Stitches and Scars

Chapter 21

"The truth will always be painful. Deep down, nobody wants to hear it, especially when it hits close to home. Sometimes we tell the truth because the truth is all we have to give. Sometimes we tell the truth because we need to say it out loud to really hear it for ourselves. And sometimes we tell the truth because we just can't help ourselves. And sometimes, we tell them because we owe them at least that much."

Kaye and Vice stood in the living room, the topic of their conversation now revolving around the color of the living room wall. Vice crossed his arms, his eyes fixed on the navy blue paint. "I still think it's a good color," he said firmly.

Kaye shook her head, clearly disagreeing. "It's too cold. It makes the whole room feel uninviting. I told you we should have changed it before the New Year. Not a few weeks after."

Vice rolled his eyes slightly, trying to keep his tone calm. "Kaye, we have bigger things to worry about than the color of the wall. Besides, it's not that bad. Tignan mo, it's actually calming."

Kaye huffed, placing her hands on her hips. "Calming? Vice, it's depressing. Obviously depressing. You could have at least gone for a warmer shade. Something more cheerful."

Vice raised an eyebrow, "Cheerful? Like what, bright yellow or green? Let me remind you, hindi ito kindergarten classroom."

Kaye shot him a glare, not amused. "I'm serious. We need to make this place feel more like a home. It's been feeling off lately."

Vice sighed, his expression softening. He knew there was more to this argument than just the color of the walls. "Why do I have a feeling that it's not just the wall color that's been bothering you? Is this about what I said a week ago?"

Kaye's frustration melted into a mix of sadness and denial. "No, it's not. Since we're living together again, I just want us to feel like we're moving forward, not stuck in the same place."

Vice stepped closer, "So, this is just about the wall? Not the fact that I said I love Karylle?"

Kaye looked into his eyes, "Loved. You said you loved her. Past tense. There's a big difference." she said before looking away.

Vice paused, subconsciously nodding in agreement. "Right. I did. Past tense."

"Well, kung ganon nga, then I have been talking about the wall, not about something else," Kaye concluded before walking out of the living room, leaving Vice to ponder in front of the wall.

~•~•~•~

Karylle arrived at the nursing home. It was her first visit to see her mom since she had been admitted, and she hoped it would be a positive experience. As she approached the front desk, the receptionist greeted her warmly.

"Magandang umaga, ma'am! Sino pong sadya natin?" the receptionist asked with a warm smile.

"I'm here to visit my mom, Esperanza Padilla," Karylle replied, her voice slightly nervous. "Kamusta siya?"

The receptionist's eyes lit up in recognition. "Ah, si Dr. Padilla? Okay naman po siya," the receptionist assured her. "In fact, medyo sikat po yong mama niyo dito. Madalas kasi siyang magkaroon ng mga bisita. Your mom lights up every time she has visitors, lalo na po kung si Dr. Martinez ang bumibisita."

Karylle frowned slightly, surprised by the information. "Dr. Martinez? Albert Martinez?"

"Yes, siya nga po. Nandito po siya, actually. They're probably in the common room po ngayon," the receptionist said, pointing down the hallway. "He's been very attentive po sa mama niyo. Ang sweet nga po tignan eh."

"Really?" Karylle asked, quite curious. She then thanked her and slowly made her way down the hall, her curiosity becoming more intense.

As she neared the common room, she heard soft laughter and quiet conversation. Peeking through the doorway, she saw her mom sitting on a comfortable chair, looking happier than she had in a long time. Beside her, Albert was seated, holding her hand and speaking to her gently.