Behind Closed Doors

forty six

Miro woke up with a headache and an uncomfortable feeling. Maybe she's not feeling well because of what happened last night.

She forced herself to sit up on her bed.

"Argg." She winced when she felt her head throbbing.

She took some time to recover as she massaged her temple to lessen the pain.

She blinks her eyes twice before getting out of bed. She walked out of the room. Just when she's about to walk in the kitchen she hears Cleir talking to someone over the phone.

"I already told you, she's not in a good state for that." Cleir's voice laced with irritation that made Miro raise her eyebrows in confusion.

"Who's not in a good state for what?" She asked as she reached the kitchen. Cleir flinched as she stared at Miro.

"That..." Cleir seems like frozen, not knowing what to say.

Miro went to the coffee machine as she made her own coffee.

"What?" Miro asked again.

"It's Mom, she wants to talk to you." Cleir slowly utters the words as she observes Miro's expression.

Miro stared at her blanky while sipping her coffee.

"Well I mean you don't have to, hindi mo naman totoong mama yun." Cleir said as she laughed awkwardly.

"Sorry fo— "

"Tell her to come over." Miro spoke, there's no sense of emotion in her voice. But at least she's not mad either.

Cleir open her mouth to say something but ended up closing it again because she doesn't know how to.

"Kung ayaw mo naman—" Miro didn't finish her sentence.

"Pupunta yun. Pupunta siya." Cleir cutted her off right away.

Miro walked out of the kitchen. Cleir smiled as she sent a message to her mother.

"Thanks God." She said as she turned to look at Miro quietly minding her business.

•••

Miro fell asleep again on the couch. She didn't even finish her coffee. It's already 2 o'clock in the afternoon when Merielda, Cleir's mother arrived.

"Nakatulog e." Cleir said to her mother.

"Hayaan mo muna siya. " Merielda stared at Miro sweetly and turned to Cleir.

"Kumusta siya?" She asked.

They walked together in the kitchen. Merielda sat on the chair at the dining area while Cleir prepare a drink for her mother.

"Mukhang okay na siya, Ma." Cleir said as she put the glass down on the table. She sat across her mother.

"Nagulat ako kasi pumayag siya na pumunta ka dito." Cleir utter, still can't believe it.

"Ate nagluto ka na b—" Miro stop on her track when she saw Merielda.

Cleir and Merielda turn to her at the same time. Their mouth agape when they heard her.

When they finally recover Merielda stood up and approach Miro.

"How are you Dear?" Merielda smiled at her. Miro stood there, stiff. She shift her gaze to Cleir.