12:01am, 9 April 2018
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Amidst the darkened room, Rj's phone lights up as a call comes in. He doesn't move from his bed, comforter pulled over his ears as he lay on his stomach. The phone continuously rings for a few moments and stops. After a minute or two, it starts to ring again. Rj reaches for the phone on the night stand.
"H..llo?" With eyes closed, Rj places the phone to his ear; his voice hoarse and tired.
"Mahal?" It's Maine. She had been watching videos of him from his international tour. The last video she saw was a very tired-looking Rj standing quietly in one corner, congenially smiling at the people who called him. But Maine could tell that he was well. He didn't look well.
"Hmm?"
"How are you feeling?"
"..'kay lang...sleep..."
"O sige. Sleep ka na. Text me nalang when you wake up.." the call ended.
11:35am, 10 April 2018
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
The next morning, Rj was scheduled to fly cross-continent for another commitment. Maine had not received the text she requested for so she texted him.
"How are you feeling?"
"Had a temperature last night.."
"Sabi na e. Bundle up. How's the weather there? Is it cold?"
"It was cold upstate and in Canada."
"Are you in Vegas na?"
"Just landed. Waiting for luggage."
"How's your voice?"
"No voice"
"Hala sya. Take some warm lemon water or tea with honey and try to find some paracetamol if you still have fever...you need more sleep.."
"Yes po"
"My flight will get to NY on the evening of the 11th."
"Yes, I already booked by flight from Vegas back to NY on the morning of the 11th. Workshops don't start until the 12th."
"Can you please find time to rest? Ako ang napapagod sa schedule mo e. Or do you want me to book you a room at St. Luke's again when you come home?"
"Ayoko sa ospital"
"Kaya nga. Take care of yourself please."
"Will do. I have to go now. Andito na yung service that will take us to the hotel. I have a meeting with Ms. Jessica regarding the awards night.."
"Ah ok. Basta, don't exert too much. If you don't need to talk, don't na. And please rest. We can tour together next time."
"Opo"
"I'll see you on the 12th."
"I'll be waiting at the airport. I love you"
"I love you more."
