Us

Baby steps

Being an active guy, RJ resented having to stay indoors most of the time. He always looked forward to having Maine push his wheelchair to the condo's pool side where they would people watch in the afternoons. In the evenings, she would be by his bedside, stroking his hair while he fell asleep.

"Goodnight, Love" she quietly said as she kissed his forehead.
"Mmmmphhh...gooosnayt misisfaulkerson" was his mumbled reply which brought a smile to Maine's lips.

It was almost a routine for Maine to arrive after lunch at RJ's condo. But this morning, she decided to surprise him by visiting at breakfast time.

Mama Ten opened the door when she rang and she gave her a tight hug like always.

"Si RJ, po?"

"Sa room, kasama yung caregiver..."

"Ah okay..."

"Sige, puntahan mo na."

"Thank you po"

The caregiver was just closing the door behind her when Maine approached.

"Good morning po, Ma'am" she smiled

"Good morning"

"....Nakaligo na po si Sir and nag-meds na rin po. Nanood lang po sya ng tv now, nakaupo...."

A month after the accident, Rj had transitioned from sitting on the bed to sitting on his lounge chair.  He still had restricted movements and was doing some therapy to walk again.

"Ah, ok. Salamat" Maine said as she signaled "quiet" to the caregiver who smiled and walked away.

Maine gently turned the door knob to surprise RJ. But to her surprise, he wasn't on his chair nor was he on the bed. She pushed the door more as she scanned the entire room. The TV was on but his bed, wheelchair and chair were empty. She ran to the balcony but he wasn't there either. As she turned around, panic now showing across her face, RJ came out from the toilet walking feebly, taking small steps, without a cane or crutch.

"Love!" She rushed toward him and put her around his waist as he put his arm on her shoulder.

He didn't hear or notice her right away so he was surprised to see her.

"Love! Ang aga mo!" he said as she kissed her on the head.

"Surprise! Ayaw mo?"

"Gusto. Gustong-gusto." "I-s-surprise nga sana kita e....see, nakakalakad na ako!" He was beaming with pride as he held up his hands and took a few wobbly steps.

She grabbed his arm again and assisted him to his chair.

She helped him sit then pulled a chair beside him.

"Love...Maine..." He began, as he took the tv remote to mute the sound. "Thank you for everything. I'm sorry I got into an accident..." He looked at her, eyes pleading.  She stood up and sat gently on his lap.

"RJ..I will always be here for you, you know that....I'm sorry too for being stubborn and cold at times..."

"I understand...I love you."

"I love you"