Battle Scars (Amorous Revival Series #1) (COMPLETED)

Chapter 21

Before I get my physician's license and start my medical practice, I pledge the Hippocratic Oath to uphold and to embody the code of ethics of a professional doctor. Kaya kahit mabigat man sa kalooban na 'di natuloy 'yong plano naming pamamasyal sa Bangui, alam kong mas mahalaga pa rin ang magsalba ng buhay ng isang pasyente. At hindi lang basta-bastang pasyente ang pinag-uusapan dito dahil kamag-anak ko mismo 'yong nakikipaglaban ngayon sa harap ng kamatayan.

Pasado alas-singko ng hapon nang makarating kami sa FHTC. I do feel sorry for Ravi because he drove straight for nine hours. I tried to volunteer and replace him to drive, but he told me he was fine. I-deny man niya sa akin na 'di siya pagod, his tired eyes and occasional yawns state the opposite.

We stepped inside the elevator, and he automatically pushed the button to the floor of his mother's office.

Pagbukas ng pintuan ng elevator, agad kong nakita sa hall si Tita Antonia na mugto na ang mata habang nakatulala at nakaupo sa may bench sa labas ng opisina ni Doc Laura. Samantala, kausap naman ni Tito Calixto ang mom ni Ravi at isa pang doktor na medyo pamilyar ang hitsura. They looked like they were discussing something important just by judging the serious expression on their faces.

"Finally, anak, you came!" his mom exclaimed as she embraced him tightly. "I was really worried since your brother's not here. He attended a conference in Davao City, and his flight back to Manila won't make it in time. And the chief resident of the general surgery department wasn't here as well," she added, referring to Doc Kiko Lorenzana, who went outside of the country to attend his son's graduation at Boston University.

While continuing a discussion with Tito, the other doctor's eyes stole a quick glance at my hand that was entwined in Ravi's. Na-conscious tuloy ako bigla at hinila ang kamay ko palayo sa pagkakahawak niya.

Hindi ko namalayan na hanggang ngayon pala ay magka-holding hands kami. Shucks, nakakahiya!

To save myself from embarrassment, I approached Tita Antonia and tried to comfort her.

"How are you, Tita?" I asked as I enveloped her into a hug. "Uhm, kamusta na po si Kuya Lucho?"

I think the mere fact that his only son was lying unconscious inside the ICU was enough for her to shed more tears. I allowed Tita to cry on my shoulder. The least I could do was stay still and gently tap her back to give comfort.

Lumapit si Tito sa'min upang daluhan ang humahagulgol niyang asawa. "I'm a hundred percent sure that Lucho's going to survive. Let's be optimistic and hope for our son's fast recovery, Antonia. We won't lose him, I promise."

"Mr. Castillo, I think it'll be better if we talk inside," the doctor spoke in a commanding manner. Medyo na-off nga lang ako dahil grabe siya makatitig sa'kin kahit na si Tito Calixto ang kausap niya.

Nauna na siyang pumasok sa loob kasama si Doc Laura. Kalaunan naman ay sumunod na rin si Tito sa loob pagkatapos kong siguruhin na ako na ang bahalang mag-asikaso sa asawa niya.

Ravi called my name. "I'll be with you in a few minutes, okay?"

I simply nodded and motioned him to go.

Hinanap ko 'yong tissue sa loob ng dala kong handbag at kusa ko nang pinunasan ang mga luhang lumandas sa pisngi ni Tita.

Bale, si Tita Antonia ang panganay sa kanilang apat na magkakapatid—my Dad, Arturo Saavedra, is the second child, followed by Tito Alonzo, and the youngest among them all, Tito Armando, who now resides with his family in New Zealand.

Nag-iisang anak si Kuya Lucho kaya hindi ko masisisi si Tita Antonia sa labis na paghihinagpis. Hindi ko na nga rin napigilang mapaluha at maki-simpatya sa kanyang nararamdaman. Kuya Lucho and I may not be that close because of our age gap, but there were still fond moments I remember sharing with him, most especially on special occasions and family reunions.