This chapter contains scenes depicting the d*ath of loved ones. These emotional and sensitive moments may evoke feelings of grief, loss, and sadness. Consider skipping if you find such content distressing. Your well-being is important.
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Italia Gwen Soler
Seeing my mother crying in front of the grave of my maternal half-brother, Kuya Danrev, breaks my heart. It's been a year since he passed, pero buhay pa rin ang alaala ni Kuya sa buhay namin. Mom was deeply affected because Kuya was always there for her nong nabubuhay pa ito.
I just came back from Australia because I was worried about Mom. Ramdam ko ang pangungulila niya, at kahit ako naiiyak habang pinagmamasdan siya. Ang pagkawala ni Kuya ay mabigat na pasanin sa aming puso. Ang mga luha ni Mom sa puntod ni Kuya ay nagpapahiwatig ng sakit na nararamdaman niya. Bilang isang anak, mahirap makita ang Mommy na matindi pa rin ang pagdadalamhati hanggang ngayon.
Isang taon na mula nang maganap ang pinakamasakit na trahedya sa buhay ng aming pamilya, pero hanggang ngayon dala pa rin namin ang bigat at lungkot ng pangyayari.
The authopsy report states that my brother's passing was a result of an overdose of pills. There are indications that suggest his death could be linked to a love-related su*cide. Finding out how my brother died makes our sadness even harder. It makes us wonder about his struggles and what led to his tragic end-------and we still want answers.
Dahan-dahan kong isinara ang pinto ng kotse nang matapos naming dalawin ang puntod ni Kuya.
"Are you not going to stay for good here, Italia? Gusto mo ba talagang tumira na sa Australia?" tanong ni Mom habang nasa byahe kami pauwi. Nasa backseat siya habang nagmamaneho ako.
"Mom, hindi ko naiisip na doon na tumira, kung hindi lang dahil sa trabaho hindi ako magtatagal doon. Umuwi ako rito for vacation dahil nag-aalala ako sayo. Dad said you're not eating much at lagi ka raw malungkot."
Napatingin ako sa rearview mirror para silipin si mom sa backseat. Nakatanaw siya sa bintana, ang mga mata niya ay puno ng lungkot.
"It's hard to move on. Napakasakit mawalan ng anak. Napakabait ng Kuya Danrev mo para mawala agad siya sa mundo."
I couldn't say a word after Mom said that. Because it's true, my brother was kind. He just looked like a freak with all his tattoos, but he was the most kind-hearted brother in the world.
"I'm sorry mom kung hindi ako makapag-stay nang matagal dito sa atin."
"I understand." Pinilit niyang ngumiti, at nakita ko iyon dito sa rearview mirror.
After passing the CPA board exam, I spent a year working here in the Philippines. When a job opportunity in Australia came my way, I accepted it without hesitation. I am now working at a top financing company there. At 29, I can proudly say that my career is going well.
