Still Dark, Love (Still Series #1)

Hakbang 52

My parents did a worst decision.

"Isang malaking project ng Daddy mo ang hindi natuloy dahil tinakbuhan kami ng taong kinuha niya, tangay ang napakalaking pera. At first, it was not really a big problem for us because that's just a cent for us. We're not bothered at all. Until some of our investors pulled out their shares."

Mariin akong nakikinig kay Mommy na hanggang ngayon ay may luha sa mga mata. Nandito kami sa kwarto. Nakaupo ako sa kama, katabi si Mommy habang si Daddy ay nakaupo sa sofa at tahimik na nakikinig.

"But why would they pull out? Ang tagal na nila sa kompanya natin at hindi naman sobrang nakaapekto ang perang nawala sabi mo Mommy!" Giit ko.

I can't understand their point. Maayos at nasa tamang kalagayan ang kompanya kahit pa nanakawan ng ilang milyong pera.

"We don't know too, anak, but they pulled out one by one. I guess they questioned your father's credibility when it comes to business."

"That's ridiculous, Mommy! They can't judge Daddy because of one mistake! Business is all about taking risk! They just wanna play safe!" Sigaw ko.

Bumuntong hininga si Mommy at nakita ko ang pagdaan ng sakit sa mga mata niya. I looked at my Dad who's quiet, but I'm sure, is also hurting.

His credibility was questioned. He dedicated his life on improving our business and these people are just so cruel!

"The numbers immediately went down so your father think of another solution. Nag-invest kami sa maliliit na kompanya pero ang lahat din ng iyon bumagsak, anak." Mommy cried.

My jaw dropped. What?!

All this time, this is happening and I don't have any idea? Gaano ako kamanhid para hindi mapansin ito?!

I wanna punch myself for being this dumb and useless!

"Mas lalong nagduda ang natitirang investors sa kakayahan ng Daddy mo. Eventually, they pulled out too. Natigil ang mga ongoing projects dahil sa kakulangan sa budget."

I am trying to take it all in. It was a big blow to me. I can't believe this.

"Pero may mga natira pa rin naman pong investors, 'di ba? Sa mga boards, may natira pa rin po? That's the most important, Mommy! And besides, we have enough money for the next three generations!" Ani ko.

Matagal namayagpag ang kompanyang tinayo ni Daddy at may sapat kaming pera. My grandparents also have properties that was given to us. Mayaman ang pamilya ni Mommy at Daddy kaya alam kong hindi kami maghihirap basta-basta.

Makakaahon kami sa krisis na ito. I'm so sure of that.

Hindi nakasagot si Mommy at nag-iwas ng tingin. Kumalabog ang puso ko sa kaba.

What? Dont tell me... I'm wrong?!

"Mommy! Answer me!" I cried.

Huminga siya ng malalim at narinig ko ang kanyang hikbi. Nilukot ang puso ko dahil doon.

"A-Anak... I'm sorry..." Iyak niya.

Nanlaki ang mata ko at sinalubong ang yakap niya. Tumulo ang nagbabadyang kong luha at mas piniga ang puso ko.

"Mommy... bakit po?" Nanghihina kong tanong.

Nakita ko ang marahas na pagpunas din ni Daddy ng kaniyang luha. Namumula na ang mata niya habang pinapanuod kaming dalawa.

"I-I was selfish! I want to help your dad so bad I made all the wrong decisions. I have this friend who told me that there's an easy way to gain money again. Alam kong may sapat tayong pera pero dahil sa gusto kong mabawi agad ang mga nawala, sumama ako sakaniya. Pumunta kami sa casino, anak. I was winning at first so I was happy. Hanggang sa unti-unti akong natalo. Gusto kong bumawi kaya pinagpatuloy ko. Not realizing that I was losing a lot of money... and some of our properties."