Patience and Affection

#36 - ❝Blessing In Palawan❞

The soft rustling of palm trees and the distant sound of waves created a peaceful atmosphere as Maxwell and Wayne's mother, Mrs. Jeon, set the table on the veranda of their Palawan home. The evening air was warm, and the sky was painted in shades of orange and pink as the sun began to set. The tranquil surroundings were a sharp contrast to the lively campus life Maxwell was used to, and he found himself enjoying the simplicity and calm of the moment.

Maxwell carefully placed the plates on the table, aligning them with precision. He glanced up at Mrs. Jeon, who was busy arranging the utensils with a gentle smile on her face. She exuded a quiet strength, a presence that Maxwell admired and respected.

"Nakakapanibago ‘tong katahimikan," Maxwell said, breaking the comfortable silence. "Parang ibang mundo ‘to kumpara sa buhay sa Maynila."

Mrs. Jeon chuckled softly, her eyes reflecting the warmth of the setting sun. "Palawan is a place where we can escape, where we can find peace. It's different here, walang ingay ng siyudad, at walang distractions."

Maxwell nodded, feeling the truth in her words. He had grown so accustomed to the constant hustle and bustle of the city that he had almost forgotten what it was like to slow down, to breathe, and to simply be present in the moment.

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As they continued setting the table, Maxwell noticed Mrs. Jeon occasionally glancing at him, as if she was gathering her thoughts. There was a gentle yet serious expression on her face, one that Maxwell couldn’t quite read.

"Maxwell," she began, her tone soft but firm, "may gusto akong sabihin sa'yo."

Maxwell paused, holding a glass in his hand, and looked at her attentively. "Ano po ‘yon, Tita?"

Mrs. Jeon set down the utensils she was holding and turned to face him fully. There was a depth in her eyes that made Maxwell’s heart skip a beat, sensing that this was an important moment.

"Alam kong bago ka lang sa buhay ni Wayne, but I can see how much he cares for you," she said, her voice steady and sincere. "Wayne is my only son, and like any mother, I want nothing but the best for him. Mula bata siya, lagi kong pinapangalagaan ang kaligayahan niya."

Maxwell felt a lump form in his throat, unsure of how to respond. He nodded slowly, understanding the weight of her words.

"Nakita ko kung gaano siya kasaya kapag kasama ka niya," she continued, her gaze unwavering. "At dahil doon, gusto kong ibigay ang blessing ko sa inyo."

Maxwell’s eyes widened in surprise, and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. "Tita, ano po... Hindi ko po alam kung paano magpasalamat."

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Mrs. Jeon smiled warmly, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on Maxwell’s shoulder. "Walang dapat ipagpasalamat, Maxwell. Ang importante sa akin ay ang kaligayahan ni Wayne, at nakikita kong ikaw ang nakakapagbigay ng kaligayahang ‘yon sa kanya."

Maxwell swallowed hard, feeling a mix of emotions—gratitude, relief, and a deep sense of responsibility. He had never expected this conversation, and the significance of it weighed heavily on him.

"Alam kong hindi laging magiging madali," Mrs. Jeon added, her voice softening, "pero nagtitiwala ako na kayang-kaya niyo. Wayne needs someone who understands him, someone who can be there for him when things get tough."

Maxwell felt tears prickling at the corners of his eyes, but he quickly blinked them away. "Mahal ko po si Wayne, Tita. Hindi ko siya pababayaan."

Mrs. Jeon’s smile widened, and there was a hint of emotion in her own eyes. "Masaya akong marinig ‘yan, Maxwell. Wayne may not always say it, but he needs someone like you—someone who can balance him out, someone who can bring light into his life."

Maxwell nodded, feeling the truth of her words resonate deeply within him. He had always known that his relationship with Wayne was special, but hearing it affirmed by Wayne’s mother made it all the more real.

"Salamat po, Tita," Maxwell said, his voice thick with emotion. "I promise to take care of Wayne, no matter what."

Mrs. Jeon squeezed his shoulder gently before letting go. "Alam kong gagawin mo, Maxwell. At lagi kang may lugar dito sa bahay na ‘to, bilang bahagi ng pamilya namin."

The words filled Maxwell with a sense of belonging that he hadn’t felt in a long time. The Jeons had welcomed him with open arms, and now, he felt like he was truly part of their family.

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As they finished setting the table, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the veranda. Wayne’s laughter echoed from inside the house, where he was talking to his father, and the sound brought a smile to Maxwell’s face.

"Masaya ako na nandito ka," Mrs. Jeon said, breaking the silence. "Wayne has always been independent, pero alam ko na he’s been waiting for someone like you to come into his life."

Maxwell couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by her kindness and acceptance. "Masaya rin po ako na nakilala ko si Wayne at kayo. Hindi ko po hahayaan na mawala ‘yon."

Mrs. Jeon nodded, her expression content. "Tara na at tawagin natin sila. Handa na ang hapunan."

As they walked back into the house together, Maxwell felt a profound sense of peace. He knew that the road ahead wouldn’t always be easy, but with Wayne by his side and the support of the Jeon family, he felt ready to face whatever challenges might come their way.

For now, he was simply grateful—to Wayne, to Mrs. Jeon, and to the universe for bringing them together. This was just the beginning of their journey, and Maxwell was determined to make every moment count.

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