Spring Onions

Chapter 63. Liyab

'Being a representative... lets you get the things that you want.

Opportunities. Ticket out of this town. Scholarships for top universities in big cities.

When you're the best, you'll stand out. You'll be the first person the scouts will see. First to receive every offer, and first to reject any of them.

But getting a great future is only one thing.
Because for me...

Being the best meant you'd look at me.

Being the best... meant I mattered to you.

And that felt more of an accomplishment than any compliment-- any award.

It didn't matter if it was fleeting or conditional.

I wanted to feel it again.

I wanted to feel how happy you are that we'd eat outside to celebrate. See you smile when others compliment me. Hear you brag to all of your friends how amazing your daughter is.

Your daughter...

It was nice to hear you say that now.

I remember when I was younger, there would be guests in our house holding fancy glasses that you cherish. Every time they'd ask you about me, you'd change the topic and pretend I'm not here.

Because looking at me meant you'll see all that you have lost.

Your crown. Your dreams. The life that you wanted...

I've always felt like it was my fault.

So, I never questioned you.

No... Not even why you were always gone.

I just accepted that I deserved it for taking everything from you.

When I learned that there was a way to make it up to you somehow-- that there was at least something I can give that you wanted.

I'd give it.

No matter the cost.

No matter what I have to do.

No matter the consequences.

No matter how many people I have to hurt.

Just so you'd look at me.... and smile.

Hear you again how happy you are to have a daughter... like you.

You may not see me.

But you still looked at me.

And I would be the happiest every time.

You may have never gotten the life you wanted, but I'll give it back to you.

I'll get all of the crowns and return each and every one to you.

It was yours... and I stole it from you.

But how can I give back something that is now gone?'

Malamig ang ihip ng hangin sa kaniyang nagyeyelong balat, kahit na mainit ang sinag ng lumulubog na araw.

Pumipintig ang kirot sa kaniyang balikat at hinaplos niya ito upang maibsan ang sakit. Ilang beses niyang binunggo ang pinto para lamang bumukas ito.

Paglabas niya, napagtanto niya na isang lumang upuan pala ang hinarang dito.

Isang lumang upuan lamang ang hinarang... kahit na kay daming nakatambak na kalat malapit dito.