Walang Kapalit

migraine

Risa couldn't sleep. The rally today was exhausting, but the adrenaline hasn't subsided from her body yet. She shifted in bed, her eyes heavy and her mind preoccupied with how lovely today's campaign was.

The excitement, the cheers of the crowd, and the sense of accomplishment filled her thoughts, making it challenging for her to relax but her heavy eyes couldn't resist closing, and she felt herself gradually drifting into a state of half-consciousness.

Just as she was about to surrender to slumber, two soft knocks on the door roused her back to full awareness. Startled, she sat up in bed, the drowsiness instantly fading away. She wondered who could be seeking her at this late hour, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected interruption.

Checking the bedside clock, she noticed it was 11:42 pm, and confusion creased her brow as she questioned who could be knocking at such a late hour. Suddenly, a familiar voice reached her from the other side of the door.

"Risa? Gising ka pa?"

Oh it's Leni.

She grabbed her glasses and hurried to open the door, unbothered by her messy hair and sleepy look. Her worry was more apparent as she considered the possibility of an emergency.

When the hotel door opened, she was greeted by Leni, her hair in loose waves, wearing blue pajamas. Risa couldn't help but find her endearing in this disheveled state. Ang cute lang.

"Sorry, Sen. Nagising ba kita?" Leni said softly, "'Di ako makatulog, and I saw your light was still on."

"No no...It's alright. What's wrong, VP? Is everything okay?" with a trace of worry in her voice.

"I'm okay. Mina-migraine lang," she replied trying to downplay it casually.

Leni's struggle with migraines was nothing new. At worst, her vertigo would sometimes join in too. Tonight, the pain seemed worse than usual. It was the second day of dealing with it, "Naiwan ko kasi yung essential oil ko sa van, I was hoping baka meron ka?"

"I think so. Come in, VP! Wait hanapin ko lang." Risa ushered Leni inside and offered her the bed. Leni nodded with a court smile and finding a seat on the side of the bed where Risa had been moments ago.

On the other end of the room, Risa shuffled looking for her bag. She clumsily rummaged through the contents while throwing a side glance at Leni, making sure she's really okay. She has never seen her vulnerable like this. The older woman rested on the headboard with her eyes closed. She looks composed, but for sure the pain must be indescribable. Risa caught the subtle wince she made, a slight twinge on her brow.

"Sure ka you don't need tubig or anything? Pwede rin naman akong magpabili sa driver ng gamot. You don't look okay."

"Uy 'wag na. It's quite late. Ayoko na sila i-bother at this hour," she murmured, her eyes still closed.

After emptying all her travel pouches and scouring her things, Risa still couldn't find the essential oil. The woman scratched her neck, "Hala hindi ko ata nadala, VP. I'm so sorry I thought I brought it with me." She frowned and stood up from where she was sitting. She was thinking maybe she put it inside the drawer by the bedside table.

Leni opened her eyes, a small smile gracing her lips. "It's alright, Risa. Hindi mo kasalanan. I can manage without it."

Risa sighed, feeling a sense of guilt for not being able to provide the relief Leni needed. She walked over to the bedside table and opened the drawer, searching for the essential oil once again. As Risa opened the drawer, she found a small bottle of lavender essential oil tucked away among the items inside. A sense of relief washed over her as she held it up triumphantly.