Martin has been in comma for almost four months. No progress in his condition. In fact, his vital signs were deteriorating. Elizabeth had already given up but Ling tried not to for the sake of her Mom.
Indeed, Ling was the only source of strength of her Mom.
For the meantime, Ling applied for a leave at work so she can fully attend to his father at the hospital since Elizabeth’s application was not granted by her employer.
“Mom?” Ling called Elizabeth for dinner.
She got no reply.
Elizabeth was in depth thinking staring right through the window.
Slowly, she moved towards her Mom and wrapped her around her arms. Elizabeth held her gently.
“I never thought this could be this fast.” Elizabeth said in a soft and calm voice. “Twenty years went so fast.”
Ling hugged her tightly. She knew how Martin’s condition turned to worst. Anytime, the God above can took him from them.
“I know,” Ling agreed.
Elizabeth’s tears fell on her cheeks. She immediately wiped it with her bare hands and controlled her sob.
“Martin was the best of all the man I’ve ever known. With all the hardships that we’ve been through since then, he never gave up. He’s the strength that I’ve never had before I met him.”
This time, Elizabeth can no longer resist. Her tears just overflowed her eyes and soaked it in no time.
“He’s the best Dad in the world.” Ling said. “I may not be the best daughter he could have had; yet, he made me feel like I was the perfect one.”
Ling slowly pulled away and moved near the window. She looked straight up in the sky and let her tears flowed.
The reality finally sinks in. The truth finally made her accept that Martin will be gone, anytime. Suddenly, another’s memory came into her which absolutely urged her tears fell.
This could’ve been easier if he’s here. I never thought I’d be handling this alone when all I have known before was him, always at my side. I’m used to that. And now, he’s just somewhere - with somebody else. I wonder if he knows how I felt at this very moment. I need him. I honestly do.
“Tito wouldn’t be happy to see you like that,”
Ling and Elizabeth looked at the back.
Von just arrived with a bucket of foods. He immediately placed it at the tabletop and seized the two with a warm embrace.
“Why is that I had a feeling that you have forgotten that I was here,” Von’s silly claim. “Magtatampo na ako nyan,”
Ling stared at him. It sounds like very childish spat but she felt its impact inside of her. Von was in fact there; always there.
She felt the guilt. All this time, she’s feeling so alone because the one that she’s been looking for was nowhere when in fact he had someone who’s always at her side and didn’t even notice it.
Von owned this family like his real one. With Martin’s absence, he’s been making himself responsible for Ling and Elizabeth.
Suddenly, they heard someone’s stomach groaning.
“I think someone’s already starving,” Von concluded.
The three were laughing as they moved towards the table.
Von took the utensils as Elizabeth and Ling settle down.
Elizabeth’s phone rings and took it from the table. Susan called for help to carry the stuffs they bought. She decided to go then since Von was busy preparing the foods.
