Belle Ame: A Beautiful Soul (DS Auxiliary)

Chapter Twelve (Part 2)

THE MOMENT I woke up from my recent attack, I knew... something in me significantly changed. I don't know how... Yet, I know Who restored me in a snap of His fingers.

Habang nag-aayos si Aya ng mga gamit na isasama ko sa pag-uwi mula sa ospital ay naglabas siya ng isang Ipod.

"Listen to this..." nakangiti niyang sabi. Inilagay ang earphone sa tainga ko.

I closed my eyes as I listen to the song... A song that will always remind me why my Heavenly Father chose to give me more time to break the remaining chains that is binding me...

All that I am, all that I have...

I lay them down before you, oh Lord.

All my regrets, all my acclaims,

the joy and the pain, I'm making them Yours...

***

"SANTINO, your last attack could have been the end, but we were able to revive. May nakakita sa'yong security guard sa hospital chapel. Nakasandusay ka daw sa sahig. He was able to take you to ER in time."

Tumango ako. "Who's the security guard? I want to give my thanks to him." And even give him a little reward for the help.

I don't exactly remember the heart attack. Wala naman akong naramdamang kahit ano. I was just praying...

"I'll ask the nurses about him. Mamayang gabi pa yata ang duty. Anyway, I just want to be honest with you," Josias took out a medical chart. "Your heart is performing well. But one last attack and it will be... over, Santino."

Tumango ako. Handa naman akong mamatay kahit anong oras... Aya will come through eventually. Nagulat lang ang asawa ko, pero kung mas ihahanda ko siya...

"If ever you'll survive another attack, it won't go well. Puwedeng mabuhay ka pero hindi na makakakilos, makakapagsalita... Sa ngayon, continue to observe changes in your body. Once you felt anything, call me. It could be the aftermath of the attack."

"Thank you, Josias."

"I'll sign your discharge slip. You can rest at home."

"Thank you, Dr. Valleroso," pasasalamat ko ulit rito. "Thank you to you and your father. Since then, both of you were looking after my family."

"Just doing our job, Mr. Delos Santos." Josias gave me a salute. "Do not waste this another chance to live."

I won't.

"By the way," naalala ko bago umalis. "I heard your son is going to marry my daughter?"

Ang bigat ng buntong-hininga nito. "Inaasahan ko nang makakarating sa'yo. I'm sorry I don't bring it up."

"Kung ganoon ay matutuloy iyon?"

Nagkibit-balikat ito. "Magulo pa ang arrangement, Santino. Hindi ko pa masabi dahil mukhang hindi magkasundo ang dalawa gayong noon pa man ay magkakilala na pala sila." Tinanggal nito ang suot na salamin. "Nagmana sa iyo ang iyong anak. Matigas ang ulo."

"That's Christeena Blair. I hope you'll be patient with her if the marriage pushes through..." bilin ko rito.

"Magulo ang kabataan ngayon." Napailing ito. "Anyway, I'll update you if the two have decided."

"Josias, treat my daughter as your own."

Napaangat siya ng tingin sa'kin.

"You're a good man. I bet you're a great father, as well. Iparamdam mo sa anak ko ang hindi ko nagawa—ang maging ama sa kanya..."