The Epitome Of Me

33

Iginiya ako ng nurse palabas ng laboratory. Nakaalalay sa likod ko si Kuya Rich. He also helped me fix my jacket as i put it on. Dumeretso kami sa kwarto nung doktor. Mommy was already there. I think she was talking to Papa on the phone.

"So we have to wait for the lab results. I guess maybe next week. I can just send it to you para hindi na kailangan pang magbiyahe." Paliwanag ng doktor. Nanatili akong nakaupo sa harap ni Mommy at katabi si Kuya Rich.

"But i'm also afraid that the inhalers won't work anymore if another episode is to happen." He sighed deeply. "According to the findings Dra. Cortez gave to me, it will not be effective. We suggest having oxygen instead. It is portable so you can carry it around. But i will advise it officially as soon as we get the results. For now, just refrain from doing much things."

Madami pa siyang sinabi tungkol sa mga results na hihintayin namin. Pero parang hindi na iyon maproseso ng utak 'ko. Hanggang sa hindi ko na namalayan na pauwi na pala kami.

"I will contact you as soon as i got the results. Don't worry dahil hindi ko na iyon papatagalin para hindi kayo masyadong matagal maghintay ng kung ano ang susunod nating gagawin. If another episode happens before i give the results, i'm afraid we have to confine her for observations."

Tumango si Mommy at nagpaalam na sa doktor. Pagkalabas namin ng ospital ay sumalubong sa akin ang mataas na sikat ng araw. At tila ba ay hindi ko iyon nakayanan dahilan kung bakit bigla akong napatigil sa paglalakad.

Pumikit ako ng mariin dahil bigla akong nahilo. Naramdaman ko rin ang panghihina ng katawan ko. Dahan dahan kong minulat ang mga mata ko pero ganoon pa din ang aking nararamdaman.

"Hey, you okay?" Kuya Rich asked. We both stopped and stood near the trees for some shade.

"Medjo nahilo lang." He then gave me his sunglasses. Isinuot niya iyon sa akin. Medjo nakatulong iyon dahil hindi ako masyadong naapektuhan ng araw. Even though i look like someone hiding due to my cap and sunglasses, it made me feel better.

I will be staying at the condo for this weekend. Mas lalong humigpit ang pagbabantay sa akin. Mukhang hindi ako makakaalis.

Ricci came in the afternoon. May mga dala dala siyang pagkain. Kuya Rich left as soon as he came. He had things to take care of. Ibinilin niya kay Ricci na huwag munang aalis hanggang hindi nadating si Juliane. Wala kasi akong kasama.

"How did the check up go?" He asked. I looked at him. We were watching a movie and eating snacks.

"Hmm, we are still waiting for results."

Inakbayan niya ako dahilan para mas lalo kaming maglapit sa isa't isa. He then whispered something and kissed my forehead afterwards. Napangiti ako doon.

"I wish and pray that you get well soon. And because you are a strong woman, I know you will."

That was the words he said that sparked hope in my heart. I was feeling so drain. Usual doctor appointments, laboratories and me just in the house or condo. Parang robot na naka program lang.

But when i am with him everything just feels so different. It feels like that robot had its own artificial intelligence that it moved freely on its own. Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam.

- - -

Weekend came so fast. I was staying in Manila for a whole week. Sa sobrang bilis ng panahon hindi ko namalayan na aalis na pala si Ricci. His flight was in a weekday. And this is gonna be our last weekend together until he comes back.

"Good morning!" His loud and cheerful voice was the first thing i heard this morning.

I smiled then walked towards him. He was cooking breakfast. Then he hugged me tight then kissed my forehead. Napangiti ako dahil doon.