Scarcity of Chances

Epilogue

Adapting after the occurrence of some huge changes in our lives is the greatest challenge. Garnering strength, silencing disrupting thoughts, and coping is typically easier said than done. Still, I managed to do it.

It's been almost six months since I returned back to my original life and I could definitely say I am doing good, or maybe even better. My relationship with my siblings is becoming brighter each day and I think, our parents are just as happy as I am, witnessing all that happen after all these years.

I've been starting to work on myself too. Kung dati ay nauutal pa ako sa tuwing nakikipag-usap sa ibang tap o 'di kaya naman ay nagsasalita sa harap ng iba lalo na kapag marami, ngayon ay nabawasan naman na kahit papaano. I gained confidence. Siyempre, hindi na ata maiiwasan ang dapuan ng kaba. Normal na 'yon sa tao.

Though, I am still not fond of making lots of friends. I don't think I could force myself to like socializing. But at least, I am trying not to be terrible at it. Not liking it is better than not being capable of doing it.

I introduced Kylo to my family on the day of my 18th birthday. Nasunod kasi iyong gusto ko na hindi magkaroon ng party dahil wala naman akong masyadong maiimbita. Family dinner lang at pera ay sapat na sa akin.

Of course, they were surprised to meet him, especially Papa. Their shocked faces were all still clear in my mind. Fortunately, they didn't get really mad. Kaonting pangaral lang sa akin dahil hindi ko raw kaagad ipinaalam.

And well, they put him on a hot seat the whole night. Maging ang mga kapatid ko nga ay ginisa talaga siya. Hindi ko alam kung ilang beses akong nagpigil na matawa habang pinapanood noon ang kabadong si Kylo na sinasagot ang lahat ng mga katanungan nila.

At least, we're legal. He got the free pass to visit our house anytime he wants, as long as he asks for permission. Though, we're only allowed to stay in the living room and the kitchen. Basta ang bawal ay mag-solo sa kuwarto.

That was more than enough for me. Nagkakasama naman kami madalas sa University.

"Will these be enough?" Kylo asked me.

"Yes, these will probably be more than enough. Marami rin iyong cat foods na binili nina Ate Leira at Ate Lyka."

We were supposed to feed stray dogs and cats as part of the celebration of my birthday months ago but it wasn't pushed through because of our busy schedules. Ngayon lang naging available ang lahat dahil Christmas vacation.

Kylo carefully placed the food we had prepared on the back of his car. They were just a combination of dog foods for all ages, dog treats, and vitamins. Ganoon din iyong para sa mga pusa na nasa sasakyan naman nila Ate. We also bought disposable tupperwares for their water and paper plates for the food.

After finishing all the preparations, we left home. Dalawang sasakyan ang gamit namin. Sa sasakyan ni Kylo ako nakasakay kasama sila Mama at Papa habang sa kabila naman sila Ate. We've already researched some places where strays might be. I am so excited.

Nang marating ang unang lugar ay kaagad kaming nagsimula. Naghiwa-hiwalay kami para mas maraming mahanap. Siyempre, kay Kylo ako sumama.

Some strays were quite scared at first but approached us the moment they saw and smelled the food we prepared. My heart clenched in pain when I noticed that most of them are in bad shape. Gusto kong maiyak pero pinigilan ko lang.

"If only I could keep all of them, I would," I told Kylo while patting one of the dog's heads, the friendliest one.

"When we're capable enough, we could build a shelter. We can't keep them all, yes, but that would help some."