Dawn's POV
MA? Whu-what are you doing here? She sounded so surprised.
I know that your papa is sick. So are you going to let me in?
How about we talk here outside first. Papa's awake, and in pain. So I think we should talk first. I'll just call the nurse to give him his meds, hang on.
Anak, why didn't you tell me? I sounded so hurt.
Papa told me not to tell you. I could've broken my promise and still told you. Honestly, I really didn't think you'd care. I mean why would you? You hated the man.
It hurt me to know that my own daughter would think of me like that. That I am that cold and callous in her eyes. I couldn't form the sentences because I didn't know what to say.
A doctor suddenly approached us. You must be Richard's wife? I recognize you from TV. Good, so he told you na pala. I've been telling him he needs a support system. At least may kasama na si Ava mag alaga. Anyways . I can have him discharged tomorrow morning, we just have to keep him overnight for observation. It's just the Chemo that's making him like this. It really comes in waves, Kaya nga sabi ko he needs someone to watch him, eh matigas ulo. From the X-rays the size has improved after several rounds of chemo. In a couple of weeks we can do the surgery and assess if the cancer can be removed or if it has spread. I've ordered a sedative para it'll ease the pain and put him to sleep first. The nurse says he's knocked out. I'll check on him in a couple of hours. Bali mauna na ako, mag rounds Lang ako.
I felt a lump down my throat. Guilt? Probably.
Ava just thanked the doctor.
So are you going to let me in? I said as she was entering the room.
Might as well, he's unconscious naman eh.
Yes anak.
When we entered the room, I was shocked at how Richard looked and how thin he'd been. I wanted to speak but I can't. I love this man, I still do. Maybe that's why it hurts so damn much. Ava settled at the couch.
How long have you known?
Maybe 2 months ago? I won't divulge the details but yes he has cancer. Stage one. The doctors are all giving him a good prognosis. But we still hope for a miracle cause they say cancer is a traitor.
Maybe I should go home first before he wakes up. Get you supplies at home. What do you need?
I'm okay ma, I just need your permission to be here. You can stay longer.
Yes anak of course.
I don't know how I'll tell him na you found out.
Maybe anak, let me the one to tell him. Maybe it's time na we talked. Pero we'll reserve that for another time. Uuwi na muna ako. I'll tell manang Lisa to bring you things na you might need.
Suddenly, Ava hugged me so tight.
Ma, thank you. I don't know what to do anymore. She was crying so hard at this point. Ma?
Yes anak?
Ma, I'm scared what if the cancer spread? I hugged her so tightly.
Your papa will fight this. He has to.
A/N: finally an update from me!!
