Enslaved Mind

Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17

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MONIQUE held Eon's little hand, giving it a tight grip. There was a lump on her throat as she heaved a sigh, resisting the urge to break down.

"Mommy," untag ni Eon.

Tumingala siya para pigilan ang mga nagbabadyang luha. She has to compose herself. She needs to be strong.

"Yes, sweetheart?" Aniya. Nakita niyang tila balisa ang kanyang anak sa pagkakaupo. She loosened his seatbelt a bit and planted a soft kiss on his forehead.

"Are we there yet?" Tanong nito sabay hikab.

"Not for long, honey. Mommy told you to sleep. You're so stubborn."

He just smiled. Kita sa maamong mukha nito ang pagod at puyat. They have been on the plane for almost 15 hours now. Humigit kumulang dalawang oras nalang ay lalapag na ang kanilang sinasakyang eroplano.

"Mommy, Kindle." Ungot nito.

"Eon, you have to sleep. Close your eyes, baby. Please?"

"But I'm not sleepy," he countered with matching sad puppy eyes.

Napabuntong-hininga siya. Unlike most kids his age who likes to play games with their iPads, Eon wants to read books. Puno ang Kindle App nito ng mga libro. Mostly on Math, Science and World History. Minsan nga ay nababahala na siya sapagkat makapal na ang salamin nito sa mata dahil sa kakabasa ng mga libro.

"Please let your eyes rest naman, anak." Aniya sa masuyong boses. Eon pursed his lips and nodded slowly.

Natawa siya. He seems to act like an adult. Sobrang cute tuloy nito kapag nag-aastang matanda.

Ibinaling nito ang paningin sa labas ng bintana. Alam niyang nagtatampo ito.

"Hay naku. Here's your iPad. But you to promise me one thing..."

Bigla itong lumingon sa kanya. Nakangiti at tumatango-tango.

"No cereals for dinner, okay? And no more Kindle once we arrive."

Nalukot ang mukha nito.

"Gideon Ysmael, you have to promise me!" She hissed. The middle aged couple from across the aisle even looked at them. Ginawaran niya ang mga ito ng mapagpaumanhing tingin.

"Promise," ani Eon sabay kindat.

She inhaled deeply so as to calm herself. A promise coupled with a wink from her cute but stubborn son is a tell-tale sign that he's up to something.

"You have to promise me without winking!" Mahina ngunit mariing turan niya.

"Promise," he said while raising his right hand. But a few seconds later, he winked again.

"No. Kindle. For. You. Young. Man." She said. Emphasizing each word.

He crossed his short arms around his chest and faced the window. Napailing nalang siya. Eon is, and will always be her bundle of joy. But with happiness brought about by having a sweet yet stubborn son, comes the burden of responsibility and instilling discipline to him. Mahirap iyon lalo pa't single mother siya. She must admit she's having a difficulty drawing the line between pampering him and disciplining him.

For the nth time, she heaved a sigh. At least, pansamantalang nawala sa isipan niya ang mas malaking problemang kinakaharap niya ngayon.

She closed her eyes. Soon enough they'll be at NAIA. And all she could hope for is for things to be okay.