Ashes in the Dusk [CBS#4]

Chapter 18

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The last days were perfect. I was smiling with my father and we painted together on the canvass he made for me. Sabay kaming nag-throwback sa pinaggagawa namin noon nina Mommy. Sinusundo ko si Daddy sa farm office pagkakagaling kong school. I'd have his favorite food with me, too. I'd spend my time sitting at Rahma's office until they were done with their works.

"I'm happy that you're getting along with Rahma now, Anak. Nakikita ko ring tumitino ka na dahil sa kanya." tudyo sa akin ni Daddy habang pauwi kami.

Tahimik si Frediriko sa unahan habang pareho kaming nasa backseat ni Daddy. Nakasandal ako sa balikat ni Daddy habang nakatanaw sa mga bituin sa langit. He was busy brushing my hair with his large fingers, I suddenly found the comfort in him. I suddenly missed this.

"You remind me of your Mommy. Hinabol-habol din ako nun dito sa sakahan nang una kaming nagkita. She was as young as you..."

"Dad! Hindi naman ako naghahabol kay Rajah, ah?!"

"Hmm, di raw?" nang-aasar na naman.

Umismid ako at humalukipkip. "Dad, please, stop that. Hindi bagay sayo ang mang-matchmake!"

Dad laughed heartily and sighed. "I miss Rebekkah. I thought I'd never fall in love with anyone else apart from your mother, but there came you, our little Syntia. Both of you have these chestnut eyes, both noses are narrow and beautiful, both faces are angelic. I got so smitten with you two. I will treasure you and your Mom forever."

Parang may kumurot sa puso ko. Daddy was never showy of his emotions until recent these days. Halatang bumabawi. Naramdaman ko rin ang pangungulila niya kay mommy pati na ang sakit na hanggang ngayon ay presko pa rin para sa amin. Both of us missed her here while we were looking above sky. It looked soothing, it looked beautiful... just like my Mom, Rebekkah Zalameda. I knew that she was happy for us now as her last wish was finally fulfilled--to get along with my Dad again.

Tama nga ang sinabi nila na lumilipad ang oras. Kapag lumipas na'y hindi na maibabaik pa. Tanging alaala na lamang ang matitira. These will be the memories I'd recall whenever I'd be sad and happy. I didn't have so many regrets.

Nagkaayos kami ni Daddy at nag-bonding pa nang sunud-sunod. He cooked for my breakfast, he made my milk, he slept beside me at night, we stargazed together on my room's balcony. Biglang mukhang naging barkada ko si Daddy sa dami ng alam niya. Kuweninto niya rin sakin ang mga kabalastugan niya nung kabataan niya. Mas nakilala ko si Daddy. He made it up to me so good.

Nga lang, hindi ko inaasahang mabilis na matatapos ang lahat.

Tahimik ako habang nakaupo sa waiting area, magkasalikop ang mga kamay at hindi na makangiti. Nasa tabi ko naman si Rahma, hindi ako maiwan-iwan habang inaantay na makausap ang doktor. Pakiramdam ko'y natuyo na ang luha ko dahil sa nangyari ngayon. Wala nang bumubuhos, pilitin ko man para maibsan ang bigat. Mugto ang mga mata ko at hindi makapagsalita.

Ang bilis ng pangyayari.

"Syntia, the doctor's here... come on," maingat niyang bulong sa akin at inalalayan ako patayo.

Muntikan pa akong mapadausdos paupo kung hindi niya lang ako nasuportahan sa baywang. Madilim ang kanyang mukha at matindi ang emosyon doon.

"Ako na lang ang kakausap kung gusto mo. Rest here for awhile. Uuwi na tayo kaagad para makapagpahinga ka." suhestiyon niya. He looked at me softly and touched me gently like an expensive diamond that was very easy to break apart.

"I-I want to hear what the doctor would say... just... hold me, Rajah." bulong ko sa kanya.

Tumango siya at hindi nga ako binigo. Nakaalalay siya sakin sa buong pag-uusap nila.