Change of Hearts

Chapter 17

St. Luke's Medical Center, 11PM

"Your son is lucky, Mr and Mrs. Ravena. The air bag didn't work, and I think you should talk with the car company about this but, anyway, that's legal matter. But he only suffered few cuts, minor fracture in his left arm, and bruises. But as you can see, here in this area," the doctor pointed at a certain place of the x-ray report. "..his temporal lobes were slightly impacted by the accident, specially the right part which is very vital for people's episodic information. Thus, Thirdy is suffering with Traumatic brain injury also known as post-traumatic amnesia, which occurs from an external force that causes structural damage to the brain."

Naramdaman ko nalang na nanghina 'yong tuhod ko no'ng narinig ko 'yong sinasabi ng doktor. Nakita ko si mama na umiyak na ng tuluyan habang si papa, diretso lang 'yong tingin pero nakatikom lang 'yong bibig n'ya. I reached out for Dani na napaupo nalang and humahagulgol.

"Manong.." she whispered. "Si Kuya..."

"Sssh..Dani it's okay. Ang mahalaga, buhay si Thirdy."

Hindi ko na narinig 'yong sinabi ng doktor dahil yakap ko lang si Dani. I felt Alyssa patting Dani's back, and I looked at her. She gave me a comforting smile, like she's saying that everything will be okay.

"Manong, Dani, Alyssa" tawag sa'min ni mama. "The nurse said Thirdy's awake now." I can see relief sa mukha nya even though kita ko rin 'yong worry. Nagmamadali kaming pumunta sa room. I was a bit shocked when I saw Bea outside, waiting for us.

I looked at Ly and I found her already staring at us. She smiled at me and she gave me a knowing nod. She went inside with my family while I stayed behind to talk to Bea.

"Bea.." I went to her and hugged her. I felt tension pero di ko nalang masyadong pinansin.

"Kief.." she said. "Uhm..I heard about what happened and I'm around the area so—

"Yeah, yeah, thanks for coming. How's everyone in Ateneo?"

"I think..uhm..I think they're worried about your brother. Everyone is sending their prayers."

"Kakarating lang namin from Baguio..it's so unfortunate na sa gantong situation pa tayo nagkita ulit. But we're glad Thirdy is fine. You want to come inside? The nurse said gising na s'ya.."

I saw her hesitating and then she nodded.

————

Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig no'ng nakita ko si Bea. Pakiramdam ko, the Earth is spinning so fast, the reality starting to wave at us now. I slowly walked with Kiefer, and we stopped when Bea saw us. She smiled at Kiefer and I felt a slight pinch inside me. 

Nakita ko si Kiefer na tumingin sa'kin, and I forced myself to smile and give him a nod. I went inside the room with his family leaving them behind. When I was about to shut the door, I saw him hugging Bea. I closed the door and my eyes.

Gising na si Thirdy nang dumating kami. Lumapit kami no'ng umalis na 'yong nurse na nag-asikaso sa kanya.

Tita Mozzy is still crying while telling Thirdy how much she was worried. Dani is crying too. Tito Bong was just standing at a corner, relief evident on his face. But I was frozen when Thirdy reached for my hand.

"Ly.." he whispered weakly. "I missed you."

I don't know what to say so I looked at his family, I looked for Kiefer. And there he is, standing beside Bea. I turned my gaze away and back to Thirdy.

I saw his stiches, his injuries and bruises. I saw the trauma in his eyes, even if he's staring at me with the familiar admiration. Amidst all these confusions and helplessness in me, one thing is clear, Thirdy deserves to get better as soon as possible.