The Heart of a Wounded Soldier

CHAPTER 21

You're halfway through the story. Thank you so much for your continuous support. See you until the end.

Ikadalawampu't isang Kabanata: Grandiose

I suddenly remembered what happened in the past. It was all the same. Someone was waiting for me on a very important day, and I wasn't able to arrive. Only this time, I didn't actually do it on purpose.

Gusto ko sanang maitama ang nangyari noon. Dahil alam kong hindi kailanman nararapat sa isang tao ang mapahiya. Or at least... get a little of what they truly deserve.

Kabado ako habang papunta sa pagdiriwang. Nagdadalawang-isip ako kung tutuloy pa ba ako. Sa huli, dinaig ko ang mga pag-aalinlangan sa aking isip. Isang malaking bagay ito para sa kanya. Kailanga'y nasa tabi niya ako.

Kahit sa ganitong paraan, hindi siya mawalan ng kumpiyansa sa akin.

Humulagpos ako mula sa kapit ni Lyle pagkadating sa loob ng magarbong lugar. Ang babasaging sahig na aking inaapakan ang nagpalutang sa aking pakiramdam. Hinaplos ko ang aking kwintas upang makalma.

Kanina lang ay nasa entrada si Gabriel. Imposibleng mawala agad siya sa kung saan. Pero kung tutuusin, sa lawak at tayog ng istrukturang ito, baka abutin ako ng ilang oras sa kakahanap sa kanya.

This is the second floor of Grandiose. I think this entire area is made for prestigious events. From the outside, gold and transparent lights illuminated its body. I felt proud just by seeing it.

We made this happen. He made this happen.

A nostalgic feeling came to me as I caressed the statuettes which were perfectly aligned on one side.

They suddenly reminded me of Gabriella. They looked exactly the same as the angel I used to admire in our church. Only that this one... has no wings.

I laid my eyes on the ceiling that is purely made out of glass and gems. It has a circular golden middle with twisted fiber-like limbs surrounding it. At first I thought it was weird. Not until I realize it resembles the sun.

It's like the blazing sun in Gabriella every summer.

Ang mga aranya ay maayos at may porma ang pagkakasalansan sa itaas. Hindi nila natatabunan ang malaking araw na nasa gitna. Iba't iba ang distansya nito mula sa kisame ngunit hindi sila nakakalulang tingnan.

Nang ipinilig ko ang aking ulo upang suriin itong mabuti ay nakita ko ang maliliit na mistulang mga sanga sa palibot nito. Kulay ginto ang mga iyon katulad ng mismong katawan ng aranya.

The architect was responsible for choosing the decorative lighting. Or... was it personalized? Did Gabriel wanted this to happen?

They were so high but I felt like I could reach it. Like those trees I used to climb before. Tall and sturdy... but I knew I could reach for its top.

I would then savor the view of most of the lands in my town.

I turned to sides only to take a glimpse of the velvety wall. The glass I am standing on has tiny specs of dust-like particles and miniature pebbles.

Pakiramdam ko'y kaya ko silang pulutin at ibato sa malayo kagaya ng ginagawa ko noon sa mga malalayang bato na nakikita ko. Ang layo ng naibato ko ay inihahalintulad ko sa layo ng lalakbayin ko sa hinaharap at maaari kong marating.

I was rooted in my place as my surrounding seemed to rotate.

Every material screamed sophistication and profoundness. Huge curtains draped upon the enormous window. The atmosphere inside carried the tang of expensive perfumes and oils.