Fragments of Us

37: Ella

I got to Siargao for what felt like eternity. I immediately went to the hospital to check on Mafe and Tatay Jessie. I already updated Alyssa to pick me up as soon as we landed.

I rushed inside the hospital as soon as the motorcycle stopped. There, I saw Mafe sitting in the corridors with her face buried in her hands.

I kneeled in front of her and held her hands.

"Hey, I'm here now."

She instantly collapsed into me.

"I thought I'm going to lose him, too."

She said this, apparently not in the right frame of mind.

I didn't say a word, but I didn't let go of her. We were silently sitting there for almost an hour when a doctor approached us.

"Are you the patient's family?"

The doctor calmly asked, and we both nodded in unison.

"The patient's free to go in the morning. He just needs to rest and have some medications, but he will definitely recover."

I saw Mafe sighed in relief.

"You can have your bills settled at the cashier. Excuse me."

The doctor nodded at us to excuse herself.

"How am I going to pay for the bills, Ate?"

Mafe lifted her face and worriedly asked.

"Don't worry about it. It's on me."

I rubbed her back so she wouldn't break down in tears again.

"But for now," I said, holding her face and placing my forehead on hers.

"You should go home and get some rest."

Her eyes were protesting, but I know she didn't get a second of sleep the whole night.

"Go on. I'll be Tatay's watch."

"Ly, will you take her home for now? Make sure she gets some sleep."

Alyssa nodded in agreement as Mafe hugged me.

"I brought you some clothes, by the way."

She went to rummage inside her backpack.

"How did you know I'm going to make it?"

I was in awe of what she just did.

"I know you will because you always do. I love you, Ate."

She kissed my cheeks before leaving and mouthed "thank you" as they were making their way out of the hospital.

I was left alone with my thoughts in the corridors. I left Jema hanging after she confessed her feelings for me.

I made it on time for my family to be here. I just wish I would not be too late for her.

Time passed, and I didn't notice I had already passed out. It's already 6 in the morning, and I need to check on Tatay.

I entered his room, and judging from his looks, he was already awake for quite a bit. I saw him looking at his hand as he was trying to move it, but he couldn't.

"Don't push yourself too much, Tay. I already sent Mafe home so she can get some rest, and I'll be getting you discharged in a bit."

He had his movement and speech impaired by the mild stroke. Thankfully, it wasn't that severe, and he was rushed to the hospital immediately.

We got out of the hospital early that day. I also got him his wheelchair and all the medication he needs, so Mafe would no longer think about them.