Strings of Memory

Chapter 28

Ngumiti siya, as if reminiscing.

"She was happiest when she was with her bandmates. That dream, even though it was cut short, made her shine so brightly."

Bumaling ulit siya sa akin.

"She said a lot of good things about you, Wynther. About how you were the one who gave her the push she needed—the push we couldn't give her. And for that, I thank you. From the bottom of my heart."

Napalunok ako. May kung anong init akong naramdaman sa puso ko, at para bang may bumigat sa lalamunan ko.

Umiling ako, pilit na nilalabanan ang bumabangong emosyon. "I-I'm n-not-"

Ngunit bago ko pa matapos ang sasabihin ko, umiling siya habang nakangiti.

"You did, Wynther. Please, accept our gratitude," sabi niya, bago bahagyang yumuko bilang tanda ng pasasalamat.

Napayuko rin ako, hindi sanay sa ganito.

I don't really deserve their gratitude. I'm the one who should be thanking Luna. I didn't do much for her—siya ang mas maraming nagawa para sa akin.

Ibubuka ko pa lang sana ang bibig ko para sabihin 'yon nang bigla niyang iniabot sa akin ang paper bag na hawak niya.

Nagtataka ko itong tinanggap, mabigat nang bahagya sa kamay ko. Binuksan ko ito at sumilip sa loob. Agad akong natigilan nang makita ang laman—isang recorder, isang notebook, at isang pamilyar na... strap.

Napatingin ako sa kanya, naghahanap ng paliwanag.

"Naglinis ako ng kwarto ni Luna, and I found these. I was actually on my way to Rive para ipaabot 'yan sayo. Because I think... you need to read and hear what's inside. I know it will help you."

Ngumiti siya.

A gentle, knowing smile—one that held the weight of a mother's love and understanding.

We bid our goodbyes, and the moment I got home, I immediately played the recorder.

Pag-on ko, dalawa ang recordings na nakita ko. The first one was about fifteen minutes long, while the other was five minutes.

Pinindot ko ang una, and instantly, her voice filled the room.

"Hi!"

Kaagad na uminit ang mga mata ko nang marinig ang boses niya. My grip on the recorder tightened as I forced myself not to break down.

"I just want to record myself after what happened earlier! Since this is one of the best days of my life!"

Napakagat ako sa labi ko.

"And it's all because of Wynther!"

Biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang marinig ang pangalan ko.

"He finally called me by my name!" she said excitedly. "I don't know why he never called me by my name before, pero wala na akong pake doon! Ang mahalaga, tinawag niya na ako sa pangalan ko!"

Then, she let out a high-pitched squeal.

And instead of getting annoyed—like I usually do—I couldn't help but miss her more.

"To be honest, my first impression of Wynther was that he was so masungit. Inisnob ba naman niya ako noong unang araw niya sa school! I was just trying to introduce myself, pero sinungitan niya lang ako."

Even though I couldn't see her face, I could imagine her pouting while saying that, and my heart couldn't help but ache.

"But then, he always seemed to look so lonely. That's why I wanted to be close to him. Plus! He gave me a word of encouragement. He gave me the push I needed. He also always seemed to be in the right place at the right time whenever I needed help. He always comes to my rescue."