Tutoring Hearts

Chapter 19

"Sorry, kung ano-ano na ang nasabi ko."

Sa mga kwentong ibinahagi ni Jaren, maraming nalaman si Ansel tungkol sa pamilya niya. Hindi niya alam na ganoon pala kabigat ang pinagdaanan ng binata. Jaren often talked about how Jade would encourage him when he was feeling down, how he always felt loved by her, and they were always together. Naikwento niya rin na hindi kailanman nagalit si Jaren sa kanyang ama. Hindi niya nagawang magalit, at iniisip niya na wala sa kamay niya ang mga nangyari. It was also because his mom loved his father, and she told him that it wasn't his fault even when she was hurt. Of course he also loved his father—when their family was together, his dad always cheered and supported him. His father was a source of encouragement and strength, always there to uplift him. Jaren couldn’t bring himself to hate him, even after everything that happened. He held onto the good memories, the times when they were a happy family. He didn't know what went wrong.

The love Jaren has for his family was palpable. Napagtanto ni Ansel kung gaano kalaki ang kailangang tiisin ni Jaren sa murang edad—na umako sa mga responsibilidad at emosyon na magiging napakabigat para sa sinuman. He admired how Jaren never let his circumstances harden his heart or diminish his capacity to love and care for others.

Habang iniisip ni Ansel ang lahat ng ito, naramdaman niya ang bigat ng bawat salita ni Jaren.

"Huwag kang mag-sorry," aniya at umiling. "I’m glad you shared it with me."

Tumingala si Jaren at sinalubong ang tingin ni Ansel.

"You’ve done so much for your family. And it’s okay to feel the way you do. You don’t always have to be the strong one. It’s okay to let others be there for you too."

For a moment, silence enveloped them. It was a comforting silence filled with understanding. Ansel’s words resonated deeply with Jaren. It offered him relief he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Si Ansel ang unang kumawala sa titigan nilang dalawa. Inilihis niya ang tingin niya sa dalawang bata na masayang naglalaro sa dulo ng kwarto. Habang si Jaren naman ay nakatingin pa rin sa direksyon ni Ansel.

There were so many words Jaren wanted to say to the guy in front of him, but it was all left unspoken. He could only utter a genuine "Thank you" to him. But believe him, there was more to that.

Pero mas gusto niyang pagmasdan ang binata at damhin ang mga sandaling iyon. Ansel's attentive listening, his understanding eyes, and his gentle presence were everything Jaren needed. It was rare for him to open up about his past, and having Ansel there, absorbing every word without judgment, filled Jaren with ease. Seeing Ansel's concern and care made him feel a warmth that words couldn't express.

Sure, it wasn't the first time Ansel made him feel that way. He always made him feel lighter. Like when a raging storm enters, Ansel is the calm rainbow that passes through it. Ansel had this unique way of grounding him, of bringing peace into his life amidst the chaos.

He has also concluded that the funny reaction his stomach always does when Ansel does a little something he likes was butterflies fluttering inside. The odd sensation that made him nervous yet also excited, warm and fuzzy. Only Ansel could do that to him.

Jaren felt an overwhelming gratefulness for Ansel’s presence in his life. Moments like this makes him realize just how much Ansel had become a part of his world. The gentle way he listened, the quiet strength he provided—it all meant more to Jaren than he could ever put into words.

He also thought about how Ansel had become a constant in his life, a source of strength and comfort. Jaren wondered at how Ansel could make him feel understood and accepted, even in his most vulnerable moments. It wasn’t just about sharing his past; it was about having someone who truly cared, someone who made him feel seen and valued.