The morning after my birthday party, I woke up with a terrible headache. The kind that makes you question every life choice you made the night before. It took me hours, literal hours before I finally dragged myself out of bed and into the bathroom. I thought a long bath would fix it.
It didn't.
I checked the clock before leaving my room. 11:00 AM. No wonder I felt half-dead. I went straight to the kitchen, and there, sitting at the table, were both my brothers, looking just as miserable as I felt.
For once, I ignored them. Mostly because I wasn't in the mood. Astro looked like he didn't want to talk to anyone either, and as for our eldest brother... nagtatampo parin ako. So instead of my usual seat beside him, I sat next to Astro.
"You kids obviously had fun last night," Mama said as she served each of us a bowl of what she calls Hangover Soup.
I didn't even hesitate. I ate it immediately.
God! Now I understood why Astro loved this thing so much.
The table stayed quiet. Then suddenly, I heard a bark, and before I could react, a tiny Japanese Spitz with a pink ribbon around its neck came running around the kitchen like it owned the place.
"Argh! Please make that tiny devil shut the hell up," Astro groaned. "Or gagawin ko 'yang sahog sa soup ko."
"No!" I immediately stood up, chased the dog, and picked it up. Oh my God. It was so cute! Parang biglang nawala yung sakit ng ulo ko.
"Solana, put that down. We're not sure if vaccinated na 'yan," our eldest warned.
I ignored him. Wala akong balak na kausapin siya today.
"Sweetheart, that's the surprise I was telling you about last night," Mama said, gently taking the dog from me. "Isn't he cute?"
She looked so fond of it. So it was a he. And judging by how relaxed he was in Mama's arms, mukhang gusto niya rin si Mama.
"Thanks, Mom," I said, trying to play with him kahit na hawak pa rin siya ni Mama. I wanted to get him back so badly.
"Your Papa and I decided to get you a dog," Mama continued. "So that you'll have company. We figured you get lonely, especially lately that we're all always busy, and you're often left alone here."
I avoided Mama's gaze. My eyes accidentally met Kuya Calli's, I quickly looked away, guilt creeping in.
Because what Mama said wasn't entirely true.
Yes, I get lonely here. But whenever they all leave, I take that opportunity to sneak out and spend time with Dos.
"What will you name him?" Mama asked, finally handing me back my new baby.
"Snowy?" Astro blurted out. I swear, my brother has never known peace. "Whitey?" he added.
Sometimes I really think sila ni Dos ang magkapatid, they have the same annoying personality and stupid remarks.
"Uno," I said without hesitation.
The moment I realized the dog was a he, that name instantly felt right.
"Tss. Stupid name," Astro commented. "Why not Marshmallow nalang?"
I didn't bother responding. I carried Uno and headed straight to my room. Before fully turning away, I glanced at Kuya Calli.
And there it was again, that look.
He knew. Of course he did.
The reason behind the name.
BINABASA MO ANG
The Last Rule
Teen FictionThe Last Series #1 He loves basketball, it's his dream. He will do everything to be able to play again. She is a sunshine, they will do everything to protect her. Now he's back in court, he can play again. He got a new coach, a new team. New team...
