Scarcity of Chances

Chapter 33

With a vantablack view, I am certain that I died. I mean, who would survive such a plane crash?

The thing that confuses me now is how come my mind still works after what happened? In a state of death, all of your senses will cease functioning. So how am I able to hear numerous voices?

I tried opening my eyes but it didn't work. I couldn't feel anything. Kaya hindi ko alam kung buhay ba ako o hindi.

So I rested in the discomfort of darkness for God only knows how long. I wandered through its abyss until finally, I saw a strand of light. A strand, followed by another one, until I was completely overwhelmed by the galad.

After numerous attempts, I managed to open my eyes. The first thing that welcomed me was a familiar ceiling, mingled by a wet and strange thing moistening my cheek.

With all the strength remaining, I diverted my barely opened eyes and head to the right. Ginulat ako ng isang malakas na tahol mula sa pamilyar na puting aso.

Aso?!

"R-Ribbon?" I whispered, uncertain.

The dog barked again after I murmured the name as if confirming it. Muli nitong inilapit sa akin ang mukha upang halikan nang sunod-sunod ang aking pisngi. Mabilis ko itong niyakap.

So that's why my cheek feels wet and sticky.

But wait, how come she's here? The last thing I remember, I was on a plane that just crashed? How come I am inside my room with my dog?

What in a parallel universe is happening?

Am I... home?

Before I could even fix my vision, the door burst open. I was on the verge of sitting up when a familiar woman, whose face screams worry, met my eyes.

"Y-You're awake!" she screamed and ran towards me.

"M-M-Mama..."

Mabilis niya akong binalot sa isang mahigpit na yakap. Sa pagkakataong ito, hindi na estranghero sa pakiramdaman ang naging hatid nitong init. Malayo ito sa naramdaman ko nitong mga nagdaang buwan nang niyakap ako ng kaparehong mukha ng nasa harap ko ngayon.

Dahil doon, mabilis ang naging pagbagsak ng aking mga luha. Sa labis na pangungulila, hinaluan pa ito ng madamdaming mga hikbi.

"I-Is it really you, Ma? Am I d-dreaming?"

This just feels too good to be true! Ang isiping totoo ito ay tila ba napakaimposible!

"Oo naman, Anak. At bakit ka naman mananaginip?" sagot ni Mama, halatang naguguluhan.

"B-Because I had a different Mom! You look the same but she was different! I was in the same place but a different one at the same time!"

My words rendered her speechless. Naramdaman ko ang pagkalas ng mga yakap ni Mama upang tignan ako. Nagtatanong at gulat ang mga mata niya.

Sa ganoong tagpo may muling pumasok sa kuwarto ko. Sina Ate Amor at Ate Lyka iyon. Just like Mama, their aura was now different from before.

Hindi kagaya ni Mama, nanatili silang nakatayo malapit sa kama at pinagmasdan kami.

"Anong ibig mong sabihin? I-I think you should rest more, Vine. You've been out for almost two days."

"No, Ma! I swear something strange happened to me," I replied.

"I think we should have her checked. But by a different doctor this time," singit ni Ate Amor.

Napapikit ako at pinunasan ang magkabilang pisngi na dinaluyan ng mga luha. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ko sinusubukang sabihin sa kanila ang nangyari kahit na hindi kapani-paniwala.