Mending Heart's Affliction [Phoenix Countesses: ETHEREAL MAIDENS SERIES I]

Chapter 43

Why are you mute?

"Do you need anything?"

Inilingan ko lamang siya at diretsong naglakad patungo sa lanai at doon natulala na naman.

"Celeste, are you okay?" Oliver asked me again, following me here.

I glanced at him and raised an eyebrow. Matagal kaming nagkatitigan hanggang sa biglang nagbago ang kanyang ekspresyon na tila may napagtanto bigla.

"I'm sorry," he muttered and sat down beside me.

"Do you need this?" He asked, showing me the notebook and pen he was holding.

I rolled my eyes and ignored him, but I could feel the frustration and anger in my heart. It's so frustrating and infuriating.

It's been days since I came back from the hospital. Daddy had decided to be transferred to the mansion for recovery. We have an in-house nurse and doctor, so things are alright, and his condition is still being monitored. He was out of the ICU once his condition improved, but he still hasn't woken up. No one knows why.

And here I am, still unable to speak. I am voiceless, and it's been almost a week. Para bang habang lumilipas ang araw, pabigat nang pabigat ang nakadagan sa dibdib ko.

And I can't even express or convey how I'm feeling because there's no voice coming out of me.

I am completely mute. Literally. And it's making me think that maybe it would have been better if I wasn't saved at all.

"Celeste, we're still hoping that you're not blaming yourself for what happened. Hindi mo kasalanan ang lahat. Huwag mong parusahan ang sarili mo sa bagay na hindi mo naman ginustong manyari," Oliver assured me, making sure I heard it.

I managed a bitter smile.

So, who should be blamed then?

Arik has amnesia. Gaya ko at ni dad, nakalabas na rin siya ng hospital pero hindi namin siya kasamang umuwi.

Naalala ko pa rin kung paano umiyak si Ariah nang hindi kami umuwi kasama ang daddy niya. She's been searching for him ever since, and I have no answer for her.

What should I tell her? That her dad doesn't recognize her? And what will happen then? Maghihintay na naman siya habang nahihirapan?

It would be fine if it was just me. I can endure any pain, pero kung pati si Ariah ay naaapektuhan, hindi ko maiwasang sisihin ang sarili ko. Like a cigarette slowly burning out, being sucked of strength and stomped on just to die.

"Nothing is permanent. Your condition, Dad's condition, and especially Arik's condition. He'll remember again."

I want to ask him when. When will Arik remember? When he's already married to Yumi? When there's no place left for us in his life? When will it be? When he no longer loves us?

Or does he still love us?

"Celeste," Oliver called me, so I looked at him.

"Arik will remember you and Ariah, and we'll do everything to catch Victoria for what she did to you. I promise."

Later that night, after putting my child to sleep, I immediately messaged Aurora and Kim to ask them to accompany me. When Kim didn't respond, I focused on texting Aurora.

To Aurora
Kahit saglit lang. I just want to see him, Au. Please.

Aurora
Celeste, what you're saying isn't possible. Nakalimutan mo na ba ang nangyari noong huli kayong nagkita ni Arik? Kung hindi kami dumating, naitulak ka na niya!