Chapter 25: Foolish Man
I sat on the soft grass, gently placing the bouquet of sunflowers beside her weathered gravestone. This particular flower held a special meaning, for it was the flower I had always associated her with— vibrant and full of warmth. Its petals stretched outward, much like her open arms that welcomed me with love and care.
"Celeste..." I whispered her name, and as much as I didn't want to sound so sad again, I just couldn't help it. "I'm sorry for not being here for a long time. Marami lang akong inayos."
I picked a sunflower from the bouquet and began plucking its petals one by one. Sumimangot ako at hindi tinapos ang pag-alis ng talutot. Saka ako bumuntonghininga.
"I'm leaving tonight..." I whispered. "Hindi ko alam kung kailan ako makakabalik. Don't worry. I'm not going to be gone for good. I just have to do something."
Just as I always did, I gently traced the letters of her name engraved on the weathered stone. After completing the tracing, I extended my hand and wrote her name in the air, but this time, I added something to the last part—Cardinal.
"You are my Lady Cardinal..." I smiled and imagined her face smiling down at me as well. "You have always been. You will always be."
"In an alternate world, perhaps we could have been a happy family. You... me... and our son."
Never had I imagined myself being a father. I was only good at a few things. Certainly, being a father was not one. Yet, despite my uncertainties, I would have mustered every ounce of effort to give it my best shot. I just knew she would be the best mother.
"It's futile to dwell on the possibilities that could have been, isn't it?" I asked, the question more rhetorical than seeking an answer. "Katulad nung... binalikan mo na lang sana ako. O nakilala na lang kita nung puwede na tayo."
I chuckled, wiping the tears off my face. Napansin kong palubog na ang araw. Hindi na ako maaaring magtagal pa rito.
I sighed and stared down at her gravestone. "When all is said and done, know that you are the greatest thing that ever happened to me. You are simply the best."
Pinasadahan ko ang kanyang pangalan sa ikalawang pagkakataon. "Your son is doing so good. Alam kong wala akong karapatan na sambitin ang mga katagang ito. Maybe I will just say it not as his father but simply just as someone he knows, I'm so proud of him."
I smiled and leaned in, gently pressing my forehead against her weathered gravestone, and gently placed a kiss upon it.
Pagkatapos no'n ay bumalik na rin ako sa Caligo Clan. Naabutan kong naghahanda na ang lahat. Everyone was busy preparing for the war while I simply walked around.
Nakasalubong ko si Chris. Nilapitan niya ako.
"I will join the war," he said.
I just nodded.
"I don't care if I don't make it out alive," he added, fists clenched. "I have to be there."
For the second time, I just nodded.
"Lord Oscar..." Nilapitan ako ni Arthuro saka inabutan ng alak. "Mas mabuting magpahinga ka muna. We need you tomorrow."
I sipped on my drink and roamed my eyes around. Walang tigil sa pagtakbo ang mga kawal. It was a complete mess. It was an eyesore. I didn't like it.
"Well, I must take rest now," nakangiti kong sambit kay Arthuro na tumango lang sa akin. Bumaling ako kay Chris na tumango lang din.
Mas bumilis ang paglalakad ko. Ngunit natigilan ako nung may nagsalita sa likod.
