Behind Boundaries

Epilogue

“What inspired you to open your own hospital?”

The reporter, my friend, Selette Friás is smiling from ear to ear as I accepted their invitation for an interview on national television. After years of dedicating myself in this field, nagpatayo na ako ng sarili kong hospital.

“Throughout my career as a psychiatrist, I’ve witnessed the challenges that individuals face when seeking mental health treatment,”

I look around the whole studio where people are looking at me as if I’m a pillar of hope, a testament of my strength, resilience, and positive influence on the lives of those around me.

“There is often a lack of resources and support for those in need. I wanted to create a hospital that addresses these gaps in care and provides a holistic approach to mental health treatment.” I added.

Dinig ko ang malakas na palakpakan sa likod ng camera. Those people who is able to listen from other people’s stories, are those people who can easily decode the reason behind boundaries.

Nanatili akong nakangiti sa harap ng kamera, kaharap si Selette na siyang bida sa mga oras na ‘to. After her best friend, Fronti Dejati died, she became the most prominent News Anchor in the country.

Matagal din siyang nagluksa sa pagkawala ng matalik niyang kaibigan, at ngayon lang ulit siya nakabalik sa pagbabalita dahil doon. Masaya ako dahil kahit papaano, nakaka ahon na siya ulit mula sa pagluluksa ng ilang taon.

“What are your hopes for the future of mental health care?”

“My hope is that by creating a model of care that prioritizes compassion, collaboration, and individualized treatment, we can set a new standard for mental health care,” I replied. “I want to see more facilities adopt this approach and ultimately reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness while improving access to quality care for all individuals.”

“Thank you for sharing your insights with us,” Selette smiled. “Onced again,  Dra. Elia Dione Austero—De Vries.”

Natapos ang show at marami ang nagpapicture sa akin. The people already knew that I had miscarriage, and suffered from depression and amnesia after losing my first born. Dahil doon, mas lalo akong naintindihan ng mga tao kung bakit ang taas ng eagerness kong ituloy ang pagpapatayo ng sarili kong mental health facility.

Asmodeus gave me tania as a gift. Ayaw niya raw kasi ibigay sa akin si tuti, since favorite niya ‘yon. Hindi ko na sana tatanggapin kaso hindi naman ako ma pride na tao, kaya kinuha ko na.

“Tania.. to the house, please.” The car immediately opened it’s door for me. Nang makasakay ako, humiga na lang ako at nag browse online.

erivisser 15s
The kids are waiting, Dra. De Vries.

It was a picture of my kids watching a live show. Tutok na tutok ang mukha ni Vicenzo sa TV habang si Eula naman, nagtatake pa ng photos. Rest day ngayon ni Visser, kaya siya ang bantay sa dalawa.

I stalked his account and found lots of pictures of me and our kids. May mga pictures doon na stolen shots ko pero maayos pa rin kung tignan, halatang pinili niya talaga ang maayos ko na mukha.

I arched my brow when he posted another picture. It was our picture together, without the kids. Parehas kaming naka puti sa picture dahil iyon ang araw na bumisita kami sa Batangas. He’s smiling from ear to ear habang nakatingin sa akin na kumakanta sa karaoke.

Your voice is the soundtrack of my summer, do you know you’re unlike any other? you’re always be my thunder.

I don’t know why I found it sweet. Kahit na masiyadong private ang kwento ng buhay namin sa mga nagdaang taon, nagagawa pa rin naman niya akong ipost public.