Philippines
2019
The plane just landed, and the cold war still continues.
"What time flight mo?" Thirdy spoke after hours of being silent.
"In five hours pa. I'll eat na lang siguro somewhere. You can go home na," Bea said shyly.
"San mo gusto kumain? Tara na. Kumain ka muna, and let's buy biscuits. Wag ka kakain ng kung ano-ano don."
What he says is full of love, but his tone and emotions are empty.
"Love, uwi ako agad if magimprove yung condition ng patients. They asked for a lot of doctors na kasi. Hindi din naman ako mapapalagay knowing wala akong naitulong."
"Ah, so Max will be there?"
"I don't know, pero if andon naman siya, ano naman? Love naman, kasal na tayo eh."
"Tinanong ko lang, Beatriz," he said with the same tone and emotions.
"Jollibee na lang. I need Chickenjoy," she said coldly.
Even while eating, they are silent. Bea knows matinding suyuan to pagbalik niya.
"I texted Mom and Dad na. Baka lang hanapin nila ko sayo."
He just nodded.
After eating, he asked her, "Dadalin mo na lahat yang gamit?" referring to the luggage.
"Yeah."
"Put your laundry in my luggage na lang so clean clothes na lang dala mo dyan. Mabigat masyado yang luggage mo."
Bea stared at him. She adores him even more.
"Sorry," she whispered.
"C'mon, I'll help you."
And he did help her sort her clothes.
"Kasya ba tong mga damit mo? Parang puro pang-beach to ah," he asked with frustration.
"I'll do laundry na lang don," she said confidently.
"Nah. I have extra shirts here, and tara, let's buy pants sa Newport."
He stood up and didn't wait for her to answer.
The walk to the parking and the drive to Newport are really quiet.
Kahit nagtatampo si Thirdy, he still manages to open the door for her, carry her luggage, and treat her right.
Bea bought five pairs of jeans and shorts sa Mango and Giordano. Thirdy didn't let her pay. Kahit nauunahan ni Bea si Thirdy maglabas ng wallet, he always pushed her hands lightly to motion na siya na magbabayad. And since he's tampo, you have to let him do things for you.
When they're done, they went back to the airport and fixed Bea's luggage sa compartment.
"Beatriz."
"Love."
"Kapag nalaman mong pregnant ka, can you please go back here right away?"
"Is that the reason why you act so cold?"
"Hindi lang naman yon. The virus seems so dangerous. Ayoko lang na mapahamak ka or something."
"I'm really sorry. The organization needs me, but I promise to lessen my missions."
"Whatever you say. I just want you safe."
He kissed her forehead.
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West Africa
2019
Human Monkeypox Outbreak
When Bea reached the area, Cathleen immediately helped her wear her laboratory gown, gloves, and mask.
