Every Step Away

ESA27

ESA27

"Santh, hija, siguro ka ba sa desisyon mo?" tanong saakin ni Tito Rick pagkatapos niyang matigilan at hindi agad makapagsalita matapos kong ilapag sa unahan niya ang aking resignation letter.

He was so shocked by my sudden appearance here in his office, stating my sudden decision too, of resigning. However, I want to personally do this and apologize to him directly, kaya hindi ako dumiretso sa head ng Architecture Department kundi sa kanya.

Tito Rick was the one who offered me work and hired me. Sa kanya ko dapat ito ipasa at humingin ng pasensya.

Huminga ako ng malalim at tumango.

"Yes, Sir. I'm sorry, I know I shocked you f－"

"Of course, I'm shocked! You're doing very well then I'm hearing this? What's wrong, hija? Alam ba ito ni Theo?"

Nanlaki ang mata ko noong marinig ang kanyang sinabi. Mabilis kong iniling ang aking ulo dahil sa takot na baka makarating kay Theo, na siguradong makakarating din kay Hezekiah kung sakali.

"Tito, please don't tell Theo."

Kumunot ang noo niya dahil sa narinig. He stared at me like he was trying to understand me. But he sighed when he can't find my reason just by looking at me.

"I don't know why you're doing this, Santh. I know you could have been a great support to Theo when the time comes. I didn't expect this..."

I look down. I know he worries a lot about his son stepping up in a higher position and having someone who he's familiar to for support is essential. Ganon din ang tingin ko kay Theo dahil malaki ang suporta ang nakukuha ko sa kanya lalo na noong nagsisimula palang kami dito. But I know Theo and I know too that he will be fine.

He topped the board! Imagine how different he was when it comes to his profession.

Hindi lang talaga halata sa mukha.

"I'm sorry, Tito."

Tumango ito.

"I understand. I will not ask for your reasons for resigning and refusing to tell this to my son. I will respect your privacy. But always know my doors will always be open to accepting you back."

Nanlaki ang aking mata dahil sa aking narinig.

"T-tito. You...You don't need to do that. Nakakahiya naman po iyon."

"Remember what I told you before?" tanong niya habang magaang nakangiti.

"Tito..."

"You're a big fish, Santh. You got the skill, passion, and perseverance. It's really a shame to let you go..." He shook his head in disappointment.

Mas lalo akong nahiya.

However, I don't think I will ever change my mind.

"Sorry po talaga."

He smiled at me and nodded.

"I wish you good luck with whatever endeavor you will take."

Malungkot akong ngumiti sa kanya. I also wish for that too, because no matter how determined I am to do this, I know in my heart that it will hurt me more than I could ever imagine.

"Thank you, Tito."

"Thank you for your service, too. It has been great with you, Architect Lofranco," he said offering his hand.

Tinanggap ko ito at naninikip ang dibdib na nakipagkamay sa kanya.

Hezekiah:

Again?