A Collision of Hearts and Heroes

Chapter 31

Clarissa's POV

Bravery and Hope

The sharp scent of medicine and disinfectant filled my nose the moment I regained consciousness. I took a moment to process what had happened and discern the environment around me, even with my eyes still closed. I'm in a hospital. May gustong sumaksak sa akin kanina at...maraming dugo. Si Gasper!

I abruptly tried to get up, but something held me back just as I was about to stand. Kuya Emerson's worried and concerned eyes were the first thing I saw as I lay back down on the hospital bed.

"What's wrong? May masakit ba sa 'yo? May kailangan ka ba?" Sunod-sunod na tanong ni kuya.

"Si Gasper, kuya," nanginginig ang boses kong saad. "I—I need to go to him."

Akmang tatayo ako nang pigilan niya akong muli. Hindi ko na napigilan at naiyak na naman. 

"I want to see him, Kuya!" I yelled in frustration.

"We'll see him later, but first I need to make sure you're fine, okay?" Mahinahong sabi ni kuya, pinapakalma ako.

"I'm fine," pagpumilit ko. "Kuya, please, I want to see him," I begged while my tears streaming down my face.

"Yeah, yeah, we'll see him. Pagkatapos mong ma-check, okay? Don't worry, it won't take long."

I feel like my body is too heavy with exhaustion to move, but every fiber of my being urged me to run to Gasper. Though, despite the longing, I lay back down on the hospital bed. Maya't maya lang ay pumasok ang nurse.

"How are you feeling, Ms. Acozta?" Her voice was light as she asked the question, and a small smile appeared on her lips.

"I'm fine," I briefly answered.

"May nararamdaman ka bang sakit sa katawan mo?"

Pinakiramdaman ko ang katawan ko, but nothing hurts except for my right hand that is throbbing. I glanced at my hand where I had been stabbed, and it was now neatly wrapped in a bandage.

"I'm just feeling weary, and my wound is throbbing a bit," I answered.

She nodded and had me examined more thoroughly. May iilan pa siyang katanungan sa akin bago tuluyang umalis. I found out that I fainted due to overwhelming fear and panic, which is also why I'm feeling so drained right now.

After confirming that I was okay, Kuya Emerson accompanied me to Gasper's room. Kinakabahan ako lalo na kapag naalala ko kung gaano karaming dugo ang nasa katawan ni Gasper kanina. He was undoubtedly more deeply wounded than I was.

Pagkabukas ng pinto ay nahanap kaagad ng mata ko si Gasper na nakaupo sa hospital bed, nagsusuot ng pang-itaas na damit. His teammates were around, but I was so fixated on Gasper that I hardly noticed them. He had a large bandage on his shoulder, and there were still traces of blood, indicating that the injury was both deep and serious.

I rushed to him and wrapped him in a tight embrace. Seeing him safe brought tears of relief to my eyes. Malamang na ang sugat sa balikat niya ay dahilan ng pagligtas niya sa akin.

"Why did you come here? You'd have been better off staying in your room. Bibisitahin naman kita roon," Gasper spoke in a soothing tone while gently rubbing my back to help calm down.

"I—I was worried," hikbi ko sakaniyang dibdib.

"Hush now. I'm fine," he whispered and kissed my forehead.

"H'wag ka na umiyak, Clarissa. Hindi 'yan mamamatay si Gasper Ibiz. Naka limang immortality 'yan, e," Lyle joked.

"Naka-winter crown pa 'yan," Alchie added.