Changing Its Rays (Sultan Naga Series #1)

Kabanata 48

Prevail

Bumaba kami ni Zul sa sasakyan niya kasama si Raki as my eyes glued in the big facility before us. The sprawling compound was abuzz with activity. The air filled with the sounds of barking dogs and the soft mewing of cats. Napalunok ako at dahan-dahang lumapit sa entrance.  Nang malingunan ako ng mga staffs, they froze in their tracks as their expressions a mixture of shock.

"M-Ma'am Dorothy?" manghang tawag nila sa akin.

Kahit hindi ko na matandaan ang mga pangalan nila ay hindi ko makakalimutan ang mga hitsura nila. When I smiled and nodded, kaagad silang naging emotional habang nakatitig sa akin. Nag-uunahan pa ang iba sa pagtakbo palabas ng facility para lang makakasiguro kung ako ba talaga itong Dorothy na may-ari ng facility.

Kahit ako, hindi ko inaakalang ako nga ang may-ari ng pasilidad na 'to.

"S-Si Ma'am Dorothy nga! Ma'am namiss ka po namin!"

"Oo, Ma'am. Pati rin po ng mga alaga mong mga aso!"

When they realized I wasn't alone, mas nagsilaglagan ang mga panga nila sa nakitang kasama kong nakatayo sa tabi ko. Ipinulupot ni Zul ang braso nita sa baywang ko at magaang hinarap ang mga staffs.

The sight of me and Zul, was an unexpected surprise of them. Our presence stirred up a wave of emotions among the staff members, who had missed us dearly.

"K-Kamusta kayo?" naluluha kong tanong nila.

Isa-isa silang nagsihikbian na ikinatawa ko ng bahagya. Dahan-dahan akong kumalas kay Zul para makalapit sa kanila. We made a group hug as I can feel their longiness on me. Nagkatunog ang iyak ko nang magsihagulholan sila. Their love and support never failed me to be drawn multiple times.

"A-Akala namin, Ma'am tuluyan mo na kaming makakalimutan," humihikbi nilang sabi.

Umiling ako sabay palis sa mga luha. "H-Hindi...Hindi puwede."

My gaze fell upon the signage above the entrance. "Raki's Shelter". The words etched in bold letters. A lump formed in my throat as I read the signage---a name that held so much significance for me. Memories of Raki, my faithful dog, and the countless animals we had rescued together, came flooding back.

"Hindi puwedeng makakalimutan ko ito," bulong ko habang nakatitig pa rin sa signage.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the extent of what I had forgotten due to my amnesia. Nakalimutan ko ang mga importanteng tao sa buhay ko, mga minahal ko, at trabaho. Pati ang mga bagay na gusto kong ginagawa  that held a special place in her heart. The realization was a painful reminder of the impact of my condition. Nakakatakot.

Zul, standing beside me, offered a comforting hand on me again. Akmang hahawakan ko nang hinapit niya nalang ako ulit sabay halik sa sentido ko.

"I love you so much, Dorothy," bulong niya.

I turned my head to look at him closely as I smiled. Parehas pa kaming hindi bihis at dumeretso muna rito sa shelter bago uuwi. I am still in my bridesmaid gown habang siya naman ay sout ang Jubbah. Hindi ko pa siya naitanong kung paano na 'yong hindi niya sinipot na seremonya.

Habang nagkatitigan kami, all I can see in his eyes is understanding, support, love, and patience. A kind of patience that limitless. He understood the turmoil I was going through, and his presence was a source of comfort for me.

Nang tuluyan na kaming pumasok sa pasilidaf ay binati pa kami ng ibang mga staffs. Nagulat din akong may mga Vets na nag-aasikaso sa mga iilang aso. I really did it!