Love Lost, Lessons Learned

Analepsis

Analepsis

I slammed the condo door shut, the sound echoing through the hallway. "Sky Xavi Villarin!" I yelled, 

A startled "Po?" came from the living room, followed by Sky scrambling up with his phone glued to his hand.

"Diba sabi ko sa'yo na itapon mo yung basura kanina? Bakit nandito pa rin? Naglalaro ka ba?" My frustration bubbled over, the stress of the day still clinging to me.

Sky's smile faltered. He rushed over, arms outstretched for a hug and a quick kiss. "Sorry na, love. Nadistract lang po ako. Itatapon ko na po oh, I love youu." he said, planting a quick kiss on my cheek. He grabbed the bag and dashed out, eager to please me.

After dropping my stuff and changing, I found Sky back inside. "Anong ginawa mo buong araw ha? Wala ka raw klase today." I asked, curious.

He nervously rubbed the back of his neck "Nag ano po hehe.." His voice trailed off, a playful grin spreading across his face "Nanood ng movie and naglaro...buong araw." 

"Games, huh? What movie did you watch? I asked, already making my way to the kitchen. "And did you cook dinner? I'm starving."

 "I watched your favorite – Five Feet Apart!" He followed me into the kitchen. "Actually," he said, a hint of pride in his voice, "I made it! Figured it was time I stepped up my kitchen game. No more instant noodles, right?"

He gestured to a pot simmering on the stove. While I wasn't sure what he'd made yet, I appreciated the effort.

"Wow, it looks amazing! Maybe gawin mo ng habit? hahaha." I teased, grabbing a plate.

"No thanks, love. I'll surprise you now and then, but you're definitely the better chef," Sky said, wrapping his arms around me from behind. He leaned in and kissed my forehead.

"Why so sweet today?" I asked, leaning back into his embrace.

"Just missed you," he mumbled. "Why'd you stay so late at school? Seems like forever since you were home."

"I needed to finish some last-minute project." I mumbled, burying my face in his shoulder.

The evening flowed with comfortable chatter and shared bites of Sky's surprisingly delicious meal. As we settled on the couch, the anniversary snuck up on us.

"Happy 2nd anniversary, love!" we said in unison, a shared smile lighting up our faces. Sky held me close, swaying gently to the music playing in the background.

"You know," I whispered, "my biggest wish for our anniversary is that we can always be there for each other, yung tayo pa rin pag naging successful na tayo no matter what life throws our way." I smiled at him.

Sky kissed my forehead, his voice filled with promise. "Malayo na pero malayo pa." 

The next year flew by in a whirlwind of celebrations, small fights, and shared dreams. Our third anniversary arrived, marked by a beautifully wrapped gift from Sky.

"Hi love!!" Sky said, smiling.

"What's this?" I asked, excitement bubbling in my chest.

He grinned. "Open it!"

"Love, bakit gumagalaw yung box?" I hid behind him nervously.

Inside the box, nestled in soft fabric, was a fluffy puppy. My heart melted. "Oh my god, Sky! It's adorable! Thank you so much!" I squealed, hugging him tightly.

He laughed, a genuine warmth radiating from him. "There you go. Happy anniversary!"

Later that night, as we snuggled on the couch, a playful thought struck him. "Hey, if I'm ever not around, you'll still miss me, right?"

"Of course," I teased, hiding behind a pillow.

"If I'm not here, at least you'll have Zana to keep you company." he teased.

"Zana?" Confusion clouded my face.

"Our daughter!" he exclaimed, trying to keep a straight face. "See, I already gave you a baby!"

I burst out laughing, the sound filling the room with joy. "Oh, you got me, love! Our daughter, Zana."

"I love you so much," I whispered, holding him close. "I'll never stop loving you."

But as time passed, things began to shift. On our fourth anniversary, a shadow seemed to hang over Sky. When I tried to hold him close, he pulled away.

My stomach twisted with a growing unease. "Happy anniversary, love," I managed a choked greeting.

"Happy anniversary," he mumbled back. "Alis na ako, love. May trabaho pa ako."

Later that night, the apartment felt huge and empty. It was clear what was happening, even if we hadn't said it. Tears streamed down my face.

"I'm done, Xav. Tapusin na natin 'to. We can't keep doing this," I choked out, tears blurring my vision. "Umuuwi ka sa'kin pero yung puso mo wala dito, I feel like your heart's a million miles away. Umalis ka na."

Sky remained silent, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke, his voice flat. "I'm going. Thank you... sa ilang taon na magkasama tayo." He turned and walked away, leaving me alone with the deafening silence.

I crumpled onto the couch, sobs wracking my body. Minahal niya ba ako sa ilang taon naming magkasama? Magiging okay pa ba kami kung hindi ko siya binitawa? Bakit hindi niya ako pinigilan? Did I hold on too tight, hoping things would change? Ang daming tanong na pumasok sa utak ko, unanswered and killing me inside.

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