Philippines, 2023
"I got a letter for you, Sir Louis," Robert said firmly after entering my room.
"From?"
"Your hunter." Agad na sagot ng mensahero.
Nagpatuloy lang ako sa pagbabasa ng balita gamit ang isang gadget na hanggang ngayon ay kinahahangaan ko.
"Read it." Utos ko.
"Uh, Sir Louis, he said that you're the only one who--"
"Read it." Matigas na sabi ko. What's the point of keeping it a secret when after I leave this room, the news will spread like fire?
Narinig ko ang pagpirat niya sa sobre at ang bahagya niyang pagbuntong-hininga ay umalingawngaw sa tainga ko.
"You'll have your niece or nephew soon."
Napaangat ang tingin ko sa kanya at nakita ko ang mukha niyang kabado.
"Sir?"
I moved fast and quickly break his neck, and in a moment, I have his heart in the palm of my hands.
"A bloody morning. News like this cannot be spread like a wildfire, anyway." I uttered. "Nica, clean this room! I have to go somewhere."
Pagpasok niya ay gulat pa ang mukha niya ng makita ang estado ni Robert. Nahulog pa sa mga kamay niya ang hawak na panglinis at nanginginig na ang kanyang mga kamay.
"Oh, come on. You should be used to it by now."
- - -
"Louis!" Maligayang bati sakin ni Cain.
"Cain! It's been 10 years!" I hugged him back.
"Well, after 10 years, there's your sibling, having baggage." Nagkibit-balikat siya na animo'y napakaliit lang na bagay noon. Well, it's not the case for me.
"Who's sibling are you talking about, Cain?" I asked.
"Come on, Louis! It's been 10 years. That business can wait. Let's have some shots, it's all in me!" Masaya niya akong iginaya sa isang bar at pamilyar iyon sa akin.
