Every Step Away

ESA26

ESA26

"Why?" tanong niya habang inaayos ang kanyang tie sa harap ng aking full-length na salamin habang nananatili akong nakahiga saaking kama at pinapanood siya.

We had our breakfast together, bumalik lang ako sa kama noong naliligo siya at hanggang ngayon.

"Pupunta akong Cavite." sagot ko sa kanyang tanong tungkol sa hindi ko pagpasok at bilang pagpapaalam na rin.

Kumunot ang noo niya sa narinig. Natapos niya ang kanyang ginagawa at mabilis siyang naglakad papunta sa kama kung nasaan ako.

Suot ko pa rin ang malaki niyang t-shirt at hindi pa ako bumabangon. He dressed me up last night because I'm too exhausted to do so. Habang siya naman ay kailangang umalis ng umaga para sa trabaho.

"What will you do there?"

"Pupunta kay Dad," I said while snuggling with my pillow, facing him.

Marahan niyang hinaplos ang braso ko. He was all prepared on going to work, but here is he beside me with his eyes, wanting so much to stay.

"Dito nalang ako."

Tumawa ako at umiling. "Bawal!"

He groaned, not liking the idea of being away from me.

"Are you sure you're fine alone?"

I rolled my eyes at him. Para naman akong may sakit kung tratuhin nito!

"Why won't I?"

"Can you just say yes so I can stay?" reklamo niya.

Ngumisi ako. Oh, my poor baby.

"You are needed to work..." I whispered.

He sighed deeply and leaned at me to kiss my lips. Agad kong tinugon ang kanyang malalambing na halik.

"Take care on your trip today, okay?"

I nodded, still drunk from his kisses. I felt him kiss my forehead last before standing up and getting his coat.

"Have a great day..." inaantok kong saad sa kanya.

"I will because you said so." he said. "Bye, babe."

I nodded and wave my hand for a short goodbye. Ang aking ngiti ay unti unting naging mapait habang pinagmamasdan ko ang kanyang likod.

Pilit kong binalik ang ngiti ko noong lumingon ulit siya saakin. He eyed me with his serious face, probably because he's unhappy with the thought of leaving me. I stared at his face as much as I can savor staring at him like this.

I don't know what would my life be like in the next days...

"You won't stop me?" ulit niyang tanong, sinadyang tumigil habang hawak ang pinto.

Tumawa ako upang itago ang nangingilid kong luha. I shook my head.

"No..."

Go, baby. Go away from me and claim your life that I stole from you.

"Please text or call me, okay?"

Tumango ako at ngumiti. "Yes po..."

He smiled and his eyes lit up an unknown light.

"Go!" I said.

Tumawa siya at umiling bago tuluyang sinara ang pintuan ng aking kwarto. I stared long on my closed white door, feeling very empty and alone even if he just left. What more for the coming days, months, and years?