"We have to recognize that there cannot be relationships unless there is commitment, unless there is loyalty unless there is love, patience, persistence."
Yhael POV
Nagulantang halos ang buong kabahayan ng marinig namin ang pagsigaw ni Devone sa ibaba, isang Sabado ng umaga. Mabilis pa sa alas kuwatrong bumangon ako ng kama at nagtatakbong bumaba ng hagdanan. Umiiyak si Devone nang maabutan ko sa living room. Kalong-kalong niya si Red habang nakaupo siya sa mahabang sofa.
"Ano'ng nangyari?" 'Yong puso ko ang bilis ng pagtibok sa ginawa kong pagtakbo para lang agad na madaluhan siya.
"It's Red." Umiiyak niyang sabi.
"Patay na ba?"
Mabilis niya akong binato ng throw pillow sabay masamang tinitigan.
"No!" Galit niyang tugon.
"Hindi naman pala e!" Napapakamot sa batok na saad ko.
"Eonni, what's going on?" Nagkukusot pa ng mga matang bumababa ng hagdan si Dominique. Kasunod nito ang naghihikab pang si Hale.
"It's Red." Umiiyak pa ring sabi ni Devone. "He is not his usual self. He seems lethargic and sick."
"Aww..." Lumapit si Huxley na lumabas na rin pala mula sa kuwartong ginagamit at naupo sa tabi niya saka hinagod ang likod ni Devone. "Cats were known as pets of witches." Saka malungkot ding hinimas sa ulo si Red. "The feline goddess from Egypt Bastet will heal Red."
Napaikot ang mga mata ko.
"Mommy..."
Napakunot-noo ako ng naiiyak na ding lumapit si Hale sa kanya. Sumampa siya sa sofa at niyakap sa leeg si Devone.
"Please, stop crying." Malungkot na ring alo ni Hale sa ina. "Mr. Red is going to be alright."
"I hope so, love." Napapasinghot na sagot ni Devone sa bata.
"So don't cry anymore, mommy." Alo ni Hale. "You know I don't want to see you cry."
Mukha ngang matamlay si Red dahil hindi ito humahalinghing at nananatiling nakapikit lang ang kanyang mga mata habang nakahiga sa mga hita ni Devone.
"Why are cats associated with Witches, tita Huxley?" Inosenteng tanong ni Hale sa kanya.
"Cats became known as the pets of witches a few centuries ago." Sagot ni Huxley. "Especially the black cats."
"Like Mr. Red?" Tanong ni Hale.
"Yes." Tugon ni Huxley. "Like Red." Dagdag niya. "According to magical history, black cats have had a rough time compared to other cats. In the 16th century, cats were feared and thought to indicate the presence of evil, either the Devil himself, or a witch in disguise. They are also nocturnal and roam the night, which leads to the belief that they were supernatural servants to witches."
"Huxley." Makahulugang bigkas ko.
They're all myths!
"The truth is that witches were believed to have 'familiars' or animal companions, of all kinds. Cats were the most common familiars." Pero nagpatuloy pa rin siya. "Witches have always liked cats. Sure, they've been known to hang out with a wide variety of creatures, including lambs, hornets, and crabs."
"Really?!" Nakuha na nito ang interest ni Hale. "Crabs and hornets?"
Hay naku! Magkaroon ka nga naman ng kapatid na obssesed sa past life daw niya!
