Love Persist

Kabanata 49 - Duty over personal desire, devotion above all else.

Leona died three days after our visit. The hospital informed me of her passing and told me that they couldn't reach her family. I was told she died peacefully, in her sleep. I immediately made the arrangements to have her laid to rest, ensuring she received a proper burial. Whatever we could do to give her a proper goodbye, I wanted to ensure it was done. Last week, we sent her on her final journey.

After receiving the news, Cerise was heartbroken but found a way to understand. I watched her as she said her goodbyes and gently laid a single flower on Leona's casket. Witnessing that moment was almost unbearable, especially knowing Cerise had no idea of the truth. The weight of her innocence was overwhelming for me, and it broke my heart to see her so unaware of the full depth of her loss.

But I knew I had to honor Leona's wishes. I could bear the burden of guilt and pain, but I couldn't bring myself to shatter Cerise's world. If she could find peace in believing her mother was in a better place, then I would let her hold onto that.

Earlier this morning, I received a message from Simeon expressing his desire to meet with me. Although he hadn't attended the burial, I understood that he was grappling with his own issues. His family's plans for his arranged marriage must have kept him preoccupied. Nonetheless, I agreed to meet, keen to hear about everything with which he had been dealing.

We agreed to meet at a small cafe near the university campus, as it was a convenient location for both of us. With the final term for this academic year officially ending, I had a few things to wrap up before the summer break, especially some administrative duties to attend to. As the university's legal counsel, important reports still needed to be filed and documents reviewed. Similarly, Simeon, as the Dean of the College of Education, was burdened with his own academic obligations to wrap up. Basically, both of us were entrenched with end-of-year duties.

As I entered the cafe, I spotted Simeon seated by the window, sipping on a cup of coffee. We exchanged greetings, and I joined him at his table.

"How have you been?" I asked casually, hoping to gauge his emotional state.

"As well as can be expected, I suppose. It's been a trying time, but I'm managing," he replied, his tone heavy with exhaustion." I just nodded, feeling the same weight on my own shoulders. "How's the burial?"

"It was a simple but solemn affair. We held a two-day service, hoping her family would attend, but when they didn't, we moved to the cemetery for the interment." I raised the cup of coffee I had just ordered, took a sip, and let out a heavy sigh.

Simeon nodded, placing his own cup down. "And Cerise?"

"She's at my parents' place now. She didn't really understand the finality of it all, but she found a way to say her goodbye. Leona's wish was to not let her know the truth, and I intend to honor that."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "You know, it's admirable what you're doing, but it's going to be a heavy burden to bear." He was never one to beat around the bush.

I glanced out the window, watching the hustle and bustle of the city. "I'm aware of that, Simeon. I've accepted the weight of this responsibility."

"You're really a stubborn one, aren't you?"

A small chuckle escaped my lips. "I guess I am."

We sat in silence for a moment, each lost in our own thoughts. I knew Simeon was concerned for me, for Cerise, and for the choices I had made. But in my heart, I believed this was the right path.

Looking back at him, I spoke up. "So, tell me, what's been going on with you? I'm sure you didn't just summon me here to discuss my burdens."

He let out a long sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "My parents' company is in trouble. They're facing bankruptcy, and they're pressuring me to marry the daughter of a wealthy businessman to save the family."