Traversing with the Infinity (Sun Rays Series #1)

Special Chapter

“Weʼre not going to be dead if youʼll keep your mouth shut.”

“Ih! Hindi ko kayang manahimik! Magsabi na lang tayo ng totoo! Mas malalagot tayo kapag nagsinungaling!”

“Shut it, Jupiter.”

“Na-uh. Pareho tayong guilty, Reevien!”

“I said shut it.”

I crossed my arms, taking a step towards the couch in the living room because I could clearly hear my kids mumbling and bickering behind it. They didnʼt even try to conceal their noises so how could I not find them out? And base on what they were talking about, something mustʼve happened.

Goodness, these two.

Soon as I am closed enough in front of the couch, I cleared my throat. And there, I saw their heads, slightly and slowly peeking up from the couch backrest like headless chickens. Dahan-dahan silang tumingin sa akin na nanlalaki pa ang mga mata.

“Whatʼs happening?” I asked in a calmest tone.

Their face instantly went pale. Nakatayo na sila at kitang-kita ko na ang kabuuan nilang hitsura. Reevien tried to nudge Jupiter with her elbow, as if wanting her twin to stay quiet about it.

“H-Hi, Dad! Welcome home po!” Jupiter greeted nervously.

“I should be the one whoʼs greeting you that. Welcome home, kids. Galing kayo sa school, so whatʼs with you two hiding behind that couch?” I asked again.

Itʼs only 4:30 PM, and I was the one whoʼs supposed to fetch them from school. But it turned out they were already here. My kids have grown up already, huh? They are able to get home from school on their very own now. Grade 1 pa lang sila, at mabuti na lang malapit lang ang school nila mula rito sa bahay.

“Uhm, Dad. . .” Jupiter avoided my gaze and he started twitching, nervous.

“Come on, Jupiter, tell me. Lagi kong pinapaalala na huwag kayong matakot magsabi sa akin. I could sense trouble to the both of you. Now tell me with ease, kids.” I smiled a bit so they wouldnʼt get afraid to say what they want.

I always encourage them to share their thoughts openly with me. If they made a mistake, I would always assure them that I would never, ever get mad. Getting upset would just be a waste of time, especially with my kids—I want them to feel safe expressing themselves to me, or to us as their parents.

They are children, naturally mischievous and curious about everything. I would not scold them over little things that I know that bring them joy. And if they did something wrong, I know it wasnʼt intentional. My wife, Ritienzy, has taught them not to do wrong without a good reason.

“Sorry, Dad. We just donʼt want you to feel upset po. . . thatʼs why weʼre trying not to say it to you. . .” Reevien pouted. I bent my knee on the floor to pace their gaze. They were so close to crying now so I gave them gentle pats on their head.

“No, I wonʼt get upset, Reevien, Jupiter. Just tell me, please? Pretty please?” I said softly and smiled. Maiiyak na kasi sila—not in the way that they are terrified, though. They are worried for me, I can clearly feel it.

“Uhm, ganito po kasi ʼyon, Dad,” Jupiter shove his twin beside him. Mukhang siya na lang ang magpapaliwanag para sa kambal niya. “Naglalaro po kami kanina ng bike ni Reevien. . . tapos nadali ʼyong kotse mo. Nagka-scratch po yata. Weʼre sorry po. . .” he explained as he looked down, fidgeting his fingers. Reevien was just blinking her eyes, trying to avoid my gaze.

Without any surprise, I chuckled before answering, “Is that so? You donʼt have to be sorry about it, you kids. Are you both alright, then? Hindi kayo nasaktan or nasugatan?”