Chasing The Wild (Del Galiego Series #2 || ON-HOLD)

CHAPTER 23: INTO THE ABYSS OF THE MEMORIES

I trudged up the stairs, ignoring the echoing scoldings of my mom downstairs. Nag sorry lang ako sakanya and I explained why I go alone. All I wanted was to find solace in the comfort of my room. Pagdating ko sa taas, agad kong binuksan ang pinto at pumasok sa loob. I heaved a sigh of relief as I closed the door behind me, shutting out the world for a moment.

I took off my wet clothes, feeling the dampness clinging to my skin from the rain outside. Mahigpit kong iniwan ang kanyang jacket sa kama, a reminder of the unexpected encounter earlier. As I lay down beside it, I couldn't help but reach out and touch the fabric, as if searching for answers within its folds.

"Your brain is in good condition," The doctor started, looking at me with a steady gaze. "Just continue taking your medication. Kung sumakit ang ulo mo, inumin mo lang ang mga pills na binigay ko." Tumango ako, pilit na inuunawa ang kanyang sinasabi. "Your amnesia has lasted long enough that it's uncertain if your memories will fully return," he continued. "Your memories are 50-50. May chance na hindi na babalik ang lahat ng alaala mo, pero may posibilidad din na magbalik ang mga ito kung gugustuhin mo."

Nandito kami ngayon sa malapit na hospital dito sa Siargao. Mom wants me to see a doctor para sa check up. Ganito rin siya sa Canada. Ayaw niya nalilipasan ako ng checkup.

"Will it come back automatically?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor nodded. "Yes, it might come back automatically, but it's important not to trigger it. Huwag mong pilitin. Just let it happen naturally."

Napatingin ako kay Mommy. She was listening intently, her brows furrowed with concern. Tumingin siya sa doktor at nagtanong.

"Anong mga dapat naming gawin so it won't trigger her memories? Doc?"

"Just keep things as normal as possible," sabi ng doktor. "Avoid stress and any activities that might strain her memory. Be patient. Time will tell if the memories come back."

I nodded at him, trying to absorb everything he said. "Thanks, Doc," I murmured, feeling a mixture of relief and frustration. Gusto kong malaman ang lahat, pero kailangan kong maghintay.

Pumasok si Mommy sa office ni Doc para kausapin ito. Ako naman lumabas ng room para doon na lang mag antay. I walked down the hospital hallway, passing patients with various illnesses. Some were in wheelchairs, others had bandages or IVs attached. I sighed, feeling a heavy weight on my chest. Just as I was about to turn the corner, something caught my eye. Napatigil ako bigla.

Sa isang kwarto, nakita ko ang isang pamilyar na mukha sa likod ng glass window. My heart skipped a beat. It was Katleya. Hindi ako makapaniwala. Lumapit ako sa glass window, and the cold surface sent a shiver down my spine as I touched it. I watched her, sitting on the chair with a hand serum attached to her arm. Her blood was flowing into the tube, and she looked pale and weak.

"Why is she here?" bulong ko sa sarili ko, halos hindi makapaniwala. My mind raced with questions. Bakit siya nasa ganitong kondisyon? Ano nangyari sa kanya?

Nakita ko ang doktor na pumasok sa kwarto ni Katleya. They talked for a moment, and I could see the concern in the doctor's eyes. Hindi ko marinig ang kanilang usapan. Nakatulala lang ako dito sa labas at bigla bumigat ang dibdib. I stood there, speechless, watching them. My mind struggled to process why she was in this condition. Was she sick? Injured? I felt a deep ache in my chest, a mix of worry and helplessness.

I continued to watch, I noticed how tired she looked, how life seemed drained from her. It broke my heart. I wanted to run in and ask her if she was okay, to offer my help, but I didn't know if that was the right thing to do. I felt like an intruder in a moment that was intensely personal. Sino ba naman ako para kamustahin siya? eh hindi ko nga siya makilala....