Peter Pan: The Unspoken Truth

Entry #31

September 16, 1920
Wendy Darling

THERE was an absence of stars in the night sky. The lack of light from the moon was caused by the blanket of huge, gray clouds in the horizon.

It was one of those nights where pack of wolves in the southern part of London's dense forest gather to howl at the absence of light from the moon. Howls that are in pain and longing. 

In the Darling's residence, the atmosphere was quiet and tranquil. The fireplace was alight and hot chocolate was served after dinner. 

"It's bound to rain again later." Napalingon ang lahat no'ng magsalita si Mr. Darling. "Good thing we're safe and cozy in here." 

Napangiti lang si Wendy sa sinabing iyon ng kanyang ama habang iniinom ang mainit-init pang tsokolate sa kamay niya. 

"We are, darling," nakangiting tugon naman ni Mrs. Darling sa kanyang asawa. 

Hinalikan ni Mrs. Darling ang pisngi ng asawa dahilan para mamula ang mga tenga ito.

Nakatingin lang si Wendy sa kanyang mga magulang, malalim na nag-iisip kung paano nagagawa ng mga itong manatiling ganito kamahal ang isa't-isa matapos ang ilang taon.

She has heard a lot of stories and poems in literature that spoke about how grieve a heartache is, and how easy a person could lose interest in someone. Loving, they said, was a game of toss coin and a gamble you should be good at playing.

"Look, Nana's already asleep." Wendy snapped out of her deep thoughts when Michael called out Mrs. Darling, while pointing at their dog, Nana. 

Napatingin si Mrs. Darling sa maliit na orasan ng kanilang balay at bahagyang napangiti sa mga bata. Linapitan niya ang mga 'to at mahinang tinapik ang kanilang mga likuran.

"Speaking of sleep, I think you boys should sleep too," nakangiting sambit ni Mrs. Darling sa mga anak.

Napangiti si Michael sa sinabing 'yon ng kanyang Ina at kaagad na tumayo sa kanyang pagkakaupo, na kaagad din namang sinundan ni John. 

Medyo natawa si Mrs. Darling sa kinilos ng kanyang mga anak. "Are you two that sleepy to be happy to go to bed now?" 

Nagkatinginan lang si Michael at John dahil sa sinabing 'yon ng kanilang Ina at natawa dito. Lumingo-lingo ang mga ito at parang walang narinig lang na tumakbo na paakyat ng hagdan.

Napakunot ng noo si Mrs. Darling sa kakaibang inaasta ng mga anak.

Binigyan niya ng patanong na tingin si Wendy dahilan pero magkibit balikat lang 'to. "They've been weird," Wendy said sighing.

Mapaklang ngumiti si Mrs. Darling sa kanyang anak at binalewala na lang ang nangyari habang ginagabayan si Wendy paakyat ng hagdan.

Habang paakyat sila ng hagdanan ay hindi maiwasan ni Wendy ang manibago sa mabigat na pakiramdam ng hangin. Mahirap itong ihinga, na para bang napapalibutan sila ng makapal na usok. 

Liningon ni Wendy si Mrs. Darling noong nasa harap ng sila ng kanyang k'warto at bahagya niyang hinanap ang mga mata nito.

"What's the matter, sweetheart?" naguguluhang tanong ni Mrs. Darling.

Wendy creased her forehead as she side-glanced the door of her room behind her.