July 2016
"It's been awhile since I visited." Elena smiled bitterly as she gazed at the marble slab. She turned to Maine and squeezed her hand. "I think the last time I was here was when we buried him."
"Tita..."
"I was mad at him. I was mad that he left us." The older woman wiped her tears, and looked at the grave marker again. "But God, I would do anything to bring him back. I miss him, Maine. Terribly so."
Maine placed her arm around Elena's shoulder and embraced the woman. "I know, Tita. I'm so sorry. Just know that he's in a much better place now and he won't suffer anymore."
"I know and thank you, Maine for accompanying me. I know it's hard for you-"
She cut the older woman off and shook her head. "For you, Tita anything po."
"Tara na. Let's go home." She smiled at the younger woman and started to walk towards the entrance of the columbarium. "Alam ko gusto mo ng umuwi."
Maine nodded, "Sige po. I'll call the driver so we can go home."
She left the older woman inside the room before pulling out her phone to call the driver. She was about to punch in the man's number when it suddenly started to ring. When she read the name on the screen, she smiled and immediately answered the call.
"Pauwi na kami."
She heard a chuckle from the other line and her heart burst in happiness at the sound of his voice. It has been six months since the operation and Richard only continue to thrive. Despite the odds placed against the man she loved, the surgery was successful.
"Good! Because I miss you already, Maine."
Maine shook her head and smiled. "We haven't even been gone that long!"
"I know but it doesn't mean I miss you any less. This is the longest we've been apart during the past year, Love. You can't blame me."
"Ang clingy mo!" She teased but agreed. Since Maine found Richard again, she hasn't left his side and cared for him.
"Come home, please?"
"I will. I'll be there. I'll be home soon."
