Celestine And Helios | A Novelette By Arki Aaron

Epilogue

Hindi ko alam kung saan na ako dinala ng mga paa ko. Umalis ako sa lugar na iyon. I left not because I want to let Helios die, but to save this world from him. Malapit na gumaling si mama nang tuluyan, I can’t afford to lose her. Just thinking of her leaving my side makes me insane.

As I made my way to the city bridge, a sense of serenity embraced me. The sky above was a canvas of warm hues, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the bustling city below. Each step I took echoed softly against the path, a comforting rhythm that slowly calmed my mind.

WhenI reached the bridge, time seemed to slow, and the chaos of the city faded into the background. I,Nakakamangha ang ganda ng lugar na ito, para bang lahat ng iniisip ko, bigla na lang naglalaho. I paused at the edge, my eyes drawn to the horizon where the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. Below, the river flowed calmly, its surface reflecting the colors of the sky.

Closing my eyes, I let myself be enveloped by the serene beauty of the moment. The gentle whisper of the wind caressed my skin, carrying with it the scent of salt and sea. I just let myself feel peace again.

Opening my eyes once more, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, a quiet reassurance that everything would be alright. In that fleeting moment, with the sun sinking below the horizon and the city lights beginning to twinkle in the growing darkness, I felt a deep connection to the world around me. It was soon after when I heard footsteps on my back, softly walking towards me.

Paglingon ako hindi ko maiwasang magulat nang makita si Helios na naglalakad palapit sa akin. Maayos na ang suot niya ngayon, hindi katulad kanina na sira-sira dahil sa pagpapalit niya ng anyo.

I remained calm and let him sit beside me.

"So you chose to save the world over me," he opened up. I can hear from his voice that he is getting weak. He is hurt, not just his body, but his heart too.

"I love this world more than anything else."

"Even if it's full of suffering, sadness, and pain?" Bigla akong napaisip sa mga sinabi niya. Oo, mahirap mabuhay at manatiling buhay pero...

I smiled at him. "But that is the essence of life, isn't it? To make us feel pain and suffering, in order for us to learn and become braver."

He smiled at me as he gazed at the sunset.

"Celestine?"

I turned to him and noticed that his body was slowly fading away.

"What is happening—"
Panic gripped my chest as I reached out to him, my fingers grasping at empty air.
"Helios," I whispered, my voice choking with emotion. "Don't leave me."
But he only smiled, a bittersweet expression that tugged at my heartstrings. "It's time, Celestine," he said softly, his voice barely a whisper on the breeze. "Time for me to go."
"May I have one last request?" he asked.

Nangingilid ang luha sa mga mata ko dahil alam ko na ang mga susunod na mangyayari. Parang usok ang katawan niya na unti-unting naglalaho pero hindi niya iyon pinapansin.

"Can I kiss you?" he asked as he placed his palm on my cheeks. Marahan ko itong hinawakan atsaka ko ipinikit ang aking mga mata.

Seconds later, I felt his soft lips on mine. Our kiss wasn't passionate but I can feel his love from it. In that moment, as his lips met mine, I could feel the weight of our farewell, a stinging ache that settled deep within my chest. It was a kiss filled with unspoken words, a silent exchange of emotions.

When I opened my eyes, tears began to fall from it. Helios is slowly fading, like a peck of dust, a smoke vanishing into thin air. Before he completely faded away, he uttered some words that made me fall into my tears.

"I'm glad that I chose you, Celestine. Continue to live and appreciate this world. I love you." It sounds like a soft whisper in my ear. Mahina lang ito, pero sapat na para marating nito ang puso ko.

"I love you too," I replied even if I know that he won't hear it anymore.

The moment he disappeared is when the sun completely set. The darkness covered the vast sky and the stars showed up. There, I saw a shining blue star then I unconsciously smiled.

"Thank you for everything, Helios. I hope you're in a better place now. You saved me, my mom, and my life. You never deserved to be in hell," I uttered. Hindi ko alam kung namamalik-mata lang ako pero bigla lumiwanag ang bituin na iyon na para bang narinig ang mga salitang sinambit ko.

I will never forget you Helios. I will never forget that he became the light in my life that I thought would fall in darkness. He is the golden hour of the setting sun, and I found my solustrance in him.