I'll Remember

Twenty-second Week

I want to be a lawyer. I could see myself in the court room fighting for truth and justice.

Noong bata pa tayo, wala akong makuhang matinong sagot sayo kapag tinatanong kita kung anong gusto mong profession sa future. Sabi mo pa nga gusto mong maging stripper or gold digger.

Kaya medyo nagulat ako nang pinili mong mag STEM. I thought you're going to take up business to help your Dad. Just like me before. I was certain that I want to help our company. But mom convinced me to choose my dream profession. Sabi niya piliin ko lang ang gusto ko para hindi ako magsisi sa huli.

And you told me with conviction that you want to be a doctor. I was in awe because you look really passionate when you told me about it.

Sabay dapat tayong mag-eenroll that day. Sabi mo sa akin susunduin mo ako. You said you had the whole day planned for us. Maaga akong gumayak at naghintay sayo pero lumipas ang ilang oras hindi ka dumating. I tried calling you but you're not answering.

Kaya nagpadrive ako sa bahay niyo. Wala ang parents at mga kapatid mo. Tanging sila Manang Amy lang ang sumalubong sa akin. I even thought you ditched me. But Manang told me that you're probably still sleeping. Hindi ka pa kasi lumalabas sa kwarto.

Nag-init yung ulo ko. I waited for you for an hour or so. Tapos malalaman kong tulog ka pa. Ikaw pa nga yung sobrang excited for that day tapos nananiginip ka pa lang pala!

So, I stormed in your room. I know your room's password so I didn't knock. Maglulunch time na tapos tulog pa rin! I can't believe you forgot about our plans!

I was ready to yell at you but my heart melted when I saw your deep and hard breathing while sleeping. Your brows were furrowed and you're slightly shivering. I touched your forehead and you were burning with fever.

"Baby..." You uttered in a hoarse and weak voice.

Hininaan ko agad ang aircon and asked Manang for help. Nataranta pa si Manang dahil hindi niya alam na may sakit ka pala. Kinakatok ka raw niya pero walang sumasagot kaya akala niya ay tulog ka pa. I checked your temperature and it's 38.7 °C.

Nagpahanda agad ako ng soup and medicine para sayo. I'm a pro when it comes to these things. Nasanay akong sarili ko lang ang nag-aalaga nang ilang taon kapag nagkakasakit ako. I can tend myself even though I felt weak. Wala naman din kasi akong choice.

"You should've answered Manang when she knocked to check on you." Paalala ko sayo habang pinupunasan kita.

"I was sleeping." You are still breathing heavily. Like it pains you to speak. "I'm sorry for today."

"It's okay. We can do it some other day. When you get better."

"I'll get better. Magaling kang mag-alaga eh." Goodness, you never failed to flirt even you're sick.

"Palit ka ng damit. Ako na kukuha sa closet mo." Tatayo na sana ako nang mahigpit mong hinawakan ang kamay ko. Panic is written all over your face.

"I can do it!"

"Nahihiya ka ba?" Nagtaas ako ng kilay.

Hindi ko alam kung dahil ba may sakit ka kaya ka namumula o sa ibang bagay.

"No! Gusto mo bihisan mo pa ako eh!"

"Boxers or briefs? Anong kukunin ko?" Pang-aasar ko pa.

I've been into your room countless of times. But never pa akong nakapasok sa walk in closet mo. I just know that it's enormous. Daig pa siguro ng closet mo ang clothing store.