A Fleeting Moment (Affliction Series #7)

Chapter 27

"Stress can trigger more symptoms of his illness. In Mr. De Guzman's case, while his heart rate is at rest, it suddenly stopped beating. It happens mostly to patients whose heart rate is slower than normal--- patients like Mr. De Guzman who has Bradycardia."

Tahimik lang ako habang nagsasalita si Noam. He wasn't a cardiologist but his connections made him understood Ekaris' cause of death.

"But the doctors found out he had a heart attack first which is very dangerous for a body in sleeping state, one with Bradycardia, that is. This led him to his death."

I tuned out from their conversation. Ekaris died. Whatever reason for his death, it is still the same truth. Death.

Dumating ang ilang kamag-anak ni Ekaris both mother and father side. They knew me because of the issue and Ekaris' public statement revealing our marriage. There were a constant exchange of condolences towards each other. I could only offer them a small smile because I still can't find my own voice. I couldn't speak. And if I did, I know I'll just break down.

I met Tristan's parents. They were kind enough to try consoling me and also considerate enough to give me space when I was almost unresponsive.

After Gerald's death, I grew a fear for attending someone's wake. I already hated it even before when I lost my mother and twin. I hated it more when Gerald was taken away from us. Now, I don't think I can stand seeing another coffin in front of me. That was also one reason why I never visited Shine's wake. Although I visited her a day after her body was buried.

I don't like the feeling of realizing that those people who are close to us already said their last farewell and will never open their eyes again for us. The combination of pain and fear is traumatic. Ayoko. Ayokong makaramdam ulit ng ganito.

Ramdam ko ang pagtabi sa akin ni Noam at Fred sa magkabilang pwesto sa tabi ko.

"Princess, do you wanna go home?" masuyong tanong sa akin ni Fred.

Lumingon ako sa kan'ya. As much as I want to just drown myself with self-pity and sadness, I have to think of the growing life in my tummy.

"What time is it?" tanong ko rin sa kan'ya.

"It's almost 6 in the evening, love," sagot ni Noam para kay Fred. "You need to eat dinner and rest early."

Tumango ako sa kanila at nauna nang tumayo.

"Wait. I'll just say goodbye to the Vargaz and De Guzmans."

Walang salita ko lang sinundan ng tingin si Noam na nagpaalam muna sa mga kamag-anak ni Ekaris. Wala silang alam sa pagbubuntis ko at sa ngayon, wala pa akong lakas para sabihin iyon. Nagluluksa pa ang puso ko para ipagdiwang kasama nila ang aking pagbubuntis. Ni-magsalita ay wala akong lakas gawin.

They drove me back to Noam's hotel room. Nasa Pampanga kaming lahat ngayon. Parehong nag-file ng leave sina Fred at Noam para samahan ako. Gusto ko silang sawayin pero nagpapasalamat ako sa suporta nila. Kailangan ko rin naman ng comfort mula sa presensya nila kaya kahit papaano ay nakakaya ko ang lahat ng 'to dahil nasa tabi ko sila.

Dad visited earlier, too. He was mad when I told him about the truth almost a week ago but he knows I loved Ekaris. So despite his hate for Ekaris, he still came as a respect and also to visit me, too. He went back to Manila immediately because of his affairs but he promised to visit me again soon.

Fred suggested to just order a food but Noam said no. Mas maganda raw sa buntis ang lutong bahay kaya magluluto na lang daw siya. They were taking good care of me and my baby. Right now, I know my child will not feel abandoned because he has two daddies who will spoil him with so much love. Plus me.