Flakes of Tears

Episode 20

Episode 20

Cemetery

"Hijo... anong trabaho mo ulit?" tanong ni Mama kay Yiv kaya napaangat ang tingin ko.

We had our lunch together as both of us were exhausted after traveling. I'd want to sleep and nod at their inquiries if I had to select one. But my mother seems like she'd like Yiv to be questioned.

"Medical Professor po."

"Bakit hindi ka na lang nag-doctor? Saka mas malaki ang sahod 'pag doktor 'di ba?" dire-diretsong tanong ni Mama kaya nabulunan ako sa sariling pagkain.

"Ma!"

I recall asking him the question a few times, but he always avoided it. I understand that the subject is difficult for him and that he does not want to talk about it. Alam ko namang hindi 'yun alam ni Mama. But the way she's asking Yiv was like she's fishing something exclusive information.

"No. It's okay, wim." He looked at me before smiling at my Mom, who was lifting one of her brows.

"We're a family of doctors..." he started; that's why I'm shocked because how come that he can say this in front of my family but not me?

I felt his hand creeping on my hand below the table, and he held it tightly.

"Mom wished for us, her children, to become physicians like our father. I used to study in medical school because of her until her vision became exceedingly hazy. I wanted to treat her. But the next thing we know... she got engaged in a car accident."

Nahigit ko ang paghinga dahil sa mas humigpit na hawak ni Yiv sa kamay ko. I could see the variety of emotions on his face. "Wim..." I whispered, and he just smiled softly at me.

"That's why, when Mom died, I merely finished med school and proceeded to work in a field connected to medicine. Being a doctor reminds me of Mom's childhood ambition, but I didn't want to forget her, so I opted to teach in medical school instead."

I squeezed his hand beneath the table and grabbed a glass of water for him to sip with one of my hands.

He drank it, and the table became quiet. While he was drinking, they were all gazing at him in pity. He seemed disturbed by their gazes the minute he lowered the glass.

"Uh... It had already been eight years. My family is now safe. Don't be worried, po." As a gesture of respect, he bowed to my mother and siblings.

"Condolence, kuys..." bulong ni Iyel at tumango-tango rin si Ron habang kumakain.

Kumain na lang kami nang tahimik at medyo awkward dahil doon. Si Mama naman kasi eh! Gaano ba siya ka-curious dahil lang gwapo at mukhang mayaman ang boyfriend ko?

I shifted my head to Yiv's direction by my side. Nakita kong medyo napipilitan lang siyang kumain ng dinuguan pero nang matikman niya na 'yun ay nanlaki ang mga mata niya.

"Mas-iss-eoyo! (It's tasty!)," medyo mahina niyang sabi pero narinig siya ni mama.

"Ano? Mapangit lasa ng luto ko?" Tinaasan siya na naman nang kilay nito at parang naestatwa si Yiv kasi hindi naman 'yun ang ibig sabihin niya.

"Ibig sabihin no'n masarap, Ma. Assuming na naman."

"Aba, malay ko ba rito sa Koreano mong boyfriend. Mukha siyang Koreanong Amerikano. Bakit ka marunong mag-tagalog?" Mom asked Yiv while I just looked at them. I don't know why Mom is asking a lot of questions.

Since Dad's death, I've become estranged from her. We've never truly shared anything, and we're unconcerned with each other's existence. That's why I'm puzzled as to why she suddenly got intrigued.