Past Island: Regrets and Guilt (Past Series #1) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 15: Remy's Rough Patch

Erika's Point of View

One of the most challenging times in our relationship was when Remy lost his mother. Nanay, as I call her, was an incredibly kind and loving woman. She treated me like her own daughter from the moment we met.

Nanay had been ill for some time, but Remy was so consumed with his work that he missed the signs of her worsening condition. She had always been a strong and resilient woman, never one to complain. I remember the last conversation I had with her.

"Erika, Anak," she said, her voice weak but filled with warmth. "Take care of my son. He needs you more than he knows."

I promised her that I would, not realizing how soon she would be gone. Remy was working late again when I received the call. Nanay had passed away quietly in her sleep. I rushed to his office, my heart breaking at the thought of having to tell him the news.

When I arrived, Remy was buried in his work, oblivious to the world around him. I took a deep breath and walked up to his desk.

"Love," I said softly, trying to hold back my tears. "We need to talk."

He looked up, concern etched on his face. "Why? what's wrong, Erika?"

"Nanay... she's gone," I whispered, my voice breaking.

The color drained from his face. He stood up abruptly, knocking over his chair. "What do you mean she's gone?"

"She passed away in her sleep," I said, reaching out to him. "I'm so sorry."

Remy collapsed into my arms, sobbing uncontrollably. It was the first time I had seen him so vulnerable, and it broke my heart. We stayed there for what felt like hours, just holding each other. His grief was overwhelming, and I felt helpless.

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In the weeks that followed, Remy withdrew into himself. He was consumed by guilt, blaming himself for not being there for his mother in her final days. No matter how much I tried to comfort him, he pushed me away. He stopped going to work, stopped taking care of himself. It was like he had shut down completely.

One evening, as we sat in his apartment, the weight of the silence between us became unbearable. I knew that something had to change.

"Remy," I said gently, breaking the silence. "You can't keep doing this to yourself. It's not what Nanay would have wanted."

He looked at me, his eyes filled with pain. "I don't know how to move on, Erika. I feel so lost."

"Alam ko," I said, taking his hand in mine. "pero you need to take care of yourself. Maybe you need some time alone to heal."

His grip tightened on my hand. "Are you saying you want to leave me?"

"Hindi sa gabon," I said, tears filling my eyes. "But I think you need some time to figure things out on your own. I love you, Remy, and I want you to be okay. But right now, I don't think I can help you. You need to help yourself."