Book 2: Cause All I See Is You (Jholet)

Pain

Jhoanna

[Flashback]

Drops of rain fell hard, drenching me to the bone.

Pero ang naririnig ko lang ay ang sarili kong pusong unti-unting nababasag.

I did it. I broke the heart of the one person who made sure never to break mine.

My hands trembled as I lowered them to cover my face, and I sobbed harder, my cries mixing with the sound of the rain.

I wished, desperately, that all of this was just a nightmare. I wished it wasn't real. 

But the tears streaming from my eyes were undeniable proof of the painful reality that had unfolded between us.

I fought. God knows I fought, clinging to every ounce of strength I had. 

I searched for ways, sought help, anything that could pull me out of this situation. 

Those two weeks of silence, of not speaking to Colet, were pure agony. 

It felt like hell, but I needed that time. I had to find a way.

But there's only so much a college student can do.

I carried the burden alone, refusing to drag anyone else into it—not even Colet. 

How I wished I could confide in her. 

How I wished I could confide in anyone. But I was weak. I was scared. So I faced it alone.

My breaking point came when I saw my parents' condition.

I watched Sheena cry as she tried to comfort her umma.

Admittedly, I wanted to be selfish. 

I didn't want this breakup. I didn't want to shatter Colet's heart. 

God knows how much I wanted to stay by her side. 

Pero kagaya nga ng pangako ko, I vowed to do everything to support her and her music. 

And I promised myself I would protect the people I loved. My family. Even Sheena.

Even if it meant destroying my own heart in the process.

This decision wasn't just about making a hard choice—it was a sacrifice. 

One that emptied me, leaving me breathless and hollow. But it was the only way I could think of to keep everyone safe.