramdam ko?

Habang bumabalik ang alaala ng nakaraang gabi, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions-relief, anger, and confusion. I remembered the party, the drinks, and Rio coming to my rescue when Oli tried to harm me.

I looked around the room. It wasn't the same mansion where the party was held. A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, and before I could respond, the door opened, revealing Rio standing there with a concerned look on his face.

"Art, you're awake," he said softly, entering the room. I turned to him and looked directly into his worried eyes. "Do you feel better now? Do you need something?"

I tried to sit up, but my body still felt weak. "Rio? Did I passed out?" I asked, confused.

"Yes, you passed out," he explained, sitting beside me on the bed. "I brought you here after the incident with Oli."

"Is he... Is he okay?" Nanginginig kong tanong ko sa kanya nang maalala ko kung paano niya binugbog ng todo si Oli.

"Don't worry about him," Rio replied firmly. "The police took care of him. He won't be causing any more trouble."

Tumango ako sa sinabi niya at nagpasalamat. "Thank you for coming to my rescue. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been there."

He gave me a small smile. "You don't need to thank me. I'll always be there for you."

I felt my cheeks warm up and I looked away, not knowing how to respond to his words. There was something about Rio that made me feel safe and protected.

Nang maalala ko ulit ang nangyari, napagtanto kong nawalan ako ng kontrol sa pag-inom ko. The alcohol and whatever Oli had given me clouded my mind. I felt embarrassed and ashamed of my behaviour. Hindi ko napagtanggol ang sarili ko sa kanya. Muntik na akong mapahamak.

Mukhang napansin ni Rio ang pagkatakot at pagkabahala sa mga mata ko when he gently placed his hand on mine, offering comfort.

"Don't blame yourself for what happened. Oli is responsible for his actions, not you," tuluyan na akong napaiyak sa nasabi niya. Sobrang natakot ako sa ginawang iyon ni Oli. Hindi ko akalaing magagawa niya 'yon sa akin.

Dapat hindi na lang ako sumama. Sana hindi ko na lang tinaas ang pride ko para iwasan si Rio at sumama sa party para makita niyang maayos lang ako kahit wala siya sa tabi ko.

Sobrang nagsisisi ako na ginawa ko 'yon. At some point, napagtanto kong nasaktan ko rin si Rio. Pinag-alala ko rin siya.

"I just... I didn't expect the night to turn out like that..." Naiiyak kong tugon sa kanya.

"Art, it's okay," Rio said reassuringly. "The important thing is that you're safe now."

We sat in silence for a while, and I couldn't help but appreciate Rio's presence. I'm so glad he came that night.

Makaraan ang ilan pang minuto ay biglang may pumasok na doktor. Tumayo si Rio sa pagkakaupo para kausapin ito.

"Mabuti na lang, your boyfriend brought you here just in time," the doctor said, referring to Rio. "He immediately sought medical help when you passed out."