DIREFUL SANITARIUM - [COMPLETED]

Part 63

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Raven's P.O.V

As we step into the public cemetery of Aceredo, we noticed the rows of headstones lining our pathways. It's been a while since the last time I came here.

The air feels solemn and silent, heavy with the weight of memories, loss and regret. My thoughts and emotions swirled within me, and unspoken words.

I kneeled down before their markers, taking a moment to take in the sight of the names and dates etched onto the cold, smooth stone.

•In Loving Memory of Cillian and Vienna Mallory•

(1972-2010/1977-2010)

Devoted husband and wife, loving parents and dear friends.

Gone but never forgotten.
Together in life, together in death.
Rest in peace.'

I gently place a small bouquet of flowers at the base of their headstone, and light a candle to symbolically honor their memory. The flickering flames casting shadows on their etched names.

I took a deep breath before speaking.

"Mom, Dad .. nandito na ulit ako. Pasensiya na kung .. kung ngayon na lang ulit ako nakadalaw sa inyo. Masyadong .. maraming nangyari, kaya nakalimutan ko rin kayong bisitahin," mahina at halos pabulong na sambit ko.

Muntik ko nang makalimutan ang mismong lokasyon ng puntod nila kanina dahil magta-tatlong taon na rin yata nang huli akong magpunta rito. Maraming nagbago.

Mabuti na lang at kasama ko si Hunter.

Nalaman kong buwan-buwan pala niyang binibisita ang puntod nina Mom at Dad dahil nakagawian na raw niya iyon kapag nagpupunta rin siya sa puntod ng ama niyang dating Gobernador na si Sebastian Treacher.

Hindi ko napigilang magtaas ng tingin sa kaniyang nakatayo sa malapit ko. Walang emosyong mababasa sa mukha niya habang nakatitig din sa akin.

Wala akong narinig na salita mula sa bibig niya kaya muli ko ring hinarap ang puntod sa tapat ko.

"Uhm, s-si Hunter nga pala, Mom, Dad," wala sa sariling pagpapakilala ko sa kaniya. "Siya ang .. psychiatrist ko. Siya ang dahilan kung bakit ako nandito ulit. Kung hindi dahil sa kaniya, marahil wala pa rin ako ngayon dito. Utang na loob ko sa kaniya na mabisita ko kayo ulit."

"You deserve it."

Natigilan ako sa narinig ko. Muli ko siyang nilingon pero saktong naupo rin siya sa tabi ko at nagsindi ng kandila.

Hindi ako umimik nang makita kong pumikit pa siya at nag-alay ng sandaling panalangin.

Napaiwas ako ng tingin at hindi napigilang makadama ng kakaibang .. pakiramdam. It's a warm feeling, not gonna lie.

"I know coming here must be tough for you," sabi niya to break the silence between us. "How are you feeling right now?"

"Iba-iba," sagot ko. "Halo-halong pakiramdam. Ang dami kong gustong sabihin sa kanila pero hindi ko alam kung paano sisimulan."

"It's okay. Take your time. There's no rush. It's okay to feel vulnerable and emotional here. This is a safe space for you, angel, and we're here to listen. You can say whatever you want to say, or you can just be quiet and reflect. Whatever feels right to you."

He moved back, standing a few feet away from me as not to invade my personal space, but close enough to hear my every word.

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden light over the headstones and the trees surrounding us. The only sounds are the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.