Borrowed Time (completed)

19. first visit

"How is she?" Rj asked Sam as the latter stepped out of the bedroom.

"Her fever rose to 38.2°. She's sleeping now after Yaya Beth gave her a sponge bath and had her drink some medicine. I told Yaya Beth to check on her temperature after an hour or so..."

"Thank you, Ninong."

"Don't worry too much. Meng is fine."

---

"Ano bang nangyari?" Mama Rose asked. Rj and Sam joined her, Papa and Uncle Gordon at the living room.

The Sunday family day happened but Rj noticed that Meng looked weak when Manding picked them up from the city in the morning. She was less chatty on the ride to the hacienda and her hand felt warm to touch.

After mass, while in the car to the hacienda, Meng rested her head on Rj's shoulder. Mama was talking about Rj being a good son. Papa gave an introduction about the hacienda. Rj said that he would tour Meng around. Meng quietly nodded then he head suddenly dropped on Rj's chest.

Rj thought she had fallen asleep as this happened during a short lull in their conversation. He put his hand on her forehead to assist her to straighten up. This is when he felt how hot her skin was.

"Ma, hinimatay si Meng..." panic was evident in Rj's voice

"Ano?" Mama, who was seated in front of Rj and Meng in their van, turned.

"She fainted. I think nilalagnat din. Ang init ng skin nya."

"Manding, i-direcho mo na sa bahay..." Papa said.

---

"...s...sorry...sorry..." Meng said softly when she came to a few minutes later.

"Shh...how do you feel?" Rj said as he held her head on his shoulder.

"Medyo nahihilo..."

"...can you walk?" Rj said as he helped Meng out of the van when they got to the house. He took Meng's arm and put it around his waist while he held on to her waist with his other arm. He brought her to the guest room in the house.

---

"Anong ginawa mo?" Mama said after Rj appeared from the hallway to join his parents and Uncle Gordon in the living room.. Ninong Sam and Yaya Beth assured him that they would take care of Meng.

"What?" Rj retorted feeling affronted.

"Bakit nahimatay yun?"

"Ma, her name is Meng and I didn't do anything."