Russian Requiem (Book 2 of RR Trilogy)

Requiem #32

Chapter 32

(Mistake)

The next morning after that heated argument we had, I was surprised to see Clade still in our house. He even joined me and the kids for breakfast. I can sense that he slowed down a bit and maybe, some realizations have dawned him.

What's more surprising than that is his sudden change of behavior. He would always offer me things from the table while we are eating.

"Would you like some more rice?" He carefully asked habang nakatuon naman ang mga mata ko sa aking pinggan.

Umiling lamang ako at hindi siya pinaunlakan ng tingin. I silently chewed my food while I sometimes attend to my kids. Si Carie ay tila walang pakialam sa kanyang paligid at mapayapa lamang kumakain. I envy her innocence. How oblivious she is of her surrounding. Si Clay naman ay halatang inoobserbahan kami ng kanyang ama. These past few days, I can always see my son's serious, almost sharp look he has for his father.

"How about water? You've only drank juice," patuloy niya sa pagsuyo habang inilalapit pa sa akin ang pitsel ng tubig.

Palihim akong umismid. Ano ito ngayon? Natauhan na ba siya at naisipan niyang manuyo ngayon? Ano, tapos na ba siyang magluksa at magalit? Tapos nang maging makasarili? Tapos na niya kaming pahirapan?

Even for once, I wanted to let my mind reign me for a while. Masyadong tanga ang puso ko sa ganitong bagay. Lagi lamang nitong pinapatawad si Clade. For now, I want him to see how mad I am. I want to listen to other people's advice of making him realize his mistakes.

Pag-iisipan ko na lamang kung paano kami magkakaayos sa mga susunod na araw. Siya na rin muna ang bahala sa sarili niya sa mga araw na iyon. I just hope that we will be okay already on or before our wedding anniversary. Ayaw ko namang umiiyak ako sa araw na iyon.

"No, Clade. I'm fine with the juice." Tipid kong sagot habang tutok pa rin ang mata sa pagkain.

"Dad, are you gonna leave for work again?" Biglang tanong sa kanya ni Clay.

Bahagya akong natigil sa pagkain at sinulyapan ang anak ko sa aking harapan. Tutok naman ang mga mata nito sa amang nasa kabiserang upuan.

Clade stared back at him with serious eyes as well. "Yes, Clay. I need to work extra hard."

"What time are you gonna go home then?" Patuloy sa hindi natitinag na pagtatanong si Clay. It was almost like he was defying his father's scary aura.

Nag-isang linya ang labi ni Clade at sumulyap sa akin. Tumikhim siya bago sumagot.

"I'll be home early today. Don't worry," he said and looked at me again.

Hindi ko maiwasang umismid.

"That's good then. Mama's been worried about you whenever you come home late. We can't almost see you here, dad." Tila matandang nangangaral na sagot ni Clay. "Maybe that's also the reason why mama is sleeping in our guest room."