Illicit Sky [✓]

Chapter 22

Papa's dead. En route to Mindanao for his scheduled meeting with his new business associate, he encountered an accident. It was an unfortunate accident. Nadamay lang sila ng rumaragasang truck na nawalan ng preno. My father was dead on arrival, while his driver was dead on the spot.

I don't know what to feel. It felt like something was wrong. We just talked. We had a peaceful and normal talk before that. He was planning to clear his schedule to spend his time with me and my mother. 

But now...

"Wilbur! No! Please!" Mom's devastating cries were the only noise around. 

Ilang araw na siyang umiiyak. Minsan natutulala siya at biglang maghihisterya. Pakiramdam ko wala akong karapatang magluksa. Masiyadong nasasaktan si Mama ngayon. She needs someone strong by her side. At ako lang ang mayroon siya. 

Three days after my father's night vigil, it was time to say goodbye. I silently caressed my mother's back as she cried hysterically. Ilang beses na siyang hinimatay kaya natatakot ako sa kalagayan niya ngayon.

"I should've let y—you use the chopper! Wilbur, don't leave me!" 

She lamented her regrets. Habang ako, tulala at patuloy na hinaplos lamang ang kaniyang likuran. Maraming dumalo sa libing ni Papa at dahil hindi makausap nang maayos si Mama, ako mismo ang nag-entertain sa kanila kahit na hindi ako sanay makihalubilo. 

Most of them are our family friends, investors in our companies, business partners of my parents, and distant relatives. Parehong only child ang mga magulang ko. Wala silang kapatid na maaaring bumisita sa kanila at wala na rin sina Lolo at Lola.

"Everything was so sudden. Grabeng responsibilidad ang naiwan kay Yelena."

"Kasasara lang ng bagong deal ni Wilbur. Paano iyan? Yelena's in pain; do you think she can handle the responsibilities in her hands?"

"Their daughter is still young. Have you seen her? She wasn't crying. I felt so bad for the kid. Mukhang nagpapanggap na malakas para sa ina."

"If Yelena can't pull herself together, her daughter will have no choice but to takeover. But she's so young. I really feel bad."

Their whispers are like knives. Mama's now inside her room with her doctor. Ako ang nag-asikaso sa mga bisita after burial. Wala akong tulog at ramdam ko ang pananakit ng aking ulo.

"Thank you for coming..." Pilit akong ngumiti sa napuntahan kong grupo ng mga ginang.

"Condolence, hija. I hope your mother will feel better soon."