Under The Same Sky (ON-GOING)

Twenty-Six 💜 Wanna try?

Kamala's POV

I woke up to the sterile smell of antiseptic and the faint hum of machines. My eyes slowly adjusted to the bright overhead lights, and I realized, with a sinking feeling, that I was once again in a hospital bed. This is the second time I've woken up in a place like this, and it never gets easier. Ang nakakahiya pa, si Joseph ang kasama ko ngayon kasi siya daw ang nakakita sakin sa daan nung nagcollapse ako. Err.

"Uy Kamz, gusto mo ng apple?" tanong ni Joseph sakin. Umiling ako habang nag-aayos ng buhok ko. Nagreready na ako para pumasok. It's Thursday, and I can't afford to lose another day at the restaurant. Mabuti nalang wala pang 11 AM. Almost. 10:30 na kaya kailangan kong magmadali.

"Sorry, Joseph. I don't think makakakain pa ako. Kailangan kasi ako sa restaurant e." lumapit ako sa bed saka kinuha yung ipit ko. "And thank you for taking care of me. I'll treat you to something soon, okay?" nginitian ko si Joseph. Since talaga nung mga bata kami tinutulungan na ako ni Joseph kaya sobrang laki na ng utang ko sa kanya.

I'll never forget to repay him for all his kindness.

Humarang si Joseph sa harapan ko. Napatingala ako sa kanya. "Hindi ba pwedeng magpahinga ka nalang muna ngayon?" may pag-alala sa boses niya pati narin sa mukha niya.

I forced a smile, trying to put him at ease. "Okay na ako, Joseph, kaya hindi mo na kailangan mag-alala. Saka sa lahat ng nakakakilala sakin, I know that you know how strong of a person I am." tinapik ko siya sa balikat niya saka nilapagsan siya.

Yeah, I know it deep down. I am strong. I've faced challenges before, and I've always found a way to push through. I can overcome whatever challenges come my way. Kahit nakakapagod na. I am strong. You're strong, Kamala.

When I arrived at the restaurant, I was immediately struck by the unusual crowd. Kumunot ang noo ko kasi... parang may party? What is happening? Pumasok ako sa loob at ang ingay. Sobra! The usual quiet and cozy ambiance of my restaurant had been replaced with the chaotic energy of a party hall.

I quickly spotted Coleen, who seemed just as overwhelmed as I was. "Anong meron, Col?" tanong ko habang inoobserbahan ang paligid. Kids were running around, their laughter and screams filling the air, and people were talking loudly, their voices bouncing off the walls in a dissonant chorus.

"Chef Kamz!" gulat pa si Coleen na makita ako at halos mangiyak ngiyak na. "Shocks! Nandito ka na! Ahm, yon nga po chef. Wala din po kaming ideya. Nagulat nalang po kami nung merong mga bata ang pumasok sa loob saka nagdagsaan ang mga tao." balisa na si Coleen at parang di alam ang gagawin.

"Where's Jen?" I asked, trying to stay calm despite the chaos.

"Late daw po siyang papasok." Coleen replied, her voice barely audible over the noise. I pressed a hand to my temple, feeling a headache coming on. Why now, of all times, Jen?

"Call her." pagkasabi ko nun, tumango si Coleen habang ako pumasok na sa loob para magpalit ng uniform ko.

As I stepped into the kitchen, my staff greeted me with a chorus of "Chef!"  Itinaas ko lang ang kamay ko bago lumabas ulit para puntahan si Coleen sa reception.

"Kapag dumating si Jen, tell her to observe the people, okay? Sabihin mo huwag hahayaan na madisturb yung mga regular customers natin, ha?" bilin I instructed, trying to regain some control over the situation. Coleen nodded again, her face a mixture of determination and anxiety as she absorbed my words.

"Opo, chef." tinapik ko siya sa balikat niya bago pumasok ulit sa loob. As soon as I stepped through the door, I let out a deep sigh. Nakakapanibagong ang lively ng restaurant? I mean, okay naman yung flow ng pasok ng mga tao. Hindi maunti pero hindi rin naman ganon kadami. Ayos lang.