“Asher...” Charlene knocked at her daughter’s locked door “Can I come in?”
Sarah looked at her door from her bed… she really wanted to be alone. She was hugging her knees while various photos were scattered at her sides.
“Tell me about it… was it work?” her mom asked
“No…” she answered weakly
“Is it your dad? Is he giving you a hard time? Tell me… I’d talk to him”
“Hindi po…” again, she answered lifeless
“Is it…” Charlene hesitated “…Lloydie?”
Sarah momentarily stopped breathing.
“Mom?” she cried “I can’t… I can’t do this”
“Do you still…”
“I don’t know” Sarah interrupted even before her mom finished her question
“Asher… Do you want to leave? Take a vacation perhaps?”
Charlene looked straight, hearing Sarah unlock the door.
“I can’t leave. Alam niyo naman po kung bakit” she explained
“I’m sure your papa would understand if we tell him about…”
“No!” Sarah exhaled “You promised me… he doesn’t have to know” she added
Charlene sighed and looked at her daughter’s face… instantly, she saw the pictures on her bed. “Maybe it’s about time you talk to him about it” she advised and smiled “You’ve known him for all your life… it’s a shame to throw it all away”
