The painter's brush

Fhelios

...Kinabukasan...

Reigner's POV:

I was doing my hair in the mirror when I heard a knock on my door. “Baby, someone’s here looking for you,” my mom called from outside. “Yeah, I’ll be there in a moment,” I replied. After a few more minutes, I finished getting ready and put on my favorite t-shirt. As I walked down the stairs, I saw Fheliòs sitting on a chair in front of our table. I prefer calling him Fheliòs because it sounds cool.

“Hi there, little star. Your friend is here,” my mom said as she approached the table. “I’ve already prepared breakfast for both of you so you can eat together. Alex mentioned you’ll be playing outside, so I packed some lunch for you to bring along.” Her excitement was palpable. “Thanks, Mom, you’re the best,” I said, giving her a hug. I noticed that Fheliòs seemed unusually quiet.

Matapos kumain, nagpaalam si Reiner sa kanyang mga magulang at naglakad papunta sa lugar kung saan unang nagkita sila ni Fheliòs. Patuloy siyang namamangha sa ganda ng paligid, na para bang ito ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon niyang makita ito. Nakita niya si Fheliòs na tahimik na nag-aayos ng kanyang mga gamit pang-pinta sa damuhan.

Umupo si Reigner sa tabi ni Fheliòs. “Hi,” bati niya. “Bakit ang tahimik mo ngayon?” tanong niya.

“Wala naman,” sagot ni Fheliòs. “Ang bait kasi ng mama mo. Ano kaya ang pakiramdam na magkaroon ng mga magulang?”

Nagulat si Reigner sa sinabi ni Fhelios. Sensitibong bata si Reigner, at kahit sa kanyang murang edad, alam niyang naiintindihan niya ang bigat at sakit na nararamdaman ni Fhelios.

Inakap ni Reigner si Fheliòs sa likod nito nang mahigpit na sya namang kinagulat ni Fhelios. Well, you can have my parents too, I dont mind sharing them with you. Sambit ni Reigner na pilit pinipigilan ang luha. Humarap nang marahan si Fhelios sa kanya. Ngumiti lang si Fheliòs sa kanya nang sensero. His lips in pout while looking at Fhelios. Hinawakan naman ni Fheliòs ang mga pisngi nito gamit ang dalawang kamay nito at pinisil.

"Hindi pwede". Sagot ni Fhelios na may kasamang tawa. Medyo nalungkot si Reigner sa sagot na iyon, pero hindi ito pinansin ni Fhelios. Bumalik siya sa kanyang canvas at nagsimulang magpinta. Tahimik na minamasdan ni Reigner ang bawat galaw ng kamay ni Fhelios. Ang paligid ay puno ng katahimikan, maliban sa mahina at malumanay na tunog ng brush na humahagod sa puting tela na unti-unting bumubuo nang mga kulay.

Isang buwan ang lumipas at iyon ang naging routine nilang dalawa. Minsan, nagse-sleepover si Fhelios sa bahay nila Reigner, na ikinatuwa ng mga magulang ni Reigner dahil palaging masigla ang umaga ng kanilang anak, di katulad noong sila ay nasa Paris.

"There was a knock on the door. "Baby, gising na kayo, kakain na," Aelle softly opened the door to Reigner’s room, a smile touching her lips as she saw the two children sleeping soundly. She could barely make out the soft, rhythmic rise and fall of their chests as they breathed. Reigner clung tightly to Fhelios, his face nestled deeply into the crook of Fhelios's arm. Their peaceful slumber was a picture of serene contentment.

Aelle took out her phone and quietly captured the tender moment before deciding to let them sleep a little longer. She turned and walked downstairs, where the rich aroma of coffee welcomed her. Rexelle was already seated at the kitchen table, sipping his coffee and reading the newspaper.

“Hey, why’re you alone?” Axelle asked, glancing up from his paper.

“They’re still fast asleep,” Aellie said, taking a seat next to him. “They looked so peaceful. Reigner was practically cuddled up to Fheliòs like he was his lifeline. It was too adorable to wake them up.”