The Storm's Shadow

Kabanata 11

Hi, Archers! Please expect some time skip in this book. May mga instances/scenes akong 'di isasama or e-elaborate because mentioned na siya sa Raindrop's Tears. This book focuses more on Storm's P.O.V. and struggles. It's advisable to read Varsha's book if may nakalimutan na kayo or so. Enjoy! :)

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Kabanata 11

The weather is very unpredictable, ano? Uulan, babagyo bago magliliwanag ulit.

There are times I would just wish for rain not to come anymore and let the sunshine remain. Para maliwanag lang, walang dilim pero katangahan at suntok sa buwan ang paghiling ng gano'n dahil imposible.

Our lives are very unpredictable.

One day, the sky was so clear with the sun out for a beautiful day and then the next thing you know, may low pressure na naman sa paparating na ulan at bagyo.

Didilim ulit... at babagyo.

"Miss Romana, about your daughter's condition,"

My shoulders are squared, trying to control the panic I had in front of the doctor.

"Yes, Doc?"

"As per our test results, Snow was diagnosed of pneumonia,"

Umawang ang labi ko at humugot ng hininga.

"Why? I mean how? Palagi naman kaming nagpa-pa-check up, Doc. May vitamins siya at..."

"She has asthma, correct?" He asked. I nodded. "Kids, mostly with asthma are more prone to pneumonia."

Parang nadurog ang puso ko. Tumango ako at bumuntonghininga.

"Is it mild? Anong p'wedeng gawin, Doc? Para umayos ang lagay niya?"

"Bacterial pneumonia, Miss Romana," he explained. "As per her symptoms and the results. Sa ganitong kaso ay magpe-prescribe ako ng antibiotics para sa kanya."

"Antibiotics?" My lips quivered. "K-kaya ba niya 'yon, Doc? Bata pa ang anak ko. Isang taon pa lang siya at ang antibiotic, parang ang bigat naman para sa ganyang edad?"

"Hindi po, Miss," aniya. "May mga antibiotics naman tayong para sa mga bata, naka-formulate iyon para sa kanila kaya siguradong kaya ng katawan nila. May iba-iba kasing dosage at formulation sa antibiotics ng kids at ng mga kagaya nating adults."

Tumango ako at naintindihan iyon.

"Okay, Doc, salamat. Anong p'wedeng gawin pa? Anong cause bakit nagkaroon ng gano'n? Regular naman ang check up namin..."

"Bacteria, Miss Romana. Isang factor din na may asthma si Snow kaya siya prone sa pneumonia at mahina ang kanyang immune system. However, may risk factors din ang bahay o kwarto kung nasaan ang baby."

My chest tightened.

"Paano, Doc?"

"Kailangan ay may proper ventilation ang bahay, hangga't maaari ay iwasan ang usok, sigarilyo o kung ano man. Can I ask if may kaharap ng kalsada ang bahay n'yo?"

I nodded.

"Sa nirerentahan namin oo," sagot ko.

"Possibleng isang dahilan din iyan. Lalo na at may asthma si Snow. I suggest you invest in proper ventilation and try to avoid dust or any allergens that could trigger her condition. For now, she only has mild pneumonia but if ever her condition worsens, I hope not, pakidala siya kaagad sa hospital, Miss."

I nodded.

"Alright..." I smiled. "Salamat, Doc. P'wede ko naman na iuwi si Snow bukas, ano?"

"Yes, Miss, but she has to stay overnight today for further observations."