LEAVING JACOB

CHAPTER TWO

May 16, 2020. The ECQ or the Enhanced Community Quarantine was already lifted making it possible for people to start going back to work. It was changed to GCQ the General Community Quarantine which was supposed to be lighter than the previous. Those OFW's who were planning to come back in the Philippines especially those who lost jobs were already allowed to apply for repatriation. As well as those OFW's who were locked down here in the Philippines and wanted to go back abroad to continue working were also allowed to travel when the MGCQ or the Modified General Community Quarantine will be implemented comes the month of June. 

Jared ones again was in a middle of a decision crisis. Probably with the same situation but this time with a different reason. Leaving Jacob ones more, this time in the middle of a pandemic. With a much more intense reason, he has to prepare himself with the possible resources they will necessarily need for Jacob's treatment. 

"Son, you are our only son, Jacob is your only son. He is also our only grandson. you don't need to leave. I will let you sell this house and lot and live in a rental space. We can surely get by with the pension that we both get from the government. Just be here to take care of Jacob. After all, your mother and I we are both old, we just want to see Jacob grow up with you on his side." his father saying to him.

Jared cried while he hug his father so tightly. He cried so hard like a child, bursting with pain and he shouted. "Why are you doing this to me God? Why me?"

"Oh, Jared my son please do not ever blame God to all the challenges that you encounter in this life. There is always a good reason for everything. Just believe in him." his father replied while crying. 

He continued to cry while still hugging his father so tightly. And after awhile he said, "Am very sorry pa, but I have to make my own decision for my son. I just couldn't do what you told me. I have to sold this one on my own. This property is all we have, you did everything just to save this one for our family. Even the time when mama was hospitalized with her kidney problems you tried your very best to save this property. And i admired you for that. I just couldn't sell it. Besides who is going to spend some money for a property in this time of pandemic. I just have to go back to Canada and continue working. I will just send the money for Jacob's treatment every month." 

"Okay son, I understand what you are trying to do as a father. and I do respect your decision if that's what you want to do. We will always be here for our only grandson." his father replied with a very sad voice. 

"Thank you so much Pa." Jared responded with a very low tone.

The drama stopped when Jacob arrived to the scene. "Hey grandpa, grandma said you will come with us in our backyard to get have some "buko" juice". 

"Yes sure Jacob, okay let us go. i bet your dad wants to have some as well. Right Jared?" his father joyfully asked.

"Yeah Pa, sure. Hey Jacob tell grandma i want some too okay?" Jared replied while he tried to talk to his son. 

"Come on dad why don't you just join us it's gonna be fun." Jacob trying to convince his father.

After a little while, Jared tried to communicate to his employer and he got a green light to go back to his work as soon as possible. He kept himself busy with preparing his documents to travel. He and his parents decided not to tell Jacob yet about his going back to Canada. It was hard for him to show Jacob that everything was just okay every time Jacob was with him. He spent his nights watching his son slept while he cried silently. It was so painful for him that for the first time he went home after 3 years of working abroad he will be facing another challenge that will cause his son's life. His excitement, his happy days before Jacob was diagnosed with the brain tumor turned into a nightmare all of a sudden. The vacation he was longing for a long time now becomes a misery and a burden he couldn't bare. Before, his wife and now his son.