Miletria: The Withering Fire

03

Ever since Blake left Allaria, everything has changed. We were never the same anymore. And this... this is my biggest fear. My mom is crying every day and we are worried about her condition especially now that she is pregnant.

"Mga anak! Come down. Breakfast is ready!" I heard my mom shouting so I immediately went towards our dining area. Pagbaba ko ay nandun na silang lahat, so I walked to my chair and sit. Pero natigil ako ng makita na anim ang plato sa table.

"Where's your kuya? Hindi pa ba siya bababa? Baby, can you call him?" Mom said to Blaze. I glanced at my siblings but they just looked away.

"Mom, Blake is not here anymore," Blaze whispered while playing with his food. He's not even eating it. Nawala naman ang masayang aura ni Mom at napalitan ito ng lungkot. Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko. It's heavy. We are all sad and in pain, and my necklace didn't help because I can also feel everyone's pain.

We ate in silence. No one dared to talk. Napakagat labi ko. Hindi ako sanay ng ganito. We are always happy. Kapag kumakain kami noon, it's either we share stories, we tease each other, or laugh because of my kuya's funny stunts. Now that he's not here anymore, it just doesn't feel right.

Napatingin ako kay mom when she suddenly put down her utensils. "I'm already full," she said even if she just ate five spoons of food.

"Nate, you need to eat more. Our baby needs you too. Please be strong and healthy, you know that right?" Dad said softly while caressing Mom's right hand.

Unti-unting tumulo ang luha ni Mom na ikinapagpanic ng lahat. "Mom, are you in pain? Do we need to call Master Healer?" I asked but she just shook her head.

"I'm sorry my babies. I'm sorry Blaz. I'm sorry if I failed to be a good mother to our family." She cried. "If only I didn't become selfish, Blake would still be here. I can't even take care of you anymore. I'm sorry if I'm a failure. I'm so sorry." Mom keeps on apologizing while sobbing hard, and I can't help but cry as well when I feel the guilt in her. I stood up and hugged her real tight.

"Mom, you are not a failure. You will never be. You are the best mom in the whole wide world kaya! So don't say that again. It pains me to see you cry. Kuya wouldn't want to see you cry too. We love you so much, mom."

I felt my dad's arms wrapping on both of us, too. "Our baby is right, my wife. We are lucky to have you as a wife and as a mother. This is just a challenge for our family, alright? And I know we can overcome this as long as we are together." He kissed Mom's forehead and mine as well.

"Why aren't you including me in that group hug? Am I an orphan?!" Blaire said before standing up and throwing herself into our hug. My dad kissed her forehead too while smiling.

"Sis, I'm sure you are not. Ugali mo pa lang alam na." I laughed.

"Excuse me?!" Blaire reacted.

"What do you mean, daughter?" Dad narrowed his eyes to me making me laugh harder.

"Just kidding, Dad." I grinned. "But on second thought, hindi ba?" I asked.

"Guys, I can't breathe," Mom interrupted na ikinalayo naming agad.

"I'm sorry Mom. Just got carried away." I grinned. The atmosphere finally lightened making me sigh in relief.

Or not.

I still feel someone's guilt and when I look at Blaze, I finally understand. I slowly walked towards him and tapped the top of his head. He flinched because of my touch. Natauhan ata. Kanina pa kasi siyang tulala. He looked at me confusedly.

"Brother, I know what you're thinking," I said, but he just looked away. I sighed and glanced at Mom and Dad. We exchanged meaningful glances before turning our attention back to Blaze.