See You Soon, Soldier (Ambience Series #1)

Chapter Thirty-four

Fire

"Anak, kung magmamahal ka man, siguraduhin mong ipaglalaban ka niya at tatanggapin ka ng buong-buo."

"Motherbells, hindi na ako umaasa sa ganung bagay. Bakit bigla mo nalang 'yan nasabi? Ang cringe tuloy."

"Wala naman. Nanaginip kasi ako kagabi."

"And what's the dream?"

"Hinatid daw kita sa altar, anak."

It hurts.

Why is that everytime I had something that I deserve, there's always something that has been taken away?

Like my first step at Mount Hundor for a just quiet life and then I was already a criminal to the world.

Like I get the chance to have ten seconds to be with someone but then I have to be dying.

Like I tried to take a risk for that small bottle but someone I love needs to be shot first. Like how each soldier fight with one another just to survive one night.

Like how I was healed from my lifetime sickness that has been caging me but my loving mother died and left me alone.

"It's a worm, Bellemy. I'm sure."

Kinunotan ko ng noo si Worth. Umangat ako ng tingin sa kanya bago bumalik sa pagkakasandal sa dibdib niya.

We're now on our favorite hill. Near his dead apple tree and the river. All of the soldiers were on a bonfire with their President. President Sandler was their partner. Hindi ko pa siya nakakaharap pero nakita ko na siya kanina na kaharap si Secretary Walter kasama ng ama ni Worth.

They are all resting there, maybe planning their next move and we decided to get away.

Muli kong tinitigan ng maayos ang bulaklak na hawak ni Worth.

"It's a caterpillar, Worth." saad ko nang makita iyon sa bulaklak. I met his eyes.

The wind blew his hair soothingly. Sunlight's ray kissed his handsome face, beaming. He's the only one I had left and soldiers always go.

Iyon ang paghahandaan kong sakit sa oras na dumating iyon.

"It will turn into a butterfty soon.." I muttered.

He put down the flower with the caterpillar on it then grabbed my hand. He intertwined it with his and we both stare on our joint hands leveled on the setting sun.

"Then I hope to see that worm again soon. But with wings at that time." He calmly said. I can feel his warm breathing on my hair.

"Caterpillar nga." pagsusuway ko.

He chuckled behind me hugged me tighter. He pulled me closer to him by his arm around my waist. Siniksik ko naman ang sarili ko sa kanya at mas lalong niyakap ang braso niya.

Ilang minuto ay nanatili kaming tahimik. Our hands remained entwined with each other.

"Worth," I called him.

He glanced down on me.

Tumikhim ako at pinanatili ang tingin sa mga kamay namin.

"I.. I want my mother's body to be buried here," I swallowed hard. "She stays here. This mountain is her home."

Naalala ko ang yakap ko sa malamig na katawan niya kanina. Ang wala nang buhay na katawan ng nanay ko. Suminghap ako at bumaling pahiga sa dibdib ni Worth.

Agad siyang umalis sa pagkakasandal sa malaking bato at hinarap ako.

"Bellemy," He locked my cheeks. "She loves you so much. I'm sure she's so happy that you're cured now. And yes, she will stay here with you. I will make sure of that." he assured.