Stitches and Scars

Chapter 25

"Surgeons are control freaks. With a scalpel in hand, you feel unstoppable. There's no fear, no pain. You're ten feet tall and bulletproof. Then you leave the OR, and all that perfection, all that beautiful control, just simply falls apart."

Karylle stood in front of her bedroom mirror, adjusting her ponytail. A week had passed since she was discharged from the hospital, and she was more than ready to return, though a hint of weariness lingered in her eyes.

Downstairs, Anne and Angel were both in the kitchen, abala sa paghahanda ng almusal. They exchanged worried glances as they heard Karylle's footsteps descending the stairs. Anne had a tray of toast and scrambled eggs, while Angel poured a fresh cup of coffee. "Are you absolutely sure you're ready for this, Karylle?" she asked, handing her friend the coffee pot.

Karylle nodded, filling her tumbler with coffee. "You've been asking me the same question since last night. Sure ako, okay? I need to get back to work. Trust me, I'm really ready."

Anne walked towards Karylle, carrying a plate of toast and scrambled eggs. "Gusto lang namin makasiguro na you're really okay. Alam nating pareho that no one's rushing you," she said, her voice gentle but tinged with worry.

Karylle took the plate with a grateful smile, "I'm fine. I promise. At isa pa, if I stay home any longer, I'll definitely go crazy. I need to be back in the OR, doing what we do best."

Angel stopped pacing and looked at Karylle. "Honestly, nag-aalala lang kami. We just want to make sure you're not pushing yourself too hard."

Karylle smiled, touched by their concern. "I know, and I appreciate it. Pero uulitin ko, I'm feeling fine and I'm ready to go back to work."

Anne leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. "Just remember, if you feel a bit off, even the slightest, you tell us. No heroics, okay?"

"No heroics," Karylle nod and agreed, "I promise I'll take it easy." And with a deep breath, she headed out to the car. Anne and Angel followed closely. Karylle slid into the driver's seat, while Anne and Angel took their places in the back.

~•~•~•~

The early morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Kaye lay peacefully asleep, her back against Vice. He was wide awake, lost in his thoughts, staring at the ceiling. It was obvious that he hadn't slept well since what happened to Karylle, the worry gnawing at him every night. But mostly because of what he last saw: Karylle kissing someone else, the image buried in his mind, haunting him whenever he closed his eyes.

His wife stirred, slowly waking up. She turned slightly, still groggy. "Anong oras na?" Kaye mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

Vice glanced at the clock. "It's almost 7."

Kaye blinked, her eyes focusing on him. "Why aren't you getting ready for work?"

Vice sighed, his thoughts still tangled. "I could ask you the same thing."

"It's my day off, remember?" Kaye said, sensing Vice's unease. "Unless, you want to take a day off of work as well?"

Vice didn't even hesitate to answer. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up. "I can't. Marami pa akong gagawin."

Kaye watched him, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "I thought so," she muttered under her breath. She got up as well, pulling on a robe and heading towards the kitchen.

Kaye moved around the kitchen, preparing a pot of coffee. After a while, Vice entered, running a hand through his wet hair, his expression still clouded with worry and fatigue. He seemed distant, almost lost in his own world.