Stitches and Scars

Chapter 14

"As human beings, we all feel the fear of not knowing what's next, and all the worrying and planning for things that might not even happen just makes it worse. Yet, when we listen to our hearts and refuse to settle, something remarkable happens — a burden is lifted, the world seems a bit brighter, and we find a bit of peace, even if just for a moment."

Karylle lay on the bathroom floor, her head resting against the cold tiles, a near-empty bottle of tequila by her side. "Men these days are still just boys with bigger balls," she muttered, staring at the ceiling.

The night had been a blur of tequila, screaming, and vomiting, and now she was paying the price, her stomach churning and her head felt like it was hammered multiple times. "He didn't tell me he had a freaking wife. We were fucking, how could he not tell me he had a wife?"

Anne stumbled into the bathroom, toothbrush in hand. She froze at the sight of Karylle, looking utterly defeated. "Oh my gosh, K! What happened to you?" Anne asked, worried.

Angel, who had been up half the night taking care of Karylle, walked in behind Anne. "She's been throwing up all night," she explained, her voice also exhausted.

"And still about to throw up," Karylle sat up and crawled to the toilet bowl, preparing to vomit again, "No. Wait. False alarm," she said before slumping back down, groaning in misery.

Just then, Jericho arrived, ready to pick everyone up for their shift. "You girls ready?" He took one look at Karylle on the floor and immediately frowned. "Anong nangyari?"

"Tequila. Probably, four bottles of it," Angel replied after getting a glass of water and handed it to Karylle. "Drink this. You might dehydrate from all that throwing up last night."

"Come on, K. Let me help you," Jericho crouched down, then gently helped her to her feet.

Karylle looked at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes red and puffy. "I look like a mess. I can't believe I was so stupid. How did I not see it?"

"It's not you. It's him. Siya yong gago, but you can't let him break you. You deserve someone who will be honest with you. Vice clearly isn't that person," Jericho said, crossing his arms.

Anne and Angel shared a knowing look, before the latter glanced at the clock. "We need to get ready for our shift. Can you manage, K?"

Karylle nodded, straightening up a bit. "Yeah. Just give me a few more minutes."

~•~•~•~

Karylle arrived at the hospital, together with Anne, Angel, and Jericho. As they approached the front door, they spotted Vice standing there, obviously waiting for Karylle.

Karylle's heart sank, the hangover not helping, but she squared her shoulders and kept walking. Vice stepped forward, trying to catch her attention. But Karylle immediately stopped him. "Stop it. You're stalking," she said coldly. "I have nothing to say to you."

"Did we not talk last night? Did you not hear everything I said?" Vice looked desperate.

Vice took a step closer, but Karylle held up her hand, stopping him in his tracks. "Yes. I heard everything. Your wife cheated on you with someone else."

"And then from that point on, she no longer existed to me anymore. So, why are you still not talking to me?"

"You simply had marital amnesia, Dr. Viceral."

"No, I poured my heart out to you last night."

"Hindi sapat 'yon."

Vice's shoulders slumped, realizing the finality in her tone. "How can that not be enough?"