Queen's Archer

Chapter 34

Cassia's

"Ate, are you okay?" I asked worriedly as my sister clutched her stomach. She looked like she was in deep pain.

I furrowed my eyebrows when she nodded. Liar.

I may be a kid—a five-year-old kid—but I'm not naive. At a young age, I started learning things so I could help my sister and protect my twin, Saphire.

I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms. "You look like you're in pain, Ate."

Umiling naman ito at nagpatuloy lang sa pagluluto ng babaunin at kakainin namin ni Saphire ngayong umaga.

Kagabi pa, pag-uwi niya, napapansin na siya ni Saphire na parang may iniindang sakit. Saphire was worried, but I told her not to worry too much because I know Ate is strong. And I didn't want Saphire to be stressed—she had just undergone heart surgery last two months ago. I don't want to see her in pain again. I'm her twin, so I can feel her pain too—but not as much as she actually feels it.

I know Ate is strong.

But no matter how strong she is for us, she can be really stubborn when she's sick—especially now. And that's why we love her so much. She sacrifices so much for us, even though we aren't really her responsibility.

See? I told you. I may be a kid, but sometimes I think like an adult already.

Perks of having a high IQ—modesty aside.

I was pulled from my thoughts when Saphire held my hand, her eyes fixed on Ate with worry.

"Assia, is Ate really okay?" she asked, voice trembling, and tears started to well up in her eyes.

I can't lie to Saphire—she knows when I'm lying. So I shook my head in response.

Lumapit naman ako sa gawi ni Ate at hinawakan ang isang kamay nito. "Ate, please," I pleaded, full of worry.

Akmang magsasalita pa sana si Ate nang bigla na lang siyang napaupo at impit na napaungol sa sakit na nararamdaman. May mga luha na rin na lumalabas sa mga mata nito.

Napaiyak na rin si Saphire habang lumapit sa gawi namin ni Ate. Gusto ko na ring umiyak dahil ayaw kong nakikitang nasasaktan ang mga kapatid ko, pero nilakasan ko ang loob ko. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, kami lang ang maaasahan ni Ate—lalo na't malayo pa ang bahay nina Tita Shans at Tita Saryia.

Nanginginig ang kamay ko nang hawakan ko ang balikat ni Saphire na patuloy pa rin sa pag-iyak. "Saphire, please be strong for me and Ate, okay?" I reminded her, since she's not allowed to be stressed.

Tumango naman ito.

"I want you to look after Ate. I'll just go to Ate's school and ask help from Tita Shans and Tita Saryia, okay?"

"W-What am I gonna do?" she asked between sobs, wiping the tears from her eyes.

I didn't answer right away. I quickly walked to the room to get a pillow. When I returned, I asked Saphire to help me lay Ate down.

Ate was still writhing in pain, and I was starting to lose focus. But I needed to stay strong—for her, and for Saphire.

After laying Ate down, I stood up and grabbed her wallet from the top of the table. I turned to Saphire, who was still wiping Ate's tears.

"Saphire, be strong, okay? I'll be back. I love you," I said, kissing both her and Ate on the cheek.

"Assia, please take care. I love you," she said. I nodded.

I quickly left the house and closed the door before walking fast toward the jeepney stop near Ate's school.

Good thing I'm smart—I still remember where Ate's school is. I just don't know which classroom. Pero bahala na. I just hope I can find Tita Shans and Tita Saryia there.