Tune of Rapture (Echoes #2)

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Lifetime

The time eventually came when I finished my third year in college. I no longer look back at the past. I don't want to remember everything. Even the lies that were told, I've forgotten them.

Even if tito keeps mentioning that he's in Manila now, saying this and that. Pakialam ko ba? I don't even ask about that man, and he suddenly brings it up. I don't care! Even if he becomes a billionaire, I don't give a damn.

I just focused on my studies to finally finish college.

In the months that passed, naging katulong ko ang mga tito ko. Kapag may pasok ako, sila muna ang nasa trabaho ko.

Sometimes, they also talked to other investors when I had school. I don't know how I managed without complaining. Because it's been a year since the tragedy, but not a word has been heard from me. I endured a whole year without shedding a tear.

And that was a damn long time for me. A fucking year.

Maybe it feels like it's been so long because it seems like time and days pass by so slowly. Even though I have so much to do, the day doesn't end quickly. Like it's being prolonged to make me realize even more that this is really my present.

Binaba ko ang bulaklak sa damo bago sinindihan ang kandila sa puntod nilang dalawa. Walang emosyon ang aking mata habang nakatingin doon. Napatingin ako sa picture ni mommy.

It's been a year, but I still vividly remember her face. Their faces. Amidst everything that happened, this is something I can't forget. The beautiful moments the three of us shared.

Even though Dad had no time for us, I can't forget the moments we had together when I was younger.

Their faces are etched in my mind. The pain is gone, but the memories remain. It's like the things are gone, but the feelings are still here.

I glanced at the people passing by my side. Some were with their families, setting up a tent to eat there. It's November 1 today, so there are many people. Even though we chose a private burial site, it's still crowded, but the good thing is that the graves aren't tightly packed, and they're clean.

I don't like graves being too close together. It feels like I can't breathe. Plus, if we bury in a public area, there's a possibility that the area might be demolished and turned into another property.

Mahihirapan kung palipat-lipat pa ng puntod.

But I also thought at times about just cremating. Pero ayoko rin. I know some families that when one member dies, they want everyone to be cremated. I'm not sure.

I just don't want to do it to my parents dahil patay na nga susunugin ko pa.

Bumuntong hininga ako. Kada buwan akong dumadalaw sakanila. Palagi akong bumibili ng bulaklak kaya halos puro bulaklak na lang ang nandito. 'Yung iba tuyot na kaya kumikipis.

"Where are you guys? You're surely in heaven. I always pray that you'll ascend to guide me always," I said, resting my head on my knees.

I swallowed hard as others looked at me. Almost everyone had their families with them and tents. I told Tita Madel that I would go alone and not to accompany me.

There are too many if everyone comes along. I don't prepare for this kind of gathering. And I don't want to. It's better when it's quiet.

"I'll graduate from college in just a year. I'll focus on the company and make it grow again like before. And the land, Dad, I'll get it back too. I'll talk to tito when he gets home to tell him."