In the Key of Us

Chapter 9: Broken Strings

"Ten minutes lang," Milo told Vio, guiding him gently toward a shaded bench at the campus park. "Diyan ka lang, I'll meet Ynah sa other side. Balik ako agad."

Vio nodded once, cane resting beside him as he sat down stiffly. "Hindi ko naman kailangan ng yaya."

"Uh-huh," Milo muttered with a tired smile. "Kaya nga I'm asking, not babysitting."

Vio let out a small huff, crossing his arms as Milo jogged off.

The park was alive with noise—students laughing, birds chirping overhead, and the faint strum of a guitar nearby. Vio tilted his head slightly, tracking sounds, feeling the breeze on his face, the heat of the sun slipping between tree leaves.

He might've enjoyed the peace... until he heard a voice he hadn't heard in years.

"Uy... Vio?"

He tensed.

Another voice chimed in. "Teka—Vincent Rio Maglangit?! Dude, it's really you!"

Footsteps approached. Too fast.

He gripped the cane tighter.

"Wala na bang bodyguard ngayon?" one of them joked.

There were at least three voices—boys, a bit older, familiar. Former co-members of the high school orchestra.

The last time Vio heard them... was before.

"Ang tahimik mo naman. Hindi mo na kami kilala?"

"Grabe, bro. Ibang iba ka na."

Then the question came—the one that sliced through him like broken strings.

"Paano nga ulit nangyari 'yung aksidente?"

He flinched.

Another added, "Totoo ba na si Ron 'yung nag-drive? Bakit daw kasi pinilit mo pa ring sumama, kahit may bagyo?"

"Na-trauma ka ba? Kasi sabi ni—"

"Shut up," Vio finally said, voice sharp, strained. His chest tightened.

They paused.

Then someone laughed nervously. "Uy, chill lang. We're just catching up—"

"Tumigil kayo!"

His voice cracked.

Everything around him—the noise, the sunlight, the ghost of Ron's laugh in his mind—all crashed at once. His hands began to shake, lungs squeezing tight as his breathing grew rapid and shallow.

He was spiraling.

"Vio?"

The voice that cut through the chaos was different.

Calmer. Familiar.

"Milo..." he whispered, barely holding on.

Milo dropped beside him in an instant, crouching to Vio's level. "Hey. Hey, hey, hey. I'm here, okay?"

He turned to the group, eyes blazing. "Seriously? The hell is wrong with you guys?"

One of them raised his hands. "Sorry, pre, di naman namin—"

"Umalis kayo. Now."

They scattered, murmuring awkward apologies as they left.

Milo turned back to Vio, who was trembling, face pale. His cane had slipped to the ground.

"It's okay," Milo said, more gently this time. "I got you."

Vio couldn't speak. Couldn't even wipe the tears forming behind his glasses.

Milo sat beside him and placed a careful hand over Vio's. "Breathe with me, okay? In. Tapos exhale. One more." He counted softly, grounding him. "Inhale. Four counts. Exhale. Four counts."

After a few minutes, Vio's breathing began to slow.

Milo didn't move. Just stayed beside him, silently matching every breath.

When the moment passed, Vio spoke so quietly it almost didn't come out.

"(Ang kulit nila. Lahat gusto ng sagot. Para bang... public property ako.)"

Milo didn't reply right away. Then he said, "You don't owe anyone anything."

Vio's jaw clenched.

"Not an explanation," Milo continued. "Not a story. Not closure."

He picked up the fallen cane and handed it to Vio. Their fingers brushed.

"Next time," Milo said softly, "you don't have to be alone when it happens."

Vio tightened his grip on the cane, but didn't pull away.

This time... he didn't tell Milo to leave.

End of Chapter 9.