Where I Belong

Kabanata 8

Okay

When I finally regained consciousness, Ang unang mga mukha na aking nakita ay sina Kuya Asher, Tita Alisa, at si Aiden. Worried expressions are all I can see in their faces.

I glanced around the room, trying to piece together what had happened.

My eyes moved until they stopped at Aiden's finger, which reminded me that there had been blood involved, but I remained silent.

Kuya Asher's voice broke the tense silence. "Brea, what happened? Okay ka lang ba?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The memories of my struggles, both past, and present, weighed heavily on my mind, but I couldn't find the words to express them.

Tita Alisa placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, her eyes filled with concern. "Sweetheart, please tell us what happened. We're here for you."

Aiden's presence beside me offered a sense of comfort, but the past within me made it difficult to open up. I wanted to shield them from the pain and worry that I carried, even if it meant keeping my own struggles hidden.

Gathering my strength, I managed a weak smile. "Okay lang po ako. Just a little dizzy, that's all."

Though my words were meant to reassure them, I could see the doubt in their eyes. They knew there was more to the story, but they respected my silence, offering their support in silence.

"I'm sorry for worrying you all," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

Tita Alisa's eyes softened with understanding, and she reached out to gently squeeze my hand. "It's okay, sweetheart. Just focus on resting and getting better.

Matapos silang umalis sa silid, ilang minuto ang lumipas bago dumating si Austin at si Adrian.

Austin took a seat beside me and sighed deeply before speaking.

"We're just glad you're okay, Brea. Kuya Aiden was really scared when he found you unconscious."

My heart sank at Austin's words, realizing the extent of Aiden's worry. Despite my efforts to reassure him and downplay the situation. I felt a pang of guilt wash over me, knowing that my actions had caused distress not only to Aiden but to their entire family.

"I'm sorry for causing everyone to worry," I murmured, my voice filled with remorse.

Adrian placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Don't apologize, Ate Brea. We're just glad you're safe. But if something's bothering you, you know you can always talk to us."

As I rose from my bed, the events of the previous day weighed heavily on my mind.

Descending the stairs, I found the familiar sights of the household. Si Tita Alisa ay abala sa paghahanda ng almusal sa kusina.

Aiden was nowhere to be seen, but I could sense his absence like a void in the room. Guilt gnawed at me as I remembered what Austin told me.

Determined to make amends for causing him worry, hinanap ko siya, at nakita ko siya sa hardin, abala sa kanyang iniisip.

His expression softened as he saw me approaching, ngunit nakikita ko pa rin ang mga bakas ng pag-aalala sa kanyang mga mata.

"I'm sorry for making you worry yesterday," I began, my voice tinged with remorse. "I didn't mean to cause such a fuss."

Aiden shook his head, his gaze meeting mine with warmth. "You don't need to apologize, Brea. I'm just glad you're okay now."

His words filled me with a sense of gratitude. As we stood there together, basking in the warmth of the morning sun, I felt a sense of peace settle over me.