HIDING HIS DAUGHTER (UNDER EDITING)

EPILOGUE

Mabigat at masakit ang bawat galaw ko, pero dahan-dahan pa rin akong nagmulat ng mata. Ang una kong nakita ay si Angela - sitting right beside my bed, her face pale, eyes swollen and red, and it was obvious she hadn't slept properly for nights just watching over me. Next to her, on a small bed, lay Althea, sleeping soundly while still tightly gripping the edge of my blanket-like she was scared that if she let go, I would disappear.

The moment she noticed I was awake, she immediately leaned down, her hands shaking as she cupped my face gently. Tears fell from her eyes again, but she smiled-tired, yes, but full of so much joy and relief.

"Jaiden... you're finally awake. Thank God, thank You so much," she whispered, her voice barely steady. "You were unconscious for two whole days. I thought... I really thought you were going to leave us,"

I forced a small smile, even though my voice was hoarse and weak. "No... never. I promised, remember? Nangako ako, and I always keep my promises."

Dahan-dahan niyang inilipat ang tingin niya mula sa mukha ko, pababa sa tiyan niya, saka tumingin ulit sa akin at tumango nang dahan-dahan-malinaw ang ibig sabihin, kumpirmado na ang lahat. Alam kong alam na niya na alam ko, at sa pagtango niyang 'yun, parang sinabi na rin niyang 'Yes, you're right... I'm pregnant'

Carefully and slowly, I stretched out my hand-even though it felt like my whole body was being torn apart by pain. Hinawakan ko nang buong lambing ang tiyan niya, ramdam ko na ang bigat at buhay na nakatago roon. Hinaplos ko ito nang marahan, at bago pa ako magsalita, dahan-dahan akong lumapit, ibinaba ko ang mukha ko at hinalikan ko nang mahigpit at puno ng pagmamahal ang tiyan niya.

My lips stayed pressed there for a moment, while I felt her hand gently stroke my hair, and her warm tears falling down onto my hand.

"Kasama mo na ako... kasama mo na ako sa pagbubuntis mo Angela," bulong ko habang nakadikit pa rin ang labi ko sa tiyan niya, puno ng panalangin at pasasalamat ang bawat salita ko.

I lifted myself up a little bit and looked straight at her, my eyes completely sincere and full of devotion.

"I am ready to go crazy taking care of you now, okay? Handa akong gawin lahat. I'm ready to do everything, to endure every bit of hardship and struggle right beside you... because this is the most beautiful gift I have ever received. To watch you all grow, be happy, and be safe-that is all I ever asked for, wala nang iba pa."

She held my face tightly with both hands and kissed my forehead so gently.

"It's all over now, Jaiden. Wala nang baril, no more enemies, no more danger. We are all safe now. From this moment on, all you will hear and see is happiness, peace, and love. Puro saya na lang, promise."

I glanced briefly at Althea, who was still smiling even in her sleep, before turning my gaze back to Angela and the life she carried.

Slowly, I closed my eyes, and everything finally felt at peace. No more fear, no more fights, no more chaos. All that was left was us-complete, safe, and overflowing with love. This was the end of all our struggles, and the beginning of the life I had dreamed of for my family, for the longest time.

YEARS HAVE PASSED.

The whole house was quiet-too quiet, actually. Yung klase ng katahimikan na alam mong may malaking bagyo na nagkukubli lang sa paligid, ready to strike anytime. Alam ko kasing kapag ganito ang tahimik, sigurado, may nagawang kalokohan na naman ang dalawa kong anak.

Right in the middle of the living room stood Angela. I could clearly see her anger written all over her face, her cheeks were bright red, her eyes were burning, and her brows were furrowed so tight parang anumang oras ay sasabog na siya sa galit. Nasa harap niya naman sina Althea Jane and Zafeerah Reilyn-our two beautiful daughters-both standing with their heads bowed down, staring at the floor like innocent little lambs scared to speak or even move. Alam na alam ko na 'to, at alam ko rin na sa dulo nito, sigurado, madadamay na naman ako.