YVES
"Does that mean tayong dalawa lang ulit ang maiiwan dito?" I asked, watching uyab started packing up Nanang’s things, which she had just put in the cabinet earlier.
"Oo nga, paulit-ulit" sagot niya.
"Bakit? Hindi ba delikado na bumiyahe si Nanang ngayon? May parating na bagyo diba?" nag aalalang tanong ko.
"Kaya nga susunduin siya ni Kuya Jon" sagot niya na parang ayaw nang palawakin pa ang usapan.
"Eh bakit nga? Ano ba yung good news at bad news na pinag-usapan niyo?" I asked again.
Sinamaan niya pa ako ng tingin, dahil siguro na nakikinig ako sa usapan nila.
"Good news, manganganak na yung asawa ni Kuya Jon. Bad news, walang maiiwan sa bahay nila para magbantay kay Nonong" she explained briefly, as if it was no big deal.
"Bakit, may sakit ba siya?" I asked, suddenly concerned about Nonong.
"Wala siyang sakit, kailangan niya lang ng kasama kasi matanda na"
"Okay, gets." I mumbled, realizing I was probably asking too many questions.
"Kung tumulong ka kaya? Ingay-ingay mo, nakakabanas" she shot back, her irritation showing as she continued packing.
Napatawa na lang ako bago lumapit para tulungan siya.
Napindot nanaman niya si anger.
——
Katatapos lang namin mag-lunch, isang masarap na lutong Bohol na inihanda ni Nanang bago siya umalis.
The dish she made was 'Tinolang Isda', a Boholano specialty.
Malambot ang isda, the fish was tender, cooked perfectly in a clear broth that was both light and flavorful. The soup had a subtle hint of ginger, which added a warm, soothing taste with every spoonful.
The soup was complemented by fresh green papaya and malunggay, adding a slight bitterness that balanced the richness of the fish.
On the side, there was a small plate of 'kinilaw' na isda', a kind of ceviche made from freshly caught fish marinated in vinegar, with a mix of onions, ginger, and chili. The tangy and spicy flavors danced on my tongue, contrasting with the mild and comforting soup.
Isa yan sa mamimiss ko pag uwi ko ng manila.
As soon as she left, I already felt her absence.
Buti na lang mahina pa ang patak ng ulan nung sunduin si Nanang.
I miss her already. Kahit sandali lang kaming nagchikahan, parang may kulang na.
“Narinig mo ba sinabi ko?” boses na nagpabalik sa reyalidad ko.
“Huh? Ano yun? Paki-ulit” I chuckled awkwardly.
"Tanghaling tapat, nagda-daydream” she said with a hint of sarcasm.
"Tanghaling tapat, init ng ulo mo." rebat ko.
She rolled her eyes at me, then inislide niya yung phone papunta sa harap ko.
"Call anyone in Manila to sure you're doing fine here. Mawawalan ng signal dito pag tuluyan nang bumagyo" she instructed, not taking no for an answer.
Tinitigan ko lang yung phone na nasa harap ko.
"Wala akong memorya kahit kaninong number eh." pag amin ko.
"Even you're friends?"
Umiling lang ako sa tanong niya.
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