Mirae

Kapitulo 20

Kapitulo 20

All of the Fantasies, Displaced

Part of Adiel's plans in carrying the baby with his wife was to lessen what she had to do on a regular basis which included cooking, doing the laundry, and cleaning the house. He did what he thought he should for Cyra to have an easier time being pregnant. After all, whatever he did was nothing compared to what she was doing for him and his dream of becoming a father.

Differentiating his current self to his younger one, he thought he was way more careful now. Hindi niya alam kung dahil ba iyon sa pagtanda niya o baka dahil isa na siyang esposo ngayon. Baka naman dahil ito sa pagbabago ng mga plano niya simula nang malamang buntis na si Cyra. Naging mas sigurado na siya sa mga dapat at gusto niyang gawin. Fatherhood gave him this stage of decision that he never had while growing up. Knowing well that his words influence someone—his wife. But the stage wasn't too high, it was the same level as his wife's stage of alternatives. Unlike the usual padre de familia, Adiel saw himself as someone who listened to his wife's thoughts before deciding anything.

Yet, right now, he thinks that he, alone, should decide for his family.

"Cyra, mag-leave ka na," anito habang nagsasalin ng tubig ngayon.

Kauuwi lang ng mag-asawa mula sa ospital. Cyra's headache didn't go away after that night. So, days later (when their OB was present because Cyra didn't want another doctor to check on her), pumunta na sila sa OB niya at nalaman nilang kritikal ang lagay ng bata sa sinapupunan niya dahil sa kondisyon ng isipan niya. If she hadn't gone to the doctor, there was a possibility that she continued with her life and just suddenly bled in the middle of the day. Hindi inakala ni Cyra na dahil lang sa kaunting paghihirap, malubha na ang mararamdaman ng anak niya. Binalot na naman siya ng takot sa nalaman.

"I will send an e-mail now," she goes to their bedroom.

Medyo nagulat si Adiel, inisip nito na aapila ang babae sa utos niya. Pero sumunod ito, maybe because the doctor, herself, recommended bed rest. His wife could be too tolerant at times, so he was glad she listened to the doctor. Perhaps, the better word to use was hardheaded.

"What do you want for lunch?" Adiel went to the bedroom to ask.

His wife was already wearing a pair of pajamas while sitting on the bed. She was typing on her laptop.

"Hmm, may hipon pa ba tayo?" she asked.

"Mayro'n pa, gusto mo iluto ko sa oyster sauce?"

"Yes, please. Can you slice up a tomato too?"

That was her thing right now—eat everything with tomato. She called it her go-to side dish.

"Of course," he walks to their clothing cabinet and takes a new pair of clothes to change into. "Anything else? I'll make you warm milk to drink after."

"Nothing. Thank you," said Cyra as she typed her letter of leave.

"Matulog ka na lang after niyan, ha, Cy. 'Wag ka na mag-isip. Kailangan mo ng pahinga. If you want anything—want anything, Cyra, not just need—call me."

"I will," she looks at him and smiles despite the dark feeling on her chest. It was beginning to spread through her body. That doctor's appointment was the worst one she ever had, and it was affecting her badly no matter how hard she tried to control her mind.

Adiel stares at her for a second at the door and walks to kiss her on the head. "Tulog ka na, Mommy."

Cyra's lips part because of what he called her. Naramdaman niya agad na maiiyak siya—pinigil niya ang sarili niya dahil hindi gugustuhin ni Adiel 'yon at ng anak nila. There was no need for tears right now, only rest.