"Ouch!" I winced as I stood up, finally feeling the searing pain caused by the sharp shards piercing my skin. I had been sitting on the ground for a quiet while now, unaware of my sorroundings. Saka ko lang naalala na nasa gitna pala kami ng kalsada at mukhang nakakaabala na sa ilang motorista. The initial adrenaline rush had masked the discomfort, but as I rose to my feet, the reality of the situation hit me like a sudden jolt.
"I'm sorry," Pau uttered softly, his voice tinged with guilt, as he stared at the wounds scattered across my body. His expression was a mixture of concern and remorse, his eyes fixed on the cuts and bruises that marred my skin.
I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, feeling a rush of emotions—pain, discomfort, but also a twinge of understanding for Pau's evident regret. His apology carried the weight of genuine remorse, making it clear na hindi niya intensyong masaktan ako. Walang may gusto sa nangyari.
"It's okay," I murmured, trying to alleviate the heavy atmosphere that surrounded us. Despite the pain, I didn't want Pau to feel more distressed about the situation. Ayaw kong sisihin niya ang sarili niya dahil sa aksidente. "It was just an accident." I tried to offer a reassuring smile, although the ache from the wounds made it challenging to muster any genuine cheerfulness. The sight of his remorseful expression made me want to alleviate his guilt, even as I felt the sting of each injury. Maliliit lang naman ang mga sugat ko pero masakit 'yun para sa akin. Aside from the fact that it was moistened by the water, the remains of shards is still piercing on my skin.
Pau's eyes remained fixed on the marks of the accident, his gaze almost apologetic as if silently berating himself for not being more careful. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang ma-guilty din. Kung mas naging kalmado siguro ako, hindi rin naman 'to mangyayari. Many of the mistakes are my responsibility.
"It's not your fault," I reiterated gently, wanting him to understand that accidents happen and that I didn't blame him for what had occurred. "Really, I'll be fine."
"We should probably tend to these wounds," he suggested softly, finally tearing his gaze away from the injuries. His concern shifted to practicality, wanting to ensure that I received the necessary care.
"I'm really okay." Pagsisiguro ko, tyring to comfort him but he didn't uttered any more word. Walang pasabi niya akong binuhat at ibinaba sa medic na nakaantabay sa gilid ng kalsada. I didn't even notice the ambulance here. Nagpalakpakan pa ang mga tao saka isa-isang nag-alisan sa kanya-kanyang pwesto. Noon ko lang din napansin na kumpleto pala ang mga pamilya at kaibigan namin ni Pau. Even my siblings who told me that they are going to Iceland are here!
"You planned this all along?"
"Yeah. But I guess my plan had some hitch," Pau muttered with concern still evident in his voice as he beckoned for help from the medical personnel nearby. Despite being a doctor myself, I knew the importance of seeking immediate care for injuries, but I also recognized that not every wound required a trip to the hospital. Makakagulo lang ako roon. Sa halip na makadagdag sa bilang ng pasyente ay mas mabuting kami-kami na lang ang manggamot sa akin. Nandito rin naman sina Kuya pero dahil alam naman nilang kaya ko ay ni hindi sila nag-alalang lumapit man lang sa akin.
"You don't need to bring me to the hospital," I whispered assessing the situation with my medical expertise. An ambulance or any medical vehicle would suffice for the care that I needed. They were equipped with emergency kits designed specifically for minor wounds like mine. Halos first aid lang naman ang kailangan ko ngayon.
