Muted

muted ¦ 01

"Why don't you just moved in with me, Brielle?"

Nangnang's voice from my laptop brought me back from my trance. Itinigil ko ang paghahalo ng gatas ko at marahang nilingon ang bukas na laptop na nasa mesa.

"You don't have to worry about the necessary requirements, you can just leave it up to me.."

I grab my milk on the counter top as I made my way towards the table. I sat down the chair and can't help but to sigh. It was the same question that she always ask me everytime that she calls from Canada.

"Nang.." I signed, using my fingers to spell out her name in the air.

Sumimangot ang aking Ninang. "I know that we've talked about this, Brielle. But I will never be at ease knowing that you're always alone there."

I signed again, my hands moving expressively. "I'm already twenty one, Nang.."

Umiling ako dito, trying my best to look as okay as possible. "And I'm not alone..I have Kobe..and Lala Jelay.."

I noticed how her shoulder slumped, letting out a tired sigh. "Hindi palaging nandiyan si Manang Jelay para i-check ka.." tukoy nito sa matandang katiwala na nag-aalaga sa akin ng halos walong taon.

"and Kobe.."

As if a cue, a loud bark interrupted us. Nakangiti akong napatingin sa pinto ng kusina nang makita ang mabagal ngunit tumatakbong bulto ni Kobe sa loob.

His tail thump against the leg of the table as he put both of his big paws to the side of my chair, showing me his toothy grin. He barked happily.

Kobe, an 8 year old brown labrador is a chocolate coat dog with a brown and a warm eyes. Malaki itong aso, but he's a very genuine dog who is always excited for treats.

He must've heard Nangnang calling his name. Ang talas talaga ng pandinig.

Nang ibaling ko ang tingin sa screen, ang natatawang mukha ni Ninang ang bumungad sa aming dalawa. "Hi, Kobe!" Nangnang greeted.

My dog barked once more as if giving her a "hello" via webcam.

I giggled, momentarily forgetting my concerns. "Kamusta ka, Kobe? Did you miss me?"

Kobe sensing attention, nuzzled my hand, urging me to stroke his fur.

"He's happy to see you.." I signed.

Nangnang chuckled. "I can see that.."

"Kobe says that he got everything under control, Nang.." dagdag ko.

Bumuntung hininga si Nangnang. "Kobe is not getting any younger anymore, Brielle--and you know that."

Isang pilit na ngiti ang aking pinakawalan. Kobe then lay down beside my foot. He must have been tired with all the things that he did this morning.

Hinaplos ko ang ulo nito at bumaling sa kausap.

I saw how she sigh on the other end. "Brielle.."

"I'm really okay, Nang. You don't have to worry about me.."

She rested her palms against her cheeks and stared at me, asessing me--as if trying to look for something that could convince me.

I know that she's just worried about me but sometimes, I can't help but to feel guilty.

Kapagkuwan ay napahilot ito ng kaniyang sintindo. She looks defeated.

"Eat something before you go out, okay? I called Manang Jelay a while ago--" she was cut in the mid sentence when someone called her in the other line. Nakita ko ang pagtango nito sa kausap.