Before Nightfall

CHAPTER 10: All That's Left

My month-long vacation has come to an end. Today I go back to Aurora's house. I make sure to secure the hatbox in my bag. If there's one thing I wish to give her, the least of it is the news of Hernan's passing. At times we avoid the harsh reality - little do we know it's what we need most.

I arrive early in the afternoon, just a little while after lunch. The gate is open, so I let myself in. Felicia is lying on the recliner at the corner of the veranda. I notice that the orchids have withered, and the weeds are starting to fill the empty spaces on the ground. The house is unusually quiet and serene. Also, cars aren't parked outside. I try to look for everyone, but there's no one around. They might have gone out for a bit and forgot to lock the gate. The doors are locked. Since I don't have any key with me, I sit across Felicia - she purrs as I pet her. I told Mrs. Ocampo that I will be back today, but she hasn't replied since this morning.

I look at the abandoned house across the street and try to picture how Aurora and Hernan must have lived in their time. For starters, it's a great back story out of a romantic movie. I knew so little of their story, only the parts Aurora told me. Her face lights up when she speaks of Hernan. I can see her smile every time she tells me about it - most of them were happy memories. I wonder if there were any more bad ones... because we only tell people stories of great happiness and wonderful memories, the despicable ones are most usually secluded.

A car stops in front of the house, Mrs. Ocampo coming out from it. She's with her daughter, Celine. I walk up to her while she is searching for something inside her bag. Surprised to see me, she mumbles, "Luna, you're already here. I forgot about your text. My phone died, and I'm just about to get the charger. Now, where is that key." She's taking so long. I can see her getting impatient, slowly starting to sweat. She aggressively takes out everything inside her bag, still no key. Celine rushes back to the car, leaving her disarrayed mother with me. She comes back with the key on her right hand and her Rapunzel doll on the left. "Thanks, dear," Mrs. Ocampo sighs.

"Luna, you still must be tired from your trip, but can you prepare a few of Mom's clothing? You can put them here." Mrs. Ocampo suggests as she hands me a piece of small luggage. I'm not aware of what is happening, so I ask. "Mom has been at the hospital for a week now. We're bringing her change of clothes and a few things she needs." She replies. "Why? What happened?" I ask. She pauses for a while and continues to pick out Aurora's clothes. "We were in the middle of having dinner when she had short breathing. By the time we're on our way to the hospital, Mom started to calm down. Don't worry. She's fine now," she continues. We finish packing everything we need, and I bring the hatbox with me.