LUST | SDS Present ✔ (TO BE EDITED)

Chapter 37

"Siguradong babalik ako dito." Naka-ngiting sabi ko kay Paula bago kinuha ang duffle bag ko mula sa kanya.

Bahagya naman syang tumawa bago ako binigyan ng isang mapag-larong ngiti.

"Sana sa susunod ay may kasama ka na, Miss Sierra." Biro nya pero hindi ko magawang samahan sya sa pag-tawa.

Hindi ko na sinagot ang sinabi nya at nag-paalam na lang sa kanya. Maliit lang ang bangkang sasakyan namin pabalik sa kabilang isla at dahil doon ay mas kaunti ang pasaherong kasabay ko pero mukhang pinag-lalaruan kami ng tadhana dahil kasabay ko na naman ang lalaking naka-hoodie.

Gaya nang una ay pumwesto sya sa harapan ko kahit na may bakanteng upuan pa sa gilid at likuran ko. Hindi ko na sana sya papansinin pero hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko. In my whole week of stay in this island, I never seen him not even his shadow that is why I find it weird that he's leaving the same day as me.

I shook my head to stop myself from overthinking. I shouldn't be bothered by something that have no direct impact on me. Sayang ang peace of mind ko kung magpapa-apekto ako sa lalaking ito na wala namang masamang ginawa sa akin.

I wore my sunglasses when the boat started to sail. I looked back at the island and a smile instantly formed in my lips when I saw the children waving at us. I waved back until I can no longer see them anymore.

Umupo na ako nang maayos tapos ay pinikit ang mga mata ko. I'm trying to remember my stay in that island because it really help me heal, even if it's just a little. I still consider it a progress, though.

I feel so great that even though I only stayed there for a week, I was very comfortable as if the island knows what I need. I didn't even encounter any inconveniences that helped me relax even more. With that, I was able to clear my mind from any negativity and I am hoping it will stay that way when I come back to the reality.

"You're almost complete." Mahinang sabi ko nang buksan ang journal ko.

Gabi na akong naka-uwi sa unit ko at kahit mahaba-haba ang ibinyahe ko ay hindi man lang ako dinadalaw ng antok o pagod. Kakatapos ko lang ayusin ang mga gamit ko pero gising na gising pa rin ang diwa ko. Is this a sign that I am healing inside? Dati kasi ay kahit wala akong ginagawa ay nanlalata ako but now, I feel so alive.

Umupo ako sa kama at tinignan isa-isa ang mga pahina ng journal ko. The last seven entries have no sign of tears on them which made me smile a little. Hindi naman sa hindi ko na mahal si Hugo. It's just that, when I was writing them, it is as if I am letting all the weight in my heart go.

If back then I was writing filled with regrets, now I am writing because I was grateful that Hugo became part of my life. I have no idea what will happen to our story but I am still glad that he became part of the few chapters of my life and I am sure, he will not stay that way.

I took my pen and started writing until my hand became numb. I didn't notice that it is already dawn but I was still satisfied when I closed the journal. I just let my hand and heart work together and now I feel so light. It feels so good reliving Hugo and I's memories through words and somehow, it's like he is with me.

"How are you, Sierra?" Mahinahong tanong ni Dr. Shaira.

As usual, she sitting beside me comfortably as if she is just my friend. I think this small gesture is one factor that urged me to open up to her which resulted in her helping me even more.

I smiled at her before pursing my lips while she's patiently waiting for my answer.

"I can't say that I'm fine already but I think I'm getting there." Sagot ko. Tumango naman sya bilang sagot.