A Letter of Promise

Chapter 12

"We want to express our sympathy and condolences."

Napatayo si Ria at Clea ng makilala kung sino ang dumating sa ikalawang gabi ng burol ng kanilang ama.

Ang mga Alegre.

"Who gave you the right to be here?"
Bago pa makapasok sa mismong chapel ang buong pamilya ng mga Alegre ay hinarangan na ito ng magkapatid.

"Or are you checking if our dad really died? Oh, now go and watch."
Inilahad pa ni Ria ang kanang kamay niya sa gawi kung saan matutumbok ang ataul ng kanilang nakahimlay na ama.

Yumuko naman ang babaeng Alegre. Nathe advanced his right foot.

"We are here to give our sympathy, but if we are not welcome then we are going." Inakay na ni Nathe ang ina, ngunit nang dumating naman si Marina ay inabot ni Felicidad ang kamay nito.

"Our deepest and sincerest sympathy."

"I understand, but it doesn't really feels right to see you and your family here, mayor." Mahina ngunit may diin sa huling salitang binitiwan ni Marina.

"Don't worry ma'am, we're now leaving. We just want to personally express our condolences. We understand your reaction towards us."
Yumuko naman si Nathe matapos ang magalang na pagpapaalam niya.

"Before we go, I just want to say, it was not us. I know your late husband and I were rivals in politics but not in life and I won't go that far for the position. I understand where your anger is coming from, but I hope pain won't blind us. You are allowed to break down Marina, I won't tell you to stay strong, but I hope you keep going." Tahimik ang lahat at nakikinig lamang.

"We also have here the sampaguita crown. We'll not waste your time, madam. We're going."
Inilahad din ni Antonius ang kanang kamay kay Marina na tinanggap naman nito.

Maging sina Clyde at Fervs ay naglahad din ng kamay na hindi rin naman tinanggihan ni Marina.

"Bro let's go." Bulong ni Clyde kay Fervs.

"Mauna kana. Hindi ako sasabay." Itinulak pa ni Fervs ng marahan ang kapatid para ipagdiinan na magpapahuli talaga siya.

Tinungo naman ni Clyde ang pintuan at dumiretso na pauwi kasama ang pamilya.

"How are you?"
Kamuntik nang suntukin ni Fervs ang sarili sa tanong na hindi niya napag-isipan.

Matalim na tingin ang isinagot ni Ria kay Fervs.

Bago lumayo si Clea sa kapatid ay pasimpleng kinurot nito ang tagiliran niya at may ibinulong sa kaliwang tainga ng kapatid.

"Lumabas kayo, it's a disgusting view. You know what I mean."

Tumango naman si Ria at hinila naman si Fervs palabas sa Chapel.

"Fervs, umalis kana. I have no time to pick a fight and please we are not kids." Itinulak pa nito si Fervs na hindi naman natinag sa kinatatayuan nito.

"I'm not here to start a fight. I'm here to check on you. Look, I know you are not fine and I was an idiot for asking how are you, but I hope we can share the pain so it won't burden you that much. I can't remove your pain but I am willing to hold your hand while facing it."

Tila nagsisi naman si Ria sa galit na ipinakita niya rito ng makita ang mapupungay na mata ni Fervs.

"I'm fine, death is a natural stage of life. That's it, that's all our end point here on earth." Pinag ekis pa niya ang mga kamay sa gitnang bahagi ng kaniyang tiyan. To prove to him that she's strong, she can handle this.

She will not cry in front of Fervs. Not again.

"Let me hug you, I understand." Kumindat pa ito at inilahad ang mga braso. Literally; open arms.