truth be told

two

Guilt had already consumed her. What she had done she could not un-do. It was better to let it out in the open.

So, in one breath, she confessed.

"IoweKhunMektenthousandbaht." Tay didn't need her to repeat what she said twice in order for him to understand.

But still, his eyes widened with the news. "Ha?! Bakit naman? Seryoso ka ba La?" Tay pulled out his hair out of frustration.

Defeated, His lola looked down & slouched her shoulders as she tried to explain.

"Pasensya na talaga apo dahil natalo ako. Akala ko talaga suswertehin ako ngayon dahil kaarawan ng Lolo mo. Kulang na kulang na din kasi yung kita ko sa karenderya. Malapit na din tayo mapuputulan ng kuryente. Tapos nagamit ko din yung- " Before she could even continue, Tay sprinted towards his room to ruffle his stuff under his bed.

The latter, on the other hand, continued to murmur her apologies as she followed his grandson.

Tay bent down, pulled out his coin bank, opened it and noticed that some of his savings were gone.

He was exasperated and angry. That, he couldn't deny.

To scream at her, to throw a fit, and to hold her responsible was what he initially wanted to do.

But, Tay knew deep down, that she was only looking out for him.

Tay was up studying last night and was about to get a glass of water, not when he caught a glimpse of his lola, reading a letter, containing of the funds he was ought to pay for school that he happened to leave at their dining table. To say that she was worried, would be an understatement.

Thus, Tay realized she only wanted to help.

So instead, he heaved out a loud sigh, scooted closer, and embraced her. His grandmother was taken aback by his reaction, but soon enough, she sunk into the warmth of his side, appreciative of his simple gesture.

"Sige lang, La. Ako na ang bahala." Tay whispered.

Balang araw, makakaraos din tayo.