Sleep, My Love

Chapter 29

Trigger warning: Suicide

That evening, Rylan was determined to do whatever he could to keep my mind off the box and memories. Nakatayo siya sa kusina, busy maghiwa ng mga sangkap habang nakaupo ako sa counter, pinapanood siyang magluto. He threw a quick, playful smile over his shoulder.

"So, any special requests for tonight's menu?" he asked, tapping the chopping board with a knife.

I managed a small laugh. "Surprise me."

He grinned, then went back to work, filling the room with the smell of garlic and spices. "Okay, I'm on it."

As he cooked, he kept throwing little jokes, making exaggerated chef faces, and pretending to taste-test everything. He even tried to make me laugh with a silly dance while stirring the pot. Watching him, I could feel the heaviness start to lift, bit by bit.

This was his magic, making the worst days feel a little lighter.

Once the food was ready, he set up our plates at the coffee table in the living room. "Now, shall we dine like royalty?" he said, gesturing for me to sit. He draped a napkin over my lap with a theatrical flourish, and I couldn't help but giggle.

After dinner, Rylan led me over to the couch. "Alright, reading time. No excuses," he said, handing me a book.

I raised an eyebrow, laughing softly. "Since when do you even like reading?"

He gave a playful scoff, settling beside me and pulling a random book off the shelf. "Of course I like reading," he insisted, flipping it open dramatically.

I couldn't help but smile at his attempt to reason out. "Uh-huh, right."

He chuckled. "Exception ngayong gabi. Tara na, magbasa na tayo."

We settled back, and I began reading aloud, surprised by how genuinely he was listening, even leaning in to glance at the pages from time to time. I could feel the warmth of his arm around my shoulders.

Habang nagbabasa ako, nagbibigay siya comments at reactions and even guessing what would happen next in the story. Natatawa ako sa kaniya at gumagaan ang pakiramdam ko habang kausap siya.

For a while, I forgot what happened earlier and I was just enjoying the sound of pages turning and his presence by my side.

When I finished the chapter, he looked over, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "See? I do like reading. As long as it's with you."

I scoffed. "You're being cheesy again."

"It's true though. I learned to love reading because of you."

I smiled. "Thank you... for all of this."

"Always," he replied, kissing my forehead.

The next day, habang nagpapresenta ako sa team, may kumatok nang malakas sa pinto. A courier was there, holding an envelope addressed to me. I managed a polite smile on the team, excusing myself to go outside.

Iniabot sa akin ng courier ang envelope at umalis din agad. Pagbukas ko, nandoon ang mga dokumento, details about my work, but twisted with lies and accusations. It claimed na unethical daw ang research ko, sinisira ang credibility ko.

Hindi ko mapigilan ang panginginig ng kamay ko. This wasn't just an attack, it was an attempt to destroy everything I'd worked for.

Without thinking twice, pumunta ako sa opisina ng head ng Research Ethics Committee, si Dr. Castoria. Alam kong siya lang ang makakatulong sa akin para ma-clear ang pangalan ko.

Pagdating ko sa opisina niya, kinatok ko ito nang marahan pero madiin. Pagbukas niya ng pinto, nagulat siya nang makita ako.

"Astria? What's wrong?" She asked, worriedly.