SANTI
But I love you. Even if you don't say it back.
GINNY
(laughing)
I'll say it back later, Santi! Para namang I don't hug you while we sleep.
Santi catches Ginny's hand and snatches away the towel. He pulls Ginny to the bed, making the both of them land their backs on the soft mattress. The room fills with their laughter.
SANTI
Okay. Let's sleep na. Come here. In my arms.
GINNY
Wait. 'Yung isang lamp! Hindi ko pa na-o-off!
SANTI
Later na. Ako na mag-off once you're asleep.
GINNY
Okay.
GINNY
(softly chuckles)
What?
Santi stares at Ginny in his arms. Facing each other sideways on the bed. His face is inches away from her. A small smile is plastered on his face.
SANTI
Fuck.
SANTI
(laughs)
I can't picture my life without you.
Ginny laughs. Smiles.
She moves forward.
Presses her forehead onto his.
GINNY
(whispering)
It's okay. I won't ever leave.
Santi nods slowly. Ginny heaves a deep breath before cupping his face. Eyes glistening.
She plants a gentle kiss on his lips.
GINNY
(smiling)
I love you, too.
GINNY
I hate that we can only see each other at night. Tapos minsan lang.
Her eyes well up with tears.
GINNY
It's so hard. Everyday.
GINNY
I'm so scared. It's feels near kahit hindi pa naman.
GINNY
The boards.
GINNY
God. I don't know if I'll pass.
SANTI
You will.
SANTI
We will... okay?
Ginny closes her eyes. Forehead against his. She nods.
GINNY
We will.
YOU ARE READING
More of Nothing, Less of You
RomanceGinny married Santi at twenty-seven, barely knowing anything but love. A year later, Santi bought a three-storey house away from the city, standing still by the shore. Three years later, the house remained the same the way it was; lilac painted wall...
