Wish Upon A Fading Star

Chapter 27

When I go back where I was sitting. Jessan and Keirt were in tears also sa sinabi ko.

"I salute you" daig ni mommy and held my arm na hindi ko akalain napaiyak na din pala.

And when it's tita Cathy's turn to speech, yet even she has not started to speech-the pain and throb in her eyes can definitely tell that she don't know what to do anymore. But for me, I know that she's capable of being strong despite of this.

"It has been two weeks. Even when we had funeral services and memorials for you, I still can't believe that you're gone, anak. I kept staring at the door, hoping that at any given time you'd walk straight in and ask me, "What's for dinner, Mom? " Then you'd wrap your arms around me and ask me, "What's up, Mom? " with that big smile on your face. I miss that wide smile that melts my heart, that loud contagious laugh that makes me want to laugh along with you. The kind of person you are — warm, generous, big-hearted. Even as you teased me, it was never mean-spirited. You did it to make me laugh, besides pointing out the obvious. Despite the disease you had, you were still able to make us happy. I still don't and can't accept what happened anak.  But remaining silent as I struggle to wrap my head around what just happened does you a great disservice. And you don't deserve that. So I want everyone to know what a perfect son you were, Oliver. Beyond the great big smile was a great big heart whose capacity to love is greater than any bullet or hate can destroy. You lived life to the fullest and loved deeply. This legacy will be carried on by the countless many you left behind, the countless many whose lives are forever changed because of you. No bullet can ever take that away. Not ever. I thought holding your funeral was the most difficult thing I have ever done. No mother should ever have to bury her child. But I was wrong. Living life without my smile and hugs is even harder. You were my smile and hugs, Oliver. I felt your hugs from every friend of yours who came up to me. And our family is stronger because of you. This is entirely your doing. This is because everyone loves you. Thank you for being so understanding. Thank you for being so forgiving. Thank you for the honor of being called your mom. Thank you for being you, Oliver. I love you very much, anak. My pride. My joy. My love. I miss you so much and it hurts" tita Cathy stated and immediately left sa gitna.

Nakakabingi ang katahimikan and all of us cannot accept what will happen next. For it's already a time to bury him.

"We encouraged everyone to see one last time to Oliver for the casket will be pulling down in a minute" one of his aunt announced and all of us suddenly flock infront.

"Destiny brought us together, but fate drift us part. Let us see each other in another lifetime" I murmur.

A few minutes after, sinara na ang kabaong and it was already pulling down.

Habang tinatabunan na nang lupa ito, I can't comprehend what I feel. But we all need to accept that it's already his time. I waited a few minutes hanggang matapos na talaga at maayos ang pagka libing nito sa ilalim.

"Anak?" mom spoke behind me.

"M-mommy ikaw pala" I quote at mukhang napatagal ako dito.

"S-sorry are we going home na po? Pasensya na natagalan ako" I added and others are already leaving na pala. Tapos na pala.

Mom just nodded while I asked permission muna to talk with Jessan and Keirt. It's been a week na rin na hindi kami nagkita. Noong lang pagbisita namin sa bahay nila Oliver.

"Sure anak, I'll be with your tita Cathy lang" daig ni mommy at tumungo na.

"Gusto mo samahan ka namin? O di kaya magbonding tayo? Baka naman payagan ka ni tita Irene" Jessan said.

"Okay lang ako Jess, kayo- kamusta? so sorry for I've been not updating you this past few weeks"

"Nako walang problema, ayos naman kami. Sigurado kaba? Pwede tayo pumunta roon" and I already know what she's referring to.

"Yes, I'm absolutely fine. And I already done my second cycle of chemo, yet pumayat ako"

"Yun nga eh , pero nga pala, nagpadala si tatay ng mga prutas at gulay sa inyo noong isang araw. Binigay niya sa guard niyo"

"Oh yes, it's from tito pala. There's a lot of it, salamat talaga ha"

"Nako, walang problema. Tawagan mo lang kami ni Keirt palagi ha. O pwede rin na pumunta ka ulit sa amin kung yun ay papayagan ka ni tita"

"S-sure, I'll invite both of you sa house din" I answered.

"Sigurado ka Lia ha! Hindi masamang maglahad ng sakit na nararamdama sa ibang tao"

"Y-yes, I-I'm sure I'm fine"

"Makakaya natin to, alam kong napakasakit na mawalan ng kaibigan sa atin pero baka may plano ang Diyos" she added and nagpaalam na kami sa isa't-isa for we're the only person who left here in the cemetery.

"Mag-ingat ka ha!" Jessan quote and hugged me.

"Kayo rin ni Keirt" sambit ko at siya namang nagpaalam pareho sila kay tita Cathy and mommy.

When it's already the three of us who were left, ay nagpaalam na rin si mommy kay tita Cathy.

"Thank you for coming Irene and Lia be safe heading home" tita Cathy remarked.

"We will Cathy, be strong I know you can. Time heals" mom said and hugged tita Cathy, same as me at namaalam na.

"Mommy just a second, mauna na po kayo sa sasakyan" I said and she just smiled at me na siyang nauna namang tumungo sa sasakyan.

Tita Cathy already left na, wala nang katao-tao dito, I just want to say goodbye to him for the last time.

"I hope you're in peace wherever you're right now. And I just want you to know that our story isn't over just yet, that someday we'll meet again and finally get it right. Yes we will meet again, for even I'll only see you in my dreams- I will always find my way back to you. I love you and goodbye Oliver" I stated as I already left his grave.