The Midnight Lies (THE PRESTIGE 3)

35

Miscarriage

Note: Another time skip. This chapter contain sensitive content. Read at your own risk.

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Motherhood is often described as one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences in a woman's life. I never knew the depth of it not until I experience it first hand.

From the moment I held her in my arms, I feel an overwhelming sense of love and responsibility. She's not my made out of my flesh, but witnessing her grow, learn and flourish under my care gave me an immense joy and pride.

Haya turned my life upside down. When I thought darkness will consume me, she's a little array of sunshine that guided me all throughout this years.

"Good morning, Tinang!"

Ngumiti ako at pinatakan ito ng halik sa ulunan. "Good morning, little bean."

Masaya siyang umupo sa high chair. Inalalayan ko ito. Hinagod ko ang mahabang buhok ni Haya na halatang minana niya sa kaniyang ina. Ang kaniyang maputi at mapula pulang balat ay namana naman sa kaniyang...ama.

"How's your sleep?" I asked her.

"It was good. I slept peacefully, Tinang." She did some sign language.

Umusod ako nang kaonti nang ihanda ni ate Glorie ang kape sa lamesa.

"Thank you, Ate."

"May pasok ka ba ngayon?" Tanong niya.

Tumango ako. "Half day lang. May kailangan lang akong tapusin."

Umupo na rin si Ate Glorie sa upuan at sumabay na sa almusal. Kitang kita ang saya sa mukha ng bata.

"You have work, Tinang?"

I touched her chin. "Yes, darling. But I'll be fast. I promise."

Haya smiled. "Okay!"

Nagkatinginan kami ni Ate Glorie bago nagpalitan ng ngiti.

She's very fond of Haya. I mean, who wouldn't right? Our Haya is our ray ball of sunshine. Her favorite color is yellow. Not the deep yellow. Yellow like lime. She's very energetic and enthusiastic. Her dimples on both of her cheeks makes her more cute. And oh, she also have a bunny teeth!

"Don't you want to have a picnic, later?"

"Picnic?"

"Yes, baby. I'll invite Tita Sheena and Tito Joshua."

"Wow! Tinang, I like picnics!"

I chuckled. "Alright. Wait for us, okay? Tita Glorie will prepare everything and I'll buy your favorites before I go home."

"Do you have enough money, Tinang?" She asked all of a sudden.

"Hmm?" Hindi ko nasundan ang tanong nito.

"If you don't have enough money, it's okay if you don't buy me strawberries and cheescake anymore. I'll go for. . .for the tomato in the garden!"

Natawa kami ni ate Glorie.

"Tomato?" I asked her gently.

"Yes, Tinang. It already bear fruit!"

"Oh really?" Excited ko ring tanong sa bata.

Haya loves planting. May isa kaming malawak na hardin sa harapan. Puno iyon ng mga bulaklak at sa kabilang banda ay mga gulay. Palagi niya iyong dinidiligan at alagang alaga.

"We can eat that in our picnic, Tinang." She added.

My heart softened. I hug her and she hugged me back.