“Ahia!” Jeron yelled angrily. I get why he’s mad at me. We were playing 2K13 in our room. I didn’t want to because I wasn’t in the mood but he’s been nagging me to and the only way to stop it was to play with him. For a 19-year old, he sure acts a bit spoiled at times. “That’s the sixth controller you wrecked this week! Ano ba?! Nag-sasayang ka lang ng pera eh!”
“Hindi mo naman pera diba?!” I exclaimed. Why does he care about how I spend my money? I’m the one who works hard for it! I train for it, I play for it, I put my heart into it! “I’m the one who buys the damn controllers so let me be! Hindi naman ako makakasira ng controller kung hindi mo ako pinalaro eh! Kita mo na ngang wala ako sa mood maglaro, mapilit ka pa rin!”
“Sinasabi ko lang, nagagalit ka na diyan!”
“Ikaw nga itong naunang sumigaw eh!”
“Ewan ko sa iyo, ahia!” Jeron banged the controller on the floor, nearly breaking it causing me to react violently. “Magpalamig ka ng ulo diyan! Nakakainis!”
Jeron slammed the door when he went out and I plopped myself on my bed. I took in a lot of deep breaths. I felt bad, in a way, because I screamed at my younger brother when he was just telling me the truth. Still, he didn’t have to tell me in that manner!
I shook my head as I closed my eyes. I’m just going to sleep this off.
--
Since the day she’s been diagnosed with a Batten’s disease, she rarely left the confines of her room. I know that it was even harder for her than it was for us. After all, she’s the one who’s suffering and slowly dying.
It hurt me to see her like this—to see her slowly changing into a hollow person, to see her become just the shell of a person.
“Kaye,” I knocked on her door.
“What do you want?” Her voice was muffled due to the door.
“Open the door, please,”
“No… Leave me alone, Jeric,”
It pained me to hear those words leave her lips but I know that she wanted space. Still, I don’t want her to feel as if she’s alone in the world. I wanted her to feel and to know that despite her condition, there are still people here who love and care for her.
“Please, Kaye. Let me in. Don’t keep us out, please,” I begged.
It was quiet on her side. It took a few seconds but the door finally opened.
My heart broke when I saw her. There wasn’t any bit of happiness in her face. She looked as if she wasn’t a 15-year old. She looked older than her age. It was like she lost the youth she possessed.
I couldn’t take it. I immediately pulled her into my arms and gave her the warmest hug I could give. I held onto her tightly.
Why did it have to be Kaye who has to suffer like this?
“I’m sorry, Kaye,” I mumbled.
“Why are you saying sorry, dummy?” she sighed.
“I’m just sorry… I’m sorry,”
We quietly sat on her bed. It wasn’t awkward but it wasn’t comforting either.
“How are you?” she asked quietly.
“I’m…” I trailed off. What do I say? I’m okay? I’m fine? Do I tell her that I’m not really okay because I’m worried about her?
