THE ON1Y ONE (某某) [ TAG/ ENG ] FANFICTION

ACS 108

A CERTAIN SOMEONE FANFIC ''THE ON1Y ONE ''

JAMESVINCE

A Certain Someone

Chapter 108: Pruning

Lea took a sip from the paper cup Jiang Tian handed her. The water was perfectly warm, soothing her as she swallowed. It made her realize something: for years, her son had always been like this—quiet, but caring, a constant source of stability. His calm demeanor often made her forget just how young he still was.

"Have you taken your medicine mom?" Jiang Tian's deep voice broke the silence after they had sat together for a while.

Aunt Lea nodded, her eyes reflecting a hint of fatigue. "I took one before coming here."

Their conversation was often like this—Jiang Tian's questions direct and to the point, while Aunt Lea's responses were gentle and introspective. It was as if their mother-son relationship was built on an unspoken understanding, where Jiang Tian's silence was his way of showing care.

Lea found herself watching the shadow his feet cast on the floor. Then, Jiang Tian's sudden question caught her off guard. "How are you enjoying yourself?"

Lea was momentarily taken aback. She had expected him to probe into her conversation with Philip, not to ask about her well-being so casually. The years had not diminished his ability to surprise her.

"It's good," she said with a light smile. "I'm not tired son, kanina nga, yung lolo mo, nakakita ng chess...ayun Parang gusto rin ng matanda. Nakahanap ako ng dalawang chess buddies para sa kanya at nakilala ko ang isang matandang babae na tumutugtog ng piano."

Jiang Tian simply nodded, then turned his gaze toward the ward. "Then why did you ignore him?"

Aunt Lea sighed, the weight of her past decisions pressing down on her. "I just wanted to see if the doctor's advice would really help."

Jiang Tian's brow furrowed. "Why now?"

Aunt Lea hesitated, her mind racing. She wanted to explain that she was exhausted by the people around her, including Jiang Tian, who had supported her through everything. Yet, the words felt inadequate. Her emotional wounds were still fresh, and the effort to heal was ongoing.

She was about to make a joke to deflect the conversation when a memory surfaced. The doctor had once described her as a junior in their relationship, more dependent than the one being cared for. It had been true—she had relied on Jiang Tian for stability more than she had cared to admit.

Seeing her lost in thought, Jiang Tian's expression grew more serious. "Kumusta ang pag uusap niyo ni dad?"

Lea looked at him, realizing that he was referring to Philip. "It was different from what I imagined. I thought I'd be uncomfortable, but instead, he's changed so much that it was almost like talking to a stranger. I have nothing left to be angry about."