Believe

Chapter 5 : Where Are You Christmas?

Chapter 5 : Where Are You Christmas?

Nang gabing 'yon naghanda na sina tita ng maraming pagkain na nakalagay na sa hapag hudyat na kakain na ng hapunan. Tinulungan namin si Lolo na maka-upo sa kaniyang wheelchair at dahan dahan namin siyang binaba sa stairway. Nakakaawa talagang tingnan ang sitwasyon ng aking Lolo. Maaga pa kasi siyang nagsuffer ng severe lung cancer and I can't also deny the fact that the reason behind his suffering is because he's been so much addicted to cigarette. It's like every meal he don't want to eat without it but he stopped smoking after he was confined to the hospital.

"Salamat mga apo. I owe you one." Ani Lolo.

"No need to thank us Lolo. It's our duty to take care of you. You're our loving Lolo and doing this is just a piece of cake." Kuya Leo remarked.

"I'm so glad to have you here with me." Lolo smiled.

I smiled at him. Nang makaabot na kami sa kusina, inilagay na namin si Lolo sa usual niyang pwesto tuwing kumakain.

"That should do it." I said locking his wheelchair then went on my chair.

Mas lalo pang humaba ang aming pag-uusap habang nasa hapag kami. Kinwento namin kina Tita ang naging buhay namin sa America. Muli rin naming nasilayan ang matamis na ngiti sa labi ni Lolo. Mukhang naging masigla si Lolo sa mga sandaling iyon. Masaya na kaming nakikita si Lolo na ganito palagi dahil malamang sa malamang hindi namin alam kung kailan siya mawawala sa piling namin. Kaya all we're doing is cherishing the moments we have while he's alive.

Pagkatapos kumain agad naming inakyat si Lolo sa kaniyang bedroom because he needs to rest as early as possible like the doctor told.

We kissed his forehead before leaving him inside. Habang naghuhugas naman ng pinggan si Tita we did a small talk about this coming holiday.

"So, what's for Christmas?" Kuya asked.

"As usual, your uncle's we'll be here by tomorrow. They'll be here by lunch."

"What should we prepare for them tomorrow?" I asked.

"Don't bother, they'll bring their own." Tita laughed.

"Tita, it's much better if we'll prepare something. I know they use to bring foods here but I guess let's give them some of our own too." Kuya suggested.

Tita agreed.

We went to our specific rooms for rest. My head is pounding. Gusto ko ng matulog dahil napagod ako sa byahe. I was about to close my eyes when I noticed my brother holding his phone again. I know he's been reading stories 'til night, but before going to sleep? I don't think that's usual.

He just nod after reading a sentence. I can't see what he's reading but I think he learns something that is why he nods after a word.

Nang makita niya ako akala ko magagalit siya pero hindi, subalit ngumiti lamang ito. Nang matapos niyang magbasa, agad niyang ini-lock ang phone niya at humiga. Napailing nalang ako sa kuya ko. He's acting really weird these days.

When I was about to sleep again I suddenly heard someone sobbing. It seems like it was coming from my kuya. Then, kung siya nga 'yon why is he crying?