"Some burdens are mine alone to bear."
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Mula sa aking kinakatayuan, tanaw ko ang mga nagkikislapang ilaw ng mga nagtataasang gusali dito sa Manila. Malamig ang hangin na patuloy na humahampas sa aking balat na tila ba'y nagpapahiwatig na mag-isa pa din ako kahit anong gawin ko.
"Hey, what's on your mind?"
Natigil ako sa aking pagmuni-muni ng marinig ko ang pamilyar na boses. Dahan-dahan kong nilingon ang pinanggalingan nito at nakita ko si Keide.
Umiling lang ako sa kanya at tinanong siya, "Ano ginagawa mo dito?"
Ngumiti lang siya at tumabi sa akin, sabay tingin sa mga gusali na kanina kong pinagmamasdan. "I've been meaning to ask you about this for a long time. Would you lend your ears for me?"
Hindi ako umimik sa sinabi niya kaya naman nagpatuloy siya sa pagsasalita niya.
"What's your sin, Aria?"
Natigil ako sa itinanong niya. Gusto kong sabihin ang lahat ngunit alam kong hindi dapat. I looked at him, and he's now waiting for my answer. Ngumiti ako sa kanya ngunit hindi ito umabot sa mga mata ko.
"It's better for you not to know," I replied, and I saw how he studied my face as his smile started to slip away.
"You can tell me, Aria. You don't have to carry the burden alone."
I looked away, back to the city lights that seemed so distant now. "Some burdens are mine alone to bear."
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This story is presented in its raw, unedited form. It is a work in progress, and as such, may contain errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
Please be aware that this is not a polished final product and may contain inconsistencies or rough edges. The author appreciates your understanding.
BINABASA MO ANG
Aria's Sin
RomanceAria Nemis is a working student and a social butterfly, adored by everyone around her. But her peaceful life takes a drastic turn when she meets Keide Shin, a playful content creator who loves to stir up trouble. Aria's world shatters once again due...
