The Fire Beneath the Ridge

                                                        It took Jay forty-five minutes of climbing to reach the top of Malalag Ridge. The path wound through thick grass and patches of pine, steep in some places and silent except for the rustle of leaves underfoot. The air was cool, sharp with the scent of earth and moss. Every few minutes, he would stop to catch his breath and glance behind him—the village far below, the river like a silver thread, the world growing smaller with every step upward.

By the time he reached the clearing, the sun had already begun to fall. The sky stretched wide and dim, turning the clouds into streaks of gold and gray. He dropped his backpack onto the ground and stood still for a moment, breathing in the quiet.

It was the kind of silence he had been longing for—not the silence of loneliness, but the kind that listens.

He set up his small tent near a cluster of trees, then gathered a few fallen branches to build a fire. When the first spark caught, the flames leapt eagerly to life, orange light dancing against the deepening blue of the ridge.

Jay sat down, arms wrapped around his knees, staring into the fire. Each flicker of flame felt alive—familiar, almost comforting. The warmth crept toward him slowly, seeping into his tired bones.

For months, he had lived with a quiet ache—a hunger that no routine or laughter could fill. Friends had grown distant, relationships faded, and his days had become mechanical. He wasn’t exactly sad, but hollow. Coming here, to the ridge, felt like a way to breathe again.

Then a voice came from behind him.

“You built a fine fire.”

Jay turned sharply. Standing a few meters away was a man—tall, with tousled hair and eyes that caught the reflection of the flames. His expression was calm, but there was a shadow of tiredness beneath his smile.

“Didn’t mean to startle you,” the man said. “I was passing by and saw the firelight. Mind if I join?”

Jay hesitated for only a second, then nodded. “Sure. There’s plenty of room.”

The stranger stepped closer and extended his hand. “Marco.”

“Jay.”

Marco sat across the fire, laying his small pack beside him. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The night deepened, and the fire crackled softly between them, glowing against their faces.

It was Marco who spoke first. “Beautiful place. Quiet. Like it’s waiting for something.”

Jay smiled faintly. “Or maybe it’s just tired of people.”

Marco laughed under his breath. “You sound like someone who understands that kind of tired.”

Jay looked at him. “Maybe I do.”

And somehow, that was all it took. The distance between them dissolved. They began to talk—about simple things at first, then about deeper ones. Marco spoke of travels through towns and forests, of sleeping under the stars, of never staying long enough for anyone to remember his name. Jay shared his restlessness, the weight of feeling unseen, and the strange comfort of solitude.

As they talked, the night grew colder. The fire’s light shimmered on their faces, turning the air around them warm and gold. The wind brushed past, carrying the scent of pine and smoke.

Jay rubbed his hands together, exhaling a white mist. “It’s colder than I thought it’d be up here.”

Marco leaned slightly closer. “Then stay near the fire. Or…”—he paused, his eyes steady—“we could keep each other warm.”

The silence that followed wasn’t awkward; it was heavy, intimate. The fire crackled louder as if it, too, listened. Marco’s hand reached out slowly, his fingers brushing Jay’s arm—hesitant, searching, then sure.

The world outside the firelight disappeared. The stars seemed to bend closer, the wind quieted, and all that remained was the rhythm of breath, the closeness of skin, the heartbeat of two lonely souls who had found each other at the edge of the world.

Time blurred. There were no words left to say, only warmth shared in the cold, only presence in a life that had known too much absence. For one night, Jay felt human again. Alive. Wanted.

When he finally drifted to sleep, the fire still burned faintly beside them, and Marco’s quiet breathing was the last sound he heard.

Morning came softly. The first light of dawn crept across the ridge, painting the grass in shades of silver and gold. Jay stirred, blinking against the pale light, expecting to find Marco beside him.

But he was alone.

The blanket next to him was cold. The space where Marco had been was empty—no footprints, no pack, not even the faintest sign of another soul. The fire had died completely, leaving only a circle of ash.

Jay stood up and looked around, calling out, “Marco?”

His voice echoed once, then vanished into the air. Nothing answered.

A shiver ran down his spine. It didn’t make sense. He remembered everything—the warmth, the laughter, the touch. It had been real. It had to be real.

And yet, as he looked down at the fire pit, something caught his eye: a small mark in the dirt, faint and uneven, like someone had traced it with a finger. It wasn’t a word, just a swirl, a shape that reminded him of a flame.

The wind stirred, cool and soft against his ear. And then he heard it—a whisper, distant but clear:

 

“You needed warmth, so I came.”

Jay froze. The world seemed to tilt slightly, and his chest tightened. He looked around, half expecting to see Marco standing there again, smiling that quiet smile. But there was only the sky, the ridge, and the rising sun.

Maybe Marco had never been real. Maybe he was just the mountain’s way of answering Jay’s loneliness—a spirit, a dream, or something conjured by the aching human need to be held.

Jay sat down again beside the ashes, his hands trembling slightly. Then, slowly, a smile curved across his face.

Real or not, Marco had given him what he needed—a night of warmth, a reminder that he could still feel.

As the sun climbed higher over Malalag Ridge, Jay packed his things and looked back one last time. The fire pit was gray and lifeless, yet something deep within him still burned softly.

He whispered, almost to himself,

“Thank you, Marco.”

Then he began the slow hike back down the mountain—heart heavier, but strangely full.

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Every Visit Was Love

I still remember the sound of her footsteps—slow, steady, familiar. Every time my grandmother came to visit from Tandag, I felt my heart leap with joy. I would rush to the door, shouting, “Nanay! Nanay’s here!”

She would smile the moment she saw me, her face lighting up like the sun after rain. “Aba, ni dako na man akong apo!” she’d say, laughing as she hugged me tightly. The faint scent of liniment and rice field air clung to her clothes, a smell I grew to love.

Her visits were never without gifts. Sometimes she’d hand me a small, fluttering bird in a cage. “Ganahan man ka ug pets, mao ni oh,” she’d say, her eyes twinkling as the bird chirped. I would squeal in delight, promising to take care of it as if it were the most precious thing in the world.

Other times, she’d pull a folded bill from her pocket and secretly slip it into my hand. “Ayaw ipakita sa imong mama ha,” she’d whisper with a wink. I’d nod eagerly, clutching the money like a secret treasure.

She didn’t have much, but she always made me feel like I had everything. Sometimes I’d ask, “Lola, di ba kapoy magbiyahe gikan sa Tandag?”

She’d laugh softly. “Kapoy gamay, pero mawala ra pag makita taka.”

When it was time for her to leave, I would follow her to the tricycle, not wanting her to go. She’d pat my head gently. “Sunod balik ko, naa napud koy dala para nimo,” she’d promise.

And as she rode away, I’d wave until she disappeared down the dusty road, holding onto her words like a lullaby—knowing that the next time she came, love would come with her, wrapped in the warmth of her hands and the softness of her smile.

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Tents by the River, Dreams on the Mountain

The Road Beckons

The dawn of August 23, 2025, broke gently over Ampayon, painting the sky with a faint promise of adventure. At exactly 5AM, I met my friend Chris at the familiar 7/11 store, the kind of place where countless journeys seem to begin. There we found Sir Tristan waiting, his smile steady as always, accompanied by his office mates from the PSWD: Kenjay, Flor, Tiras, Allyn, Paulo, and Sarrah.

The weather was kind to us—no rain, no harsh sun, just the cool breath of morning against our faces. Yet, the road was less merciful. The stretch from Sibagat to Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, was a battlefield of potholes and road repairs. My motorcycle groaned with each bump, and though my speed averaged only 65KPH, the group moved with patience, adjusting to my careful pace.

By 3PM, after long hours of asphalt, dust, and laughter echoing in between, we reached Davao Oriental. But the road still teased us with another hour before our destination. Finally, at 4PM, we stood at the entrance of Darporrt Camp, nestled in Barangay Catmonan, where the river sang softly like a hymn of welcome.

We pitched our tents beside the flowing water, paid our humble ₱300 camping fee, and shared a simple meal. The three pairs of lovebirds in our group slipped into the river for an evening swim, their laughter mingling with the rippling current. I, however, chose a quieter communion—seated on my camping chair, breathing deeply, letting the forest’s hush and the river’s song baptize me into the serenity of nature.

The Climb Within

The next morning, I woke early, my hands busy with the warmth of cooking for the team. Tristan strolled leisurely around camp, soaking in the morning’s cool silence, while the couples cocooned themselves in the comfort of tents, whispering secrets only lovebirds understand.

After breakfast, we broke camp and set our eyes on the challenge ahead: Dinagsaan Peak in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, land held by the proud Kagan tribe.

At 12:45PM, our feet began the upward journey. The trail was merciless—slopes carved from stone, massive rocks daring us to conquer them, and streams flowing across our path as if to test our determination. My body, unaccustomed to such demands, rebelled with every step. My breathing grew heavy, my muscles burned, and doubts whispered like shadows: “Can you really make it?”

Yet, hiking is life in miniature—each boulder a trial, each steep climb a hardship, each pause a reminder to gather strength. Success, like the peak, is never handed easily; it is wrestled from pain and perseverance.

At 2:45PM, after two hours that felt like wrestling with my own limits, we finally stood atop Dinagsaan Peak. The view was overwhelming—rolling greens and endless skies proclaiming the majesty of God. I could not help but lift my heart in worship, humbled by creation’s grandeur.

We lingered for an hour, then descended carefully, reaching the foot at 5:30PM. Waiting for us was Ate Leah and her husband from Pantukan, Davao de Oro. They welcomed us warmly, guiding us to Sea World Oasis, a charming resort where the sea whispered just beyond.

For only ₱150 per head, we camped by the swimming pool, later savoring a sumptuous dinner at the resort’s restaurant. While Tristan and the boys competed over billiards and the girls retreated to rest, I surrendered to my body’s protests. With legs aching from the day’s climb, I asked Chris for a massage—a mercy that felt like salvation. Sleep embraced me quickly.

Steps of Grace

Morning broke with renewed strength, the echoes of last night’s pain now quieted by rest and care. Chris and I wandered the resort, capturing fleeting moments with photographs—memories to anchor this fleeting journey.

When the others stirred, another challenge called: the Station of the Cross, towering with more than 600 steps at the entrance of Davao Oriental. At first, hesitation gripped me. My legs still remembered yesterday’s torture, and the stairs seemed endless. But as I joined the team, each step became lighter than I feared. Perhaps resilience grows quietly overnight. By the time we reached the summit, I realized—it wasn’t just the body climbing, but the spirit rising.

After breakfast, we began the long ride home. This time, the road proved fiercer. Heavy rains blurred the path, potholes deepened by water threatened to swallow wheels, and darkness cloaked Agusan del Sur as night fell. Yet, even through these trials, camaraderie carried us forward. Sir Tristan’s steady patience, riding with me until Ampayon, was a reminder that journeys are never meant to be endured alone.

Finally, at 11:45PM, I arrived home—tired, sore, yet fulfilled.

More than Miles

This trip was not merely a ride across provinces or a climb up mountains. It was a pilgrimage of patience, resilience, and faith. The roads taught me endurance; the mountain taught me perseverance; the sea and river whispered peace; and my companions, each in their own way, taught me the joy of shared struggle and laughter.

Travel is never just about the destination—it is about who we become along the way. And in those three days, somewhere between the potholes of Sibagat and the 600 steps of Davao Oriental, I became a little stronger, a little braver, and a little more grateful for the gift of life’s journey.

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peek

Please Lord, don’t wake me up. 

He leaned in and kisses him. Lex shut his eyes again…this time too tight. He felt Xander’s lips caressing his. Slow and passionate na tila ba dinadama nito ang bawat kurba ng kanyang mga labi. Mahinhin at hinihintay nito ang kusa nitong pagtugon sa kanyang halik.

Dagling iginiya ni Lex ang mga labi at tinugon ang halik ni Xander. It sparks something inside him, uminit ang buo niyang katawan and his nerves fired in chaos. He realized they are not wet in the rain anymore. He is lying on his bed at nakaibabaw sa kanya si Xander, kissing him…I can control my dream, Lex thought as he hears the thunder outside and the light that flickered through his half closed window.

Xander cut the kiss and look again to Lex’s face and caught his dreamy eyes.

“I am the heir of the king. Can you be my prince?” he asked.

Her heartbeats deafened him, his eyes welled in tears that are about to fall. His heart burst in joy as he heard Xander’s questions. Ramdam niya na tapat ito sa pagtatanong. Hindi man niya maitatatwa ang sakit na nakikita niya sa likod ng kanyang mga mata ay ramdam niya na sa isang sulok ng sugatang puso nito ay ang pag-ibig na matagal na niyang inaasam.

“X-xander…” again he stuttered, the tears finally wet his flushing cheeks.

“Will you let me try to love you?” tila nagmamakaawang pakiusap ni Xander habang nakatitig padin sa mga hilam niyang mata.

He nods… a little nod that tells everything he feels. Joy flashed in Xander’s eyes and gave him the sweetest kiss a lover could ever wish for. 

I want to be in this dream forever, usal niya habang buong puso niyang tinugon ang mga halik ng lalaking pinakamamahal.

.....

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Last Kiss

Hello guys so here's first post...! it a short story since hindi pa ako nakakagawa or sabihin nating magpapatikim muna ako ng gawa ko sainyo. Ito muna... thankz... by the way this is you newest writter here in Bulong ng Hangin, Chan Erange (the g should be pronounced as j)

guyz comment is very much appreciated...need those comment...para malaman ko kun gusto nyo akong gumawa ng story....

Last Kiss

By: Chan Erange

                “Hay acquaintance party nanaman, anu nanaman kaya mangyayari, ang boring na dalawang taon na akong nag attend ng parting to ganun na ganun pa rin.” Sabi ko habang nagbibihis ng green na polo. Papaalis na sana ako ng malimutan ko ang ticket ko sa party.

“Naku naman oo.” At nabasa ko uli ang nakalagay dito Traffic Jam (Acquaintance Party 2012) Color Coded Green for Singles Yellow for Taken And Red for Complicated “Mabuti pa nag red na lang ako” sabi ko sa sarili ko. Bago pa man ako makarating sa school eh tad tad na ako ng mga text nila Karla parang hindi ako darating.

Message:

       Karla: wer ka na dito na me! Tagal!!

       Me: andali unta na dyn nsa jeep na. . .

       Karla: bilis na!

       Me: sbihan mo si manong!

       Karla: K!!

       Me: Adik

            Pagpasok ko sa school ay agad kong hinanap sina Karla at ang iba pa naming barkada. Di nga nagtagal at nakita ko rin ang mangkukulam.

“Uy Kyle andito kami!” sabi ni Karla habang kumakaway kasama niya ang mga barkada namin. Agad naman ako lumapit

“Karla san ang registration?” tanong ko

“Di ba obvious katabi ko oh” sabay turo

“Sorry naman madilim lang ho!” sabi ko naman

“Sige na mag register ka na bes kasi magsisimula na” sabi naman nito

“Ito na nga diba” habang hinahanap ng assistant ang pangalan ko.

“Good evening ladies and gents welcome to Acquaintance Party 2012 Traffic Jam” pagsasalita nang MCs.

 Makalipas ang halos isa’t kalahating oras ay natapos din ang program at simula na ng sayawan. Parang nakawala sa hawla ang mga estudyante habang ako ay nakaupo at nagmumuni-muni habang kinakain ang dinner na ibinigay ng student body. I was in that state ng may biglang magtanong saakin.

“Hey need a companion?”tanong ng lalake

“No I’m alright” sagot ko naman habang busy parin sa pagkain

“Masyado kang emo ngayon toms no?” sabi ng lalaki. Nang marinig ko ang nickname na iisang tao lang ang tumatawag sakin ay napatigil ako sa pagkain at humarap sa nagtatanong.

“Kuya Raf!” naibulaslas ko at napayakap bigla.

“Oh easy lang na miss mo ako no?” tanong ni Kuya Raf

“Hindi Hindi kita na miss” sabay kalas. Na miss ko talaga tong kuya kuyahan ko. Kasi dati kaming mag on kaso we decided na mas maganda na Bestfriends lang kami kasi an raming complications sa relationship namin kaya ayun. Pero simula nang nawala kami never ako ulit nagka boyfriend. Ahead rin siya sakin ng isang taon kaya nga kuya diba at dahil nga ahead nakapag OJT na siya sa ibang bansa.

“Musta OJT sa ibang bansa I heard my niligawan ka daw doon” tanong ko ng makaupo siya sa tabi ko.

“Bakit selos ka?” sarkastiko nitong tanong

“WAG NA NGA” napa lakas kong sabi

“Uy bat ka naninigaw” sabi nito na nagtatampo tampohan

“Ay sorry na pa lakas. An ingay kasi” Pagaalibi ko

“Ok lang, at dahil sinigawan mo ako sasayaw tayo” sabay hila niya sa kamay ko

            Parang kahapon lang lahat ng pinagsamahan namin. Sa ganitong party ko rin siya nakilala sa victory party yata yun last year. Habang hawak niya ang kamay ko ay hindi ko mapigilan maalala ang mga masasaya naming araw sympre hindi ko rin malilimutan ang mga masasamang alaala. Hindi rin siya masyadong nagbago pinagkaiba lang eh medyo tumaba siya, siguro dala na rin ng pagkain sa ibang bansa. Tumigil kami sa gitna kung saan hindi masyadong pansin ng mga tao. Baka anu pang isipin. Nagsisimula na kaming sumabay sa beat ng magbago ang kanta at mood.

            Somebody that I used to know

            By: Boyce Avenue

            Nagsialisan na ang mga taong sumasabay kanina. At Pinalitan naman sila ng sandamakmak na mag syota. Habang kaming dalawa ay nasa gitna parin nakatayo walang ginagawa, walang kibuan hanggang sa humawak siya sa aking baywang at simulang sumayaw sa sweet na tugtug. Wala na siyang siyang pakialam ngayon, kung may makakita man o ma issue kaming muli. Ibang iba na siya sa Rafael Esquivias na kilala ko. He became sweeter, gentler, and unconscious sa mga taong nakapaligid sa kaniya. Malapit nang matapos ang tugtug ng basagin niya ang katahimikan sa aming dalawa.

            “Tell me toms……….” Putol na sabi niya bago ako sumabat

            “Tell you what tops?” tanong ko rin sa kaniya

            “…….Do you still love me?” pagpapatuloy niya sa kaniyang sasabihin kanina.

            To be honest I still love him pero nagka closure na kami O naclose nga ba? Tanong ko na sa sarili ko.

            “Kyle Edwards Do you still love me?” concreto ngunit malabing niyang tanong ngayon.

            “Ahhh Ehhh” hindi ako makapagsalita ng maayos parabang nawala ang boses ko sa tanong niya. Mga ilang segundo ako rin akong ganoon ng magising ako sa pagkakashock at na pansing tapos na ang tugtug at tinakasan ang kamay niyang nakapulupot sa aking katawan. Dali Dali akong pumunta sa isang booth na nagbebenta ng mga cocktail drinks. And out of nowhere omorder ng isang baso. Siguro para mabawasan ang tension na bumabalot sa aking puso’t isipan. Hindi nga nagtagal at nakita ko na siyang papalapit sa akin.

            “Toms pasensya ka na kanina” bulong niya sa akin habang hinahabol ang kaniyang hininga.

            “Tara patapos na rin to bar tayo. Sama mo na sila kung gusto mo” pagbawe niya sa ginawa niya kanina.

            “Tops pwede tayong dalawa nag magusap as in tayo lang” pagdidismiss sa suggestion nya

            So umalis kami sa aquintance party at pumunta sa boulevard kung saan kami naging kami at eventually naghiwalay. Napaka memorable ng place nito maraming mga naganapo dito na taning dagat at mga ilaw ng boulevard ang saksi. Since mag aalas thres na ng umaga ay wala ng masyadong tao. Huming  muna ako ng malalim bago simulan ang nobela ko simula na sagot sa tanong niya kanina.

“Yes I’m still in love with you that every day of my life I regret breaking up with you. Pero tops hindi ibig sabihin na pwede pa tayong maging tayo uli at hindi ko rin sinasabi na hindi na pwedeng maging tayo uli. If mag kita tayo in the future malay mo magbalikan ta……..” tatapusin ko pa sana ang sinasabi ko ng isang masidhing halik ang pumigil sa aking pagsasalita. It was the sweetest kiss I could ever imagine. Nagbago na nga talaga siya his kiss was still sweet but more intimate and much more hot. Siguro dahil na rin sa pagka miss ko sa kaniya or talgang hinahanap hanap ko lang yung comfort na nandyan siya.

            Tumigil siya at hinarap muli ako.

            “Toms cut me off again” malumanay niyang sinabi. Sa hindi ko maintindihang dahilan eh parang aso naman akong sumagot

            “I won’t” sabi ko.

            Maybe we needed to be in each other arms again. Siguro masyado lang talaga akong nadala sa reputasyon niya noong President pa siya ng student body. He was respected and baka ako pa ang maging dahilan na I misjudge siya ng mga tao.

            “Toms tayo na ulit ha!” parang bata niyang sinabi.

            “Anu pa nga ba, ikaw talaga Kuya Rag kahit kailan nadadala mo ako sa mga ganyan ganyan mo” sabi ko

            “Pero serious wag mo na akong iiwan ha!” sabi niya saakin habang hawak ang aking kamay ng mahigpit.

            “Yes I’ll never leave you again” sabi ko habang finifeel ang moment.

            “Don’t dare leave me Rafael Esquivias” dagdag ko habang tumutulo ang luha sa aking mata.

            “I won’t” sabi niya

            But as they say no relationship last and with that last scene I woke up in my room with the sun beaming at my eyes.

“Panaginip nanaman pala” sabi ko sa sarili ko

Nakatulog pala ako ulit habang hawak ang huli naming picture. It’s been half a year simula ng nawala siya. I never believe that he was dead until I saw him in the hospital full of blood. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin , para akong baliw na umiiyak sa harap niya. But he said he won’t leave me that was the thought I was holding on to. That was the night I’ll never forget. He even kissed me after we had dinner that night.

“Rafael I really missed you” pabulong kong sabi habang inaalala ang mga nagyari.

It was exactly 3 months after that night ng nagkabalikan kami. He texted me to prepare we were going somewhere. He even gave me an hour to prepare. Matatapos na san ako mag ayos ng mag ring ang cellphone ko. Si JP tumatawag bestfriend niya. I answered the call and never believe what I heard.

“Kyle it JP I have a bad news for you. Raf Raf is dead we are here at the hospital kun saan siya dinala.”

Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin I just rush at the hospital and saw him covered with blood. Hindi ako makapaniwa sa nagyayari para bang isang bagongot lang ang lahat. Nandoon ako sa state na yun ng lumapit si JP at may binigay saakin. It was a ring with a card stating

“Toms I will never let you slip off my hand again so will you marry me?”

End

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Perfect Two - Episode 14

Author's Note: Sorry po sa sobrang tagal na update. Masyado lang po kasing busy sa school and sa pag-aayos ng mga requirements for college applications. Pasensiya na po talaga :(

Maraming salamat po sa mga nagbasa ng last episode. Again sorry po talaga.

Oh and btw, a quick recap: Jessa is Mr Santos' wife. Vincent is their son. The main character's name is Marvin Theopher,. Napansin ko kasing napapagbaligtad ng iba yung mga names hehehe.

Anyway eto na po ang Episode 14. Sana po magustuhan niyo. Just leave comments below.

Episode 14 - Forgive me

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“Jessa? What are you doing here?” I asked her. What brings her here? How did she even know kung saan ako nakatira? And why is she crying? Did something bad happen?

“Marvin’s at the hospital..” she said.

Hindi ako nakasagot. Hindi ko alam kung anung dapat kong maramdaman. Ayan na naman ako. Should I feel happy na kinarma siya? Or should I feel sad about it? Parang ang sama ko naman kung magiging masaya pa ako, nasaktan na nga yung tao. Pero teka, sinaktan din naman niya ako diba? Hindi ba pwedeng fair na kami ngayon?

“He wants to see you..” she said.

“Why?” tanong ko.. gusto niya akong makita? Baka naman kapag nagkita kami eh mapadali ang kamatayan niya.

“Please… this is his only wish before he…” she stopped for a while.  “Before he dies…” she said.

“Before he what? What do you mean? He’s going to die?” I was shocked with what I heard. He’s going to die?

“He didn’t tell you?” she was surprised too.

“No..” I just said. Tell me about what? Is she telling me the truth? Or baka naman niloloko land din niya ako gaya ng panlolokong ginawa sa akin ng asawa niya.

“He has diabetes. He’s been better before.. pero nitong mga nakaraang linggo, bumalik ang panghihina niya, hindi namin alam kung bakit, kapag naman sinasabi namin magpatingin siya sa doctor, sinasabi niya pagod lang siya.. hanggang sa nitong mga nakaraang araw, palagi na lang siyang malungkot at umiiyak, hindi natutulog.. at ikaw lang ang hinahanap niya. lagi niyang ipinagpipilit na puntahan ka, gusto ka raw niyang hingan ng tawad..nung isang araw, nag-collapse siya at isinugod namin siya sa ospital. The doctors said that he can only be better if he helps himself, and I don’t think he’s considering on helping himself.. I don’t know what to do.. he doesn’t want to eat..he doesn’t wan to talk to anyone, not even to his own child..” pagsasalaysay niya. Nagsimula na siyang umiyak. “All he wants is to see you..”

Bigla akong napatulala. This is all because of me. He’s there in the hospital because of me, because I made everything worse, and his family is suffering because of me. And he will die if I don’t go to him..Pero hindi ko alam kung paano siya haharapin? Anung sasabihin ko sa kanya?

“I promised him that I will bring you to him. Please Theopher, you’re our only hope.. hindi ko alam kung anung gagawin ko kapag nawala siya. I don’t want to lose him. Paano na kami ng anak namin?” sabi niya.

Si Vincent, ang anak ni Jessa at ni Mr. Santos. Bigla kong naalala ang mukha ng bata. Ang bata pa niya para mawalan ng ama. Ang bata pa niya para pagdaanan ang lahat ng ito..

Biglang may tumusok sa puso ko. Now isn’t the time to be mean and heartless. Kahit na malaki ang kasalanan niya sa akin, hindi ko maiwasang isipin ang isang inosenteng batang masasaktan kapag pinairal ko ang pride ko.

So I decided to come with her. Hindi naman ako ganun kasama para tanggalin ang karapatan ng isang bata na ma-enjoy ang buhay kasama ng kanyang ama. Kung ako lang ang makakapagligtas sa kanya, kahit labag sa loob ko, gagawin ko.

“What hospital is he in?” I asked her.

And she told me what hospital his husband is admitted. Bigla namang lumabas si mommy sa likuran ni Jessa.

“Anak? What’s happening here? May problema ba?” tanong niya.

“Mommy!” sabi ko. “U-Uhhmm nothing mom..” I just told her.

Kaagad pinunasan ni Jessa ang mga luha niya at pinilit ngitian si mommy.

“Uhh mom, lalabas lang po ako saglit, sasamahan ko lang po itong kaibigan ko, nasa ospital po kasi yung asawa niya.” Paalam ko kay mommy.

“Ha? Bakit anung nangyari?” tanong ni mommy.

“Mahabang kwento po, kailangan na po namin umalis mommy, magpapahatid na lang po kami sa driver natin. At pakisabi na lang po kay Paul na aalis lang ako sandali.” Sabi ko na lang.

“O sige mag-iingat kayo ha.” Sabi ni mommy.

At umalis na kaming dalawa ni Jessa sa bahay namin. Hindi na ako nagpalit pa ng damit. Hindi kami nag-usap sa daan. And the silence started to creep me out. I became nervous all of a sudden. Hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko sa kanya kapag nagkita na kami.. Baka hindi ko mapigilan ang galit ko. Baka lumala lang siya kapag mali ang sasabihin ko. Pero nagtaka ako, alam na kaya niya and kung anu ang maeron kami noon ng asawa niya? Natatakot naman akong magtanong. Mukha namang hindi pa niya alam, dahil kung alam na niya, hindi siya pupunta sa bahay namin para kumbinsihin akong sumama sa kanya,. Kung alam niya kung anu yung nangyari, edi sana pinatay na niya ako kanina pa.

Mga ilang oras din ang nakalipas at narating din namin ang ospital. Mabuti na lang at walang traffic. Nagmamadaling naglakad si Jessa papasok ng ospital. Sinundan ko naman siya. We passed a dozen of rooms. May isa pa nga kaming nadaanan na isang kwarto na may nag-iiyakan. Bigla akong napatigil sa paglalakad. Nakadama ako ng matinding lungkot sa aking nakita.

“Itay!! Bakit mo kami iniwan?!” sigaw ng isang batang babae habang umiiyak sa harap ng bangkay ng kanyang ama.

“Roman!! Bakit?! Roman!” sigaw naman ng isang babae, marahil ay iyon ang asawa niya.

Patay na ang padre de pamilya. Lahat ng anak niya at ang asawa niya ay nasa paligid niya. Mas lalo akong nahabag ng makita ko ang isang batang umiiyak, nasa limang taong gulang pa lamang siya marahil. Nakita ko sa kanya ang anak ni Jessa. Iyak ng iyak yung bata. Hindi ko na napigilan na pumatak ang luha ko. Ng mapalingon ako sa kaliwa ko, nakita ko si Jessa na lumuluha habang nakatingin lang din sa pamilyang nag-iiyakan. Marahil ay nagtatanong siya sa sarili niya na, paano kung ganoon ang mangyari sa kanilang mag-ina? Paano kapag namatay ang asawa niya? Kakayanin kaya niya?

Bigla siyang napatingin sa akin at pinunasan ang mga luha niya. Tumango siya at nagsimula muli siyang lumakad. Tumingin akong muli sa pamilya bago sinundan si Jessa. Mga ilang kwarto rin siguro ang nilampasan pa namin at narating na namin ang kwarto ng asawa ni Jessa.

Nasa labas yung anak niya at may kasamang lalaki, marahil ay kapamilya nila. Umiiyak yung bata.

“Mama!” sabay takbo ng bata sa nanay niya. “Hindi na ako love ni Papa! Ayaw niya ko usap! Di na niya ko love!”

Parang may tumusok sa puso ko. Umiiyak ang batang ito at iniisip niya na ayaw sa kanya ng daddy niya at hindi na siya nito mahal. Kawawa naman siya.

Iyak pa rin siya ng iyak. Niyakap siya ni Jessa. “Anak, don’t say that.” Hinarap niya ito at hinawakan sa magkabilang pisngi. Pinahid ang mga luha niya ng kanyang ina. “Mahal na mahal ka ni Papa. Okay? Lagi mo yang tatandaan. Mahal na mahal ka niya. At mahal na mahal ka rin ni Mama. Okay?” sabi niya. Umiiyak na rin si Jessa.

“Vincent.” Sabi ko. Humarap sila sa akin. Umupo ako para magkalevel kami nung bata. Hinawakan ko ang mga braso niya. Nakatingin lang siya sa akin habang lumuluha pa rin.

“Tama ang sinabi ng Mama mo,. Mahal na mahal ka ng Papa mo.” Sabi ko.

“eh bakit ayaw niya usap sa akin?” sabi niya.

“May problema lang kasi ang Papa mo ngayon. Pero don’t worry, promise ko sa’yo, kakausapin ko ang daddy mo.” Sabi ko. “Tapos papagalitan ko siya kasi pinapaiyak ka niya.” Sabi ko sabay tawa. Natawa rin naman ang bata. I can’t take it when I see a kid crying. Kahit na hindi kami magkakilala, feeling ko kapatid ko yung bata, at sobra akong naaapektuhan kapag umiiyak sila.

“Talaga po?” sabi niya.

“Oo, promise ko sa’yo yan.” Sabi ko.

“Tenchu!” sabi niya sabay yakap sa akin. Niyakap ko rin naman siya. Napaluha naman ako. I have to do something. Kawawa naman itong batang ito, walang kamalay-malay, wala namang ginagawang masama, wala namang kasalanan, pero nagdudusa siya ng ganito.

Pagtingin ko kay Jessa, nakangiti lang siya sa akin at sinabing, “thank you.”

“O, wag ka na iyak ha.” Sabi ko sa bata. Tumango naman ito.

“O, Vincent, kay tito Mark ka muna ha. Pupuntahan lang namin si Papa mo sa loob” sabi ni Jessa. Sinunod naman siya nung bata.

Tumayo ako para sundan si Jessa papunta sa pinto ng kwarto ng kanyang asawa.

Binuksan ni Jessa ang pinto. Pumasok siya, ako nama’y tumigil sa harap ng pintuan. Parang may biglang pumigil sa akin. Parang hindi ko siya kayang makita. Hindi ko alam kung bakit.. Para akong estatwang nakatayo sa harap ng bukas na pintuan. Tumalikod si Jessa at niyaya akong pumasok. Nakatitig lang ako sa kanya. Parang gusto ko na lang umalis. I was about to run away when I heard a voice.

“Nandiyan na ba si Li-” napatigil siya sa pagsasalita. “Si Theopher?” tanong niya.

His voice was soft, like he’s whispering and trying to get some air to talk.

“Yes hon, he’s here.” Jessa replied. Pinuntahan niya ako sa pinto. “Theopher,” sabi niya at saka tumango.

Kinakabahan pa rin akong harapin siya. Sinubukan kong galawin ang mga paa ngunit parang ayaw nitong gumalaw. Nilapitan ako ni Jessa at saka kinuha ang mga kamay ko. Niyaya niya ako para pumasok sa loob. Wala nang nagawa ang mga paa ko kungdi ang sumunod kay Jessa.

I was shocked when I saw him. He looks different now. It’s only been days since the last time I saw him, and now look at him. He looks paler, his eyebags darker and his eyes are red, probably because of all the crying he did. He also looked thinner.

He smiled at me. I can’t help not to weep. A tear fell off my right eye. This is all my fault. He is here because of me and he’s dying because of me.

“Pwede mo muna ba kaming iwan dalawa dito? Gusto ko lang siyang makausap.” Sabi ni Mr. Santos sa kanyang asawa.

Tumango naman si Jessa at lumabas na ng kwarto. Pagkasara ng pinto, nanatili pa rin akong nakatayo at nakatingin sa kanya.

“Little Vinvin ko.” Sabi niya.

Sa pagkakarinig ko ng sinabi niyang iyon, biglang nagflashback sa isip ko ang lahat ng nangyari sa amin: the first time we met, the first time he made me feel like there are butterflies in my tummy, the first time I saw him in person, the first time I hugged him, and also the first time I realized that loving him is the biggest mistake I made. That even brought more tears to my eyes. But I can’t feel the anger anymore. All I have inside me right now is pity; pity on him. And also regrets. Nagsisisi ako naging harsh ako sa kanya. Kung alam ko lang..kung alam ko lang.

He stretched out his hand to reach me. I went near and sat beside him. I actually held his hand. It was cold. At first I don’t want to touch his hand, not because I’m not yet ready, but I was afraid that I might move the tube thingy of the dextrose connected to him. Speaking of ready, I don’t know what came in to me, maybe I was possessed by a “good” soul or something, but I suddenly felt like I have no grudges for him.

“I’m sorry..” he said. At nagsimula na siyang umiyak. It broke my heart even more to see him cry. “I’m sorry dahil nagsinungaling ako sa’yo, I’m sorry dahil nasaktan kita, I’m really really sorry.” Dagdag pa niya.

I don’t know what to say. Ilang beses na siyang naghihingi ng tawad sa akin. At hindi ko masabing, kalimutan na lang natin ang mga nangyari and move on. Dahil maski sa sarili ko, hindi ko alam kung napatawad ko na nga ba talaga siya sa nangyari. Kaya tinanung ko na lang siya, “Why didn’t you tell me about your illness?”

“Because ayokong kaawaan mo ko, ayokong maging mabait ka sa akin ng dahil lang sa may sakit ako. Gusto kong tingnan mo ako bilang isang normal na tao.” He said.

“I never looked at you as if you were different. Even if you told me about this, nothing will change.” I replied. Ganun naman kasi talaga ako, oo, siguro may konting special treatments like hindi ko siya papagurin and all that, pero sa ibang bagay, hindi ko naman siya pipigilan at huhusgahan ang isang tao ng dahil sa sakit niya.

Natahimik lang kaming dalawa. Mga ilang segundo rin siguro ang nakalipas ng magsalita siyang muli.

“Buti naman at pumayag ka na pumunta dito.” Sabi niya.

“Because it’s my fault kung bakit ka nandiyan.” Sabi ko.

“It’s not yours, it’s mine. Ako nga diba ang nanakit sa’yo?” sabi niya.

“Pero ako yung nagmatigas na wag kang patawarin sa ginawa mo.” I can’t help not to feel bad.  And because of that, nagsimula na akong umiyak.

“Kung hindi lang ako nagsinungaling sa’yo, hindi mangyayari ang lahat ng ito. Kasalanan ko ang lahat ng ito. Kasalanan ko! Sana mamatay na lang ako. Para mapatawad mo ko..” sabi niya.

“Don’t say that!” sabi ko. Hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko kung magpapakamatay siya ng dahil sa akin.

“But if it is the only way, then I’ll” napatigil siya at napahawak sa dibdib niya. “Ahh!” sabi niya.

“Are you ok?!” nagsimula na akong mag-panic.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” he said. At medyo kumalma na siya. Kumirot siguro ang dibdib niya.

Natakot ako bigla, akala ko may masama ng nangyari. “Do you want me to call the nurse?” I asked.

“No. It’s okay, I’ll be fine.” He said.

Nagkatitigan lang ulit kami.

“Your wife…told me that you don’t want to talk to anyone, nor to eat.” Sabi ko.

Hindi naman siya sumagot.

“Your son is crying outside, he told me na ayaw mo raw makipag-usap sa kanya. Iniisip niya na hindi mo na siya mahal. Iyak siya ng iyak. Hindi ka ba naaawa sa kanya?” tanong ko.

Hindi siya sumagot.

“Don’t do this to yourself…kuya.” I said.

At sa pagkakarinig niya ng salitang “kuya”, his face lit up.

“You called me kuya…I miss you calling me that…” he said, and he started to cry again.

“You have to be strong… labanan mo tong sakit mo…wag mong hayaang maging hadlang ako sa paggaling mo…because, I…” napatigil ako…siguro nga ito na ang tamang oras para sabihin ko ito. “I forgive you.”

Napangiti siya ngunit lumuluha pa rin.

“But you have to forgive yourself too… Your wife needs you, your son needs you…” I said.

Siguro’y na-realize niya na tama ang sinasabi ko. Niyakap niya ako bigla. “Thank you..” sabi niya

Napatawad ko na siya. Besides, ako rin naman talaga ang may kasalanan, kung hindi ako nagpahulog, edi sana hindi mangyayari ang lahat ng to. Pero on the second thought, kung hindi nangyari ang mga bagay na ito, edi hindi ko malalaman na mahal pala ako ni Paul. Hindi ko masasabi sa kanya na mahal ko rin siya. Hindi magiging kami. Hindi ako magiging masaya ngayon, diba? So Kahit na ilang timbang luha ang lumabas sa mga mata ko, mero pa ring magandang kinalabasan. tama nga ang sabi nila, there’s a rainbow after the rain.

Napaluha na lang ako. Hindi dahil sa lungkot, kungdi dahil sa saya. Masaya ko ngayon kasi ang gaan gaan sa loob na wala nang galit, wala ng kahit anong hinanakit.

Napansin niya ang pagluha ko. “don’t cry, it reminds me of what I did to you. And it hurts me.”

“Shhh, I already told you. Wala na yun.. kalimutan na natin yun. Okay?” sabi ko.

At nagngitian kami.

“Promise me, you will do whatever it takes to feel better… okay?” sabi ko.

“I promise.” He said, at hinawakan niya ang kamay ko.

Bigla ko namang naalala yung anak niyang si Vincent. “Wait lang ha.” Sabi ko at pumunta sa pinto.

“San ka pupunta?” tanong niya.

“basta.” Sabi ko na lang.

Lumabas ako at nakita ko sina Jessa at yung Mark. Nakakandong naman si Vincent sa nanay niya. Napatingin sila sa akin.

“Vincent, halika tawag ka ni daddy mo.” Sabi ko.

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya at bumukas ang kanyang bibig at nagpamalas ng isang matamis na ngiti. Kaagad siyang tumakbo papunta sa akin.

“Talaga po?!” sabi niya.

Tumango naman ako habang nakangiti. Nakangiti lang naman samin si Jessa.

“Tara?” sabi ko at tumango siya.

Binuksan ko ang pinto at pumasok kaming dalawa.

“Papa?” sabi ni Vincent.

“Anak.” Sabi naman ng tatay niya.

“Papa!” sabi nung bata sabay takbo sa papa niya. Kaagad itong umakyat sa kama ng papa niya at niyakap siya. “akala ko di mo na ko love.” Sabi niya.

“Sorry anak.. sorry.. hindi na mauulit anak..sorry..” sabi naman ng tatay niya.

Naluha naman ako sa nakita ko. Hindi ko namalayang nasa tabi ko na rin pala si Jessa. Pagtingin ko sa kanya, nagpapahid na rin siya ng luha. Niyakap niya ako at bumulong, “Thank you, thank you so much.. Ito na siguro ang pinakamagandang Christmas gift na natanggap ko, ang bumalik sa amin ang asawa ko… Salamat talaga Theopher.. maraming maraming salamat.”

“Wala yun.” Sabi ko na lang.

Napatingin kaming dalawa sa mag-ama.

“Anak, lagi mong tatandaan ha, mahal na mahal ka ni papa. Wag mong iisipin na hindi kita love. At pagpasensyahan mo na rin ang papa ha. Nagagalit man ako minsan, pero hindi ibig sabihin nun hindi na kita mahal.” Sabi ng tatay niya.

“I love you too papa!” sabi naman ni Vincent.

Nagstay muna ako sandali at pagkatapos ay nagpaalam na rin. Bago ako umalis,

“Salamat.” Sabi ng asawa ni Jessa.

Nginitian ko naman siya.

“Magkikita pa ba tayo ulit?” tanong niya.

“Oo naman.” Sabi ko.

Ngumiti naman siya. “Ingat ka dun ha. Sabihin mo sa akin kapag pinaiyak ka ng boyfriend mo, bubugbugin ko yun. Lalo na hindi pa ako nakakaganti sa ginawa niya sa akin.” Sabi niya.

Bigla ko naman naalala na halos bugbugin nga pala siya ni Paul noon.

“Sorry nga pala sa ginawa sa’yo ni Paul ha.” Sabi ko naman.

“Wala yun, tama lang ang ginawa niya.” Sabi niya sabay tawa. “Pinoprotektahan ka lang niya, dahil mahal ka niya.” Sabi niya.

Ngumiti na lang ako. “Magpagaling ka ha. At wag mo nang papaiyakin yang si Vincent, sige ka kapag nagsumbong na naman sa akin yan, naku!” pagbabanta ko sa kanya.

“Opo! Parang ikaw pa ang kuya sa ating dalawa ha.” Sabi niya sabay tawa.

Natawa na rin ako. Okay na nga talaga kami. Siguro hindi mo maiaalis sa memory ko kung anung nangyari noon, pero handa akong kalimutan ang pride ko para magpatawad, lalo na para sa kapakanan ng maraming tao.

“Pwede ba kitang yakapin ulit?” tanong niya.

“Sure.” Sabi ko.

Niyakap niya ako at pagkatapos ay nagpaalam na ako sa kanila.

Masaya ako dahil wala na akong iniintinding problema, except sa pagtatago ng relasyon namin ni Paul. Wala ng galit sa loob ko. At puro saya na lang ang nasa puso ko. Siguro dahil na rin sa Christmas spirit kaya ganito ang nararamdaman ko. Mabilis kaming nakarating sa bahay namin.

Mga ilang oras din siguro akong nawala. Naabutan kong kumakain na ng tanghalian ang pamilya ko.

Pumunta ako sa dining area.

“Oh kamusta na yung kaibigan mo?” tanong ni mommy.

“Okay naman po siya.” Sabi ko naman.

Napansin ko namang wala si Paul doon.

“Si Paul po?” tanong ko.

“Nasa kwarto mo pa.” sabi ni mommy.

“Kumain na po ba siya?” tanong ko.

“Hindi pa nga eh, sabi niya hihintayin ka daw niya. Sabi ko nga baka matagalan ka pa, pero sabi naman niya na tumawag ka na pauwi ka na.” sabi ni mommy.

Huh? Pero hindi naman ako tumawag sa kanya ah. Hmmm..

“Ah sige po tatawagin ko lang po siya para makakain na rin kami.” Sabi ko na lang.

Kaagad akong nagpunta sa kwarto. Naabutan ko siyang nakahiga at nakatingin lang sa kisame.

Lumapit ako sa kanya at niyakap siya.

“San ka galing?” tanong niya.

“Pinuntahan ko lang si..” napatigil ako. Hindi ko masabi sa kanya yung pangalan, baka kasi magalit siya.. “Yung asawa ni Jessa.” Sabi ko.

Tumingin siya sa akin. Pagkatapos ay tumingin na ulit sa kisame.

“Naku, nagtatampo ang labs ko.” Sabi ko. First time kong gamitin yung word na “labs.” He calls me that, I think it’s corny, pero ayan lumabas na lang sa bibig ko.

“Bakit ba kasi pumunta ka pa dun?” sabi niya.

I sighed. “Paul, gusto ko lang naman maging maayos na ang lahat. Besides, it’s Christmas, shouldn’t we just forget all the bad things and be happy?” sabi ko naman.

He sighed. “Nag-alala lang naman kasi ako sa’yo. Baka kasi may ginawa na naman sa’yo yung bugok nay un.” Sabi niya.

“Awwee ang sweet naman ng labs ko.” Sabi ko.

“Siyempre naman, ayokong iiyak ang labs ko, lalo na ng dahil sa lalaki.” Sabi niya.

Hinalikan ko naman siya sa pisngi. Napangiti naman siya sa ginawa ko.

“Sa pisngi lang?” sabi niya.

“Aba, demanding!” sabi ko naman.

“Hmp! Wag na nga!” sabi niya. Tumayo siya at tinungo ang banyo.

Tumayo na rin ako at hinatak ko ang kamay niya. “Naku, tampo na naman ang labs ko.”

Hinarap ko siya sa akin. Binilot ko ang mga kamay ko sa leeg niya, nilagay naman niya ang mga kamay niya around my waist.

Nginitian ko siya at hinalikan sa labi.

Hindi ko napansing naiwan ko palang nakabukas ang pintuan. Nagulat na lang ako sa pagpasok ni Daddy.

“Anak hali-” napatigil si daddy sa kanyang sasabihin.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Bigla akong natakot. Nakita niya kaming naghahalikan ni Paul.

“Dad.” Ang nasambit ko na lang.

-----------------------------------------------

Until the next episode,

Vin.

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Irreversible

MSOB BOOK ANTHOLOGY

Dalisay Diaz

Has written several novel and short stories published in her blog (http://theimmaculatedalisay.blogspot.com/) that includes mostly Suspense, Thriller, Drama, Deceit, Greed, Power, Wealth, Vengeance Sex, Action, Comedy and Romance. Her novel, Kung Kaya Mo ng Sabihing Mahal Mo Ako is her first attempt on suspense-drama followed by Task Force Enigma Series which made her known as an articulate and no-nonsense writer.

Now, despite her busy schedule, she devoted a portion of her precious time to come-up with an Eight Chapter suspense-thriller that will surely make you think, gasp and tumble in surprise.

Presents...

Teaser:


“What if death is with you all the time?”


Established newscaster si Roblen sa isang nangungunang TV network. He was on top of his field at talaga namang kinikilala ang kanyang kredibilidad sa napiling larangan. Then came Nicole, a beautiful brunette who easily captured his heart. At 28, marami na ang nagsasabing dapat na siyang mag-asawa at ito nga ang kanyang napipisil na maging kabiyak.


He wooed her and asked for Nicole’s hand in marriage and he was not disappointed with her answer. Nagulat man ay natuwa ang marami sa kanilang whirlwind romance. But the whole happily-ever-after scenario was about to change when people and friends from his past started to die brutally, one by one, on the day he announced his engagement with Nicole. Nagsimula rin ang mga pagtatangka sa buhay nilang dalawa nang magbalik sila sa Baryo San Jose, ang bayang sinilangan niya.


He got the shock of his life when police declared who the suspect was. It was no other than Anthony, his best-friend who died fifteen years ago. Paano matutuloy ang kasal nila ni Nicole kung nakaamba sa kanila palagi ang kamatayan na dulot ng paghihiganting isang dekada na ang nakakalipas.

abangan...

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