Strokes of Love:

Chapter 9- Thankful

Hindi ako makabangon sa higaan dahil sa sakit ng balakang at pagitan ng hita ko. Nagising akong wala na sa tabi ko si Aden. Naamoy ko ang mabangog amoy na nagmula sa kusina.

Pumasok sa kwarto si Aden at saka lumapit saakin para halikan ang pisngi ko. “Masakit pa ba?” tanong niya.

“Y-yes.” sagot ko at iniwas ang aking tingin. Nakakahiya! Nakita niya na ang kinabukasan ko!

“I’m sorry. Dadalahan nalang kita ng pagkain mo. Just wait here, 'kay?”

Tumango na lamang ako.

Pagkatapos niyang umalis, umupo ako sa kama at pinaghawakan ang aking ulo. Ang sakit na nararamdaman ko sa katawan ay normal lang daw matapos ang aming unang pagtatalik.

Habang naghihintay ako sa kama, napansin ko ang mga litrato namin na nakasabit sa pader. Mga sandaling masayang pinagsaluhan. Mga ngiti at tawanan na hindi ko malilimutan.

Habang iniisip ko ang mga bagay na ito, biglang bumukas ang pinto at may dala-dalang pagkain si Aden. Mapangiti niyang inilapag ang mga ito sa kama at sabay na umupo sa tabi ko.

"Here, I made you some breakfast. I hope it can help ease the pain," sabi niya sabay ngiti.

Ako naman ay nagpasalamat at hinawakan ang kanyang kamay. "Thank you... Hindi ko inakala na ganito pala ang feeling pagkatapos ng kasal."

Aden tumingin sa mata ko at ngumiti. "Oo, hindi madali. Pero 'wag kang mag-alala, mahal kita at nandito ako para sa'yo. Sabay nating haharapin ang mga pagsubok na ito."

Nao-overwhelm ako sa pagmamahal at pag-aalaga na ipinakita ni Aden. Sa tuwing aking titingnan ang kanyang mga mata, nahuhulog ako ng husto sa kanya. Ngayon, mas lalo kong naiintindihan ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagmamahal at pagtanggap.

Pinunasan niya ang luha na tumutulo sa aking mga mata at hinawakan ang aking pisngi. "I am lucky.”

Hindi ko mapigilang ngumiti habang hinahawakan ang kanyang kamay. Sa mga pangyayaring ito, alam kong ang pagmamahalan namin ni Aden ay ilalaban namin hanggang sa huli. Kahit na magkaroon kami ng mga pagsubok at mga matinding masakit na emosyon, kami ay magiging matatag.

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In the years that followed, Yanji and Aden continued to inspire others with their love story and their commitment to their art. They used their gallery as a platform to support and promote emerging artists, giving them a chance to showcase their talent and share their stories.

Their love for each other and for the arts touched the lives of countless individuals, sparking creativity and hope in their hearts. The gallery became known not just for its beautiful artworks but for the warmth and love that emanated from its walls.

Yanji and Aden's legacy lived on, not just through their art but through the lives they had touched. Their story became a source of inspiration for others facing their own struggles, reminding them that with love, resilience, and the power of community, anything is possible.

And as the years went by, and their hair turned gray, Yanji and Aden found solace in knowing that their love had endured. They had created a life full of shared adventures, laughter, and a deep sense of purpose. Together, they had turned tragedy into triumph and had found true happiness in the process.

Their story may have started with a spilled cup of coffee, but it was the love and resilience that followed that truly defined their journey. And as they held each other's hands, they knew that their love would continue to inspire and uplift others long after they were gone.

Yanji and Aden's love story, built on the foundation of art, resilience, and unwavering love, would forever be etched in the hearts of those who witnessed its beauty. And the gallery they had rebuilt would be a constant reminder that from the ashes of tragedy, love and creativity could give birth to something even more extraordinary.

Their love story became a legend, passed on from one generation to another, a testament to the power of love and the indomitable spirit that resides within all of us. People would visit the gallery just to bask in the warmth of their story, finding solace and inspiration in the art that adorned its walls.

Yanji and Aden's love and legacy extended far beyond their own lifetime.  They would cherish the lessons they had learned from their parents, to always be brave, kind, and loving.

The gallery grew to become a hub of artistic expression, attracting talents from all corners of the world. It became a place where artists felt seen, heard, and supported, just as Yanji and Aden had envisioned. Their vision had become a reality, a testament to their unwavering dedication and belief in the power of art and love.

As Yanji and Aden's love became immortalized in the hearts of people, so did their art. Their paintings, sculptures, and photographs would find their way into galleries and museums around the globe, telling the world a powerful story of resilience, hope, and the beauty that emerges from darkness.

Their love had transcended time and space, becoming a beacon of light for those who needed it most. Their story became a reminder that no matter how difficult life may become, love can conquer all obstacles, heal wounds, and bring forth a new beginning.

Their story, born from pain and adversity, had blossomed into an extraordinary tale of love, resilience, and the transformative power of art. And as their souls united in the realm beyond, they whispered to each other, "Our love will live on forever, eternally woven into the tapestry of time."

And so it was, their love story, a masterpiece in its own right, continued to breathe life into the hearts of those who heard it. A testament to the boundless capacity of the human heart to love, create, and withstand the trials of life.