Lost Love In Silence | College Series 1

Chapter 19

Tumango ako, tama siya. Pinunasan ko ang mga luha ko, pero nanginginig pa rin ako sa konsensya at guilt.

"I know, Hiro, but it's hard to separate my personal feelings from my professional obligations. Pa'no ko ipagkakasundo ang pagtatanggol sa isang taong gumawa ng karumal-dumal na gawain, especiallyon his own mother?"

Hiro's voice softened, filled with compassion. "It's a difficult path you've chosen, Maxine, but remember that the justice system relies on the adversarial process to ensure fairness. Your role is to ensure that the accused receives a fair trial, regardless of the crime committed."

His words offered some solace, but the weight of my guilt remained. "I just can't shake the feeling that I failed Maria, the victim. Na nabigo akong manindigan para sa tama."

Hiro's eyes met mine through the screen, his voice steady and reassuring. "You may feel guilty, Max, but remember that you did your best within the confines of the legal system. It's now up to society to address the underlying issues and support the victim in her healing process."

As Hiro's words sank in, a glimmer of hope began to emerge amidst the darkness of my guilt. Marahil ay mayroon pa ring paraan para magkaroon ng positibong epekto.

With Hiro's unwavering support, Napagpasyahan ko na mag-isip ng mas maayos. Sa wakas ay isa nang propesyonal na abogado si Hiro sa Japan, at masaya ako na natupad niya ang malaki niyang pangarap noon pa lang.

Ayaw man niyang kumuha ng college of law, pinili niya ito. Dahil lang sa paniniwala niya na madaling makapagtapos ng college dahil kasama naman niya si Andre. At makakakopya daw siya dito lagi.

Habang mag-isa akong nakaupo sa loob apartment ko, may marahang kumatok sa pinto. Startled, I rose from my chair and made my way to answer it, my heart heavy with anticipation.

"Next time na lang tayo mag-usap, Hiro... Salamat." Ibinaba ko na ang tawag pagkatapos magpaalam ni Hiro.

Nagulat ako, si Andre pala ang nakatayo sa kabilang side, my solemn expression sa mukha niya. Walang salita niyang iniabot ang isang pinta ng paborito kong ice cream.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I welcomed him inside, overwhelmed by his unexpected gesture of kindness. Without needing to speak, Andre understood the depths of my anguish, offering his presence as a source of solace in my time of need.

Habang nakaupo kami, na pinagsasaluhan ang ice cream sa malungkot na katahimikan, ang bigat ng nararamdaman ko ay nagsimulang tumaas nang bahagya.

Pero sa piling ni Andre, nakahanap ako ng lakas ng loob para harapin ang emosyon na nararamdaman ko, para ilabas ang emosyon na lumalamon sa akin kanina pa.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice hoarse with emotion. "For being here, for understanding."

Andre offered a reassuring smile, his eyes reflecting compassion and empathy. "We're in this together, Maxine. You're not alone."

Sa sandaling iyon, habang magkatabi kaming nakaupo, napapaligiran ng tahimik na kaginhawahan so loob ng apartment, I realized na sobrang swerte ko na nandito si Andre para sa'kin.

Habang iniisip ko ang mga pangyayari, hindi ko maiwasang makaramdam ng labis na pasasalamat kay Andre. Sa kabila ng pagiging kumplikado ng mga nakaraan naming dalawa at sa mga hamon na hinarap namin, ipinakita pa rin sa akin ni Andre ang antas ng pag-unawa at suporta na hindi ko kailanman pinangahasang umasa.

In choosing to forgive Andre and embrace his friendship once more, I realized just how fortunate I was to have him in my life. His unwavering presence had provided me with a source of strength and solace in my darkest hour, reminding me that true friendship was a rare and precious gift.