In the Wake of Tragedy (One-shot Story)

C H A P T E R - 2

"Congratulations Ate, Laire!" Bati ni Khea at yinakap ako.

I smiled flatly and hugged her back.

"Thanks..."

"Ate bakit parang hindi ka naman ata masaya? You pass the board exam of being a Nurse! You should be happy." Aniya.

Gusto kong magsalita na paano ako magiging masaya kung wala na si Papa. But, I know na hindi niya ako maiintindihan dahil masiyado pa siyang bata para malaman ang lahat ng nangyari.

I was about to speak up, when Uncle Simon and Tita Daisy interrupted.

"Congratulations Ija! We're so proud of you!" Ani ni Tita sabay yakap sa akin.

"Thanks Tita."

Bumuntong hininga siya nang kumalas na ako sa yakap bago hinaplos ang aking buhok.

"I'm sure na kapag buhay lang ang papa mo, proud na proud sa‘yo ‘yun." She said.

Ngumiti ako ng mapait.

"Wife, ‘wag mo ng paiyakin si Sollaire, she just passed the exam for being a registered nurse, finally! We have now a nurse, right Laire?" Uncle Simon said.

Tumango naman ako bago tipid na ngumiti.

"Okay! I'll just prepare the food for dinner para makakain na tayo. Khea, please help me up dariling." Ani ni Tita.

Agad namang tumango si Khea sa kanyang ina bago sumama dito. Naiwan kaming dalawa ni Uncle kaya naman senenyasan niya akong sumunod sa kanya. I know what it's gonna be. This is it.

Dumiritso kami ni Uncle sa kanyang private study room. Wala pang nakakapasok dito kundi ako lang at si Papa. This room is very sacred, ni mismo si Tita at mga kasambahay sa bahay ay hindi alam na may secret door palang ang bahay.

Uncle type the password of the secret door, dahan-dahan iyong pumihit pabukas at bumungad sa amin ang kabuuan. Pumasok agad kami bago isinara ko ang pinto.

There's a lot of guns here, dito ni uncle tinatago lahat ng armas nila ni Papa. Uncle show this to me ng malaman ko ang totoo.

He also told me to learn on how to use guns and cons, for my self defense lalo na’t napaka delikado ng aking gagawin. Kaya naman nag insayo at nag aral talaga ako kung paano gumamit ng baril. I joined in arnes, taekwondo, boxing and all of the self defenses that I can use during my Operation.

"When you're going to work?" Tanong ni Uncle habang tinutulungan akong mag assemble ng mga baril.

"I already applied in Saint Luke's Hospital, and they accepted me immediately. And good thing dahil isa ako sa mga pinadala para sa operation ng mga armies sa secluded areas. I'm not sure where it is, dahil di ko pa nababasa ang details. I will be gone for three executive months uncle." Mahaba kong lintantya.

Tumango siya.

"Well, all I can say is good luck and take care of yourself. I'll be calling you everytime."

I nodded.

"Don't worry about me Uncle, I can assure you that I will take care of myself."

He just nodded again and tap my shoulder.

"I'm proud of you ija. You're just like your father that if he wants anything he will assure he can get it. And you're like that. Napalaki ka niya ng maayos. So, good luck to your mission, ija." He smiled at me.

"Basta para kay Papa, gagalingan ko. I will make sure na kung sino man ang pumaslang sa ama ko ay talagang magbabayad. Buhay sa buhay." Ani ko.

Tumango siya.