MARAHUYO

M- 27

Isaiah 40:29
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Warning: Chapter contains scenes and words not suitable for young readers. Read responsibly.

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"Lea, here!" Luke waved his hands upon seeing her entering the museum. It amazed him how Lea, in the middle of the crowd, manages to perfectly stand out.

Lea weakly smiled and made her way towards Luke.

"Akala ko, hindi ka makakarating."

She looked around him, "Wala ka talagang kasama?"

"Wala. Ikaw lang talaga 'yong niyaya ko. Buti dumating ka," he smiled.

"I have nothing to do at home so I went here," she replied and glanced at the paintings hanging on the wall.

If Aga were here, he would look at all of these closely. He would silently give his comment and commend the painting and the painter. Aga loves art and he is one.

"Rene Ocampos is the painter's name. Local artist and is just starting to make a name in the industry. I met him through a friend kasi one time, pinakita niya sa akin 'yong isang work and I was easily amazed. Kaya sabi ko, whatever happens, I'd support him. You wanna meet him?"

Nod is what she just answered. She might be physically present but she knows her mind is thinking of Aga. Why does he have to lie to her? Why can't he just tell her the truth?

"Sir," Luke politely called the attention of the man in front of them.

The man seemed to be familiar with his face that he smiled, "Luke?"

"Yes, sir! Congrats for a successful exhibit."

Rene smiled, "This wouldn't be successful without your help."

Luke humbly smiled and looked at Lea, "Oh, this is Lea S--"

"Hello, sir! It's so nice to meet you. Your works are wonderful!" Lea quickly cut Luke with his introduction. As much as possible, she doesn't want him to utter her name. She doesn't want anybody to know that she is here.

When she entered the museum a while ago, she had to check if there are people who might be familiar to her or if there are too many people inside. When she was walking, she was relieved to see that nobody gives her a look, which means that they couldn't recognize her.

"Wow. Thanks so much, Lea! In case you don't know yet, Luke here helped me out with this. Nag-bigay siya ng fund for this exhibit to happen kaya if not for him, wala rin naman ako dito."

She smiled. Luke funds an art exhibit, too. Her husband does it, too. Oh, for the love of art.

"Sir naman! This is successful and this happened because of your talent. Tumulong lang kami."

Rene patted his shoulder and said, "Sige, may kakausapin lang ako. Roam around. Tapos give feedbacks after. I know how you scrutinize a work. Alam mo namang isa ang criticism mo sa mga pinagkakatiwalaan ko."

Upon leaving, Luke turned to her, "Tara, mag-tingin pa tayo?"

She nodded and roamed around the museum with him. It made her smile to see how Luke is fascinated with all the works hanging on the wall. He sees Aga in him.

Aga's greatest pleasure in life is art. He will do anything just to go to an exhibit, art auction and whatever event it is. She loves how dedicated and passionate Aga is in art.

"Hanggang kailan 'tong exhibit?" she asked Luke. What if she brings Aga here?

But why would she bother bringing Aga here if Red could do that?