Unbind the Strings

Twenty Three

I saw messages from my friends, asking me how I am. I replied and told them I'm slowly coping up, nililibang ko nalang ang sarili ko sa ibang bagay dahil sa tuwing naalala ko si Mommy, nalulungkot na naman ako.

After a few hours, dumating na sila Alex with their bags. Medyo marami silang dala at sinabihan ko silang ilagay an ang mga iyon as kwarto. 

"Hi ate Cali." the fifteen-year-old greeted me. I smiled and pointed out her room.

"Take a rest na, uh, what's your name?" I asked before closing the door of the room.

"Bella po. Yung bunso po namin si Yssa." she smiled.

"Okay, bella. Pahinga na kayo. Magluluto na rin ako ng dinner kaya tatawagin ko nalang kayo, okay?" I closed the door right after.

"Cali, salamat talaga, ah." Alex said as soon as I turned back from the door.

"Okay lang 'yun, baka lalo lang din ako malungkot kapag wala akong kasama. Tutal close naman kayo ni Mommy, ituturing ko nalang kayo bilang kapatid. Only child din naman ako." I chuckled. "Ayusin niyo na muna gamit niyo, magluluto lang ako." I excused myself.

While I was preparing the dinner, I can't help but miss how Mommy used to call me for dinnertime. She would always cook ahead of time para makatulog din ako nang maaga. She's the best talaga, walang makakapantay.

I decided to cook Adobo and fried Tilapia. I guess this is going to be enough since wala rin akong gana kumain. I called the children and Alex, as well as my Titas. One of my aunts volunteered to stay with Mommy first after I eat, para palit nalang kami mamaya.

I was arranging the plates when I heard Bella whispering to her brother.

"Kuya, ayoko ng ganyang adobo..." tumaas agad ang kilay ko at parang nagpintig ang aking tenga.

"Uh, Cali? Wala ba kayo dyang spam? O kahit tuna?" Alex said, while scratching the back of his head.