Does She Know?

PROLOGUE

Jhezo

Leaves fall from trees, noise from kids playing, and birds chirping. "I wish I still had more time," Solaine said while looking at the scenery. I looked at her. "I really don't want to leave everything," she added.

"Time won't take you away from us, Solaine. You will always be here in my heart." I pointed at my heart. "Your presence will always be alive."

She smiled. "Promise?"
"I promise," I replied.

She stood up. "Let's go over there. I want to show you something." She offered me her hand.

It was noisy here; kids were playing tumbang preso, loud music blared from a store, and people were singing karaoke in their homes, loud enough to be heard outside.

I stared at Hera, who was eating isaw, while I covered my nose because of the smoke from the grill. "Ayaw mo talaga?" She offered me one of the grilled foods, and I raised my hand to decline.

Why does she love that food? Would that harm her kidneys?

She looked away and stared at the moon. "Ang bilis ng oras, kailan kaya ako kukunin ni God?" she murmured.

"Why are you rushing things?" I raised my left eyebrow. "I am here, Hera. Do you think I spend my time with you as a joke? I like spending my time with you," I said and looked away.

"Sige na nga, papahabain ko muna konti." She said and laughed. "Gusto mo pala mag-spend time with me, ah. Halika, may ipapakita ako sa'yo." She stood up and offered me her hand.

As I accompanied Solaine to the hospital, who had just woken up from a coma, I received a text from Manang Lena telling me that Hera was missing after having an anxiety attack. I kept sending her messages, "Where are you, Hera? I'll be home soon. I hope you will go home now. Zozo will miss you."

"You are being on your phone. Are you busy?" Solaine asked.

"No, there's just an emergency," I replied while still looking at my phone.

Where have you been, Hera?

"Do you already have someone else in your heart?" she asked, and my eyes widened. "Tell me it's not me anymore, right?"

My phone rang, and I answered Manang Lena's call. "Kanina pa po talaga hindi bumabalik si Ma'am Hera sa bahay, nag-aalala na po kami ni Zozo dito," she said, and I looked at Solaine.

Should I look for Hera, who is alone outside? If I do, then Solaine will be left alone here.