Sheena's POV
It was just a dream.
I wanted it to be just a dream. A nightmare. But the moment I woke up in the hallway of the hospital after breaking down, I heard silent cries and sobs of my friends and her family. That moment, I froze. I'm breathing but I can't feel my heart beating anymore. It hurts. I hurts knowing that tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, next decade, she won't be here anymore.
You fought a good fight, love. We both did. But we lost the battle of life. Her family lost a daughter. My best friends lost a good and since friend. While me? I lost everything. When she took her last breath, she took everything in me. I lost the love of my life.
And here I am, sitting in front of her coffin while waiting for our best friends to say their eulogy. I can't cry. Simula nang araw na nilabas siya ng hospital, hindi na ako maka-iyak. For some reasons, gusto kong ipakitang kinakaya ko kahit na halos araw-araw akong pinapatay sa ideyang wala na siya. Na hindi ko na siya makakasama sa buhay na ito. Na ang tangi ko nalang magagawa ay humiling na sa susunod na habang buhay, bigyan pa kita ulit ng pagkakataon na magkakilala at mahalin muli ang isa't-isa.
I looked at her. "You're so beautiful, bebe."Â I whispered.
Colet stood up but lost her balance. Mikha had to escort her in front of the podium and made sure that she's okay before leaving her there. I smiled bitterly.
Colet took a deep breathe. She faced me and I could only give her a sad smile. "Gweneth. Our Gweneth. It feels strange saying her name without her infectious laugh filling the space right beside it. Looking back, there are a million moments with Gweneth that replay in my mind. Gweneth was more than just being the nonchalant queen of our group. She had this incredible depth to her. She'd be the first one to feel that you're not feeling okay and had this uncanny ability to make you feel uplift even when the world felt like it was crumbling around you."
Colet wiped her tears before continuing. "Gweneth, our friendship, the one we shared with you, it was something special. We shared secrets whispered under starry skies, dreams we chased together hand-in-hand, and a love so fierce it could weather any storm. And I know, deep down, you wouldn't want us to drown in sadness today. You'd want us to celebrate the life you lived, the joy you brought to the world, and the love that will forever bind us together."
And right now, her voice is shaky. "So, my dearest friend, wherever you are now, know this: you leave behind a legacy of laughter, an echo of kindness, and a love that will never die. We'll carry you with us in our hearts, in the memories we hold so close, and in the way we choose to live life to the fullest, exactly as you would have wanted us to. Rest in peace, our Koala. Until we meet again." she rushed to Jhoanna and hugged her wife tightly.
Mikha cleared her throat, indicating that she's the next one to speak. She may seemed strong inside, but she was the first one to walked away the moment she saw Gweneth covered with a white blanket inside the ICU. She dragged Aiah with her. At that moment, I knew she was hurting too.
She let out a sad smile in front of everyone. A tear dropped in her left cheek before she could utter a word. Madali niyang pinunasan ang luha niya at tinapat ang mic sa kanya. "We'll celebrate the life you lived, the sunshine you spread, and the love that will forever connect us. So Gweneth, wherever you are, know that you leave behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and a friendship that touched us all. We'll carry you with us in our hearts, in the memories we hold so dear, and in the way we continue to live life to the fullest, just the way you would want us to. Rest in peace, Gweneth. You'll be deeply missed."
Maloi is the next one to speak. "Gweneth. The name itself brings a smile to my face, a warmth that reminds me of her infectious laughter and boundless energy. We weren't the closest, but whenever our paths crossed, there was this instant connection, this sense that Gweneth could light up any room she walked into."
She smiled. "Gweneth wouldn't want us to dwell on the sadness. She'd want us to celebrate the life she lived, the joy she brought to the world, and the warmth of her spirit that will forever be a part of us." she looked up. "So Gweneth, wherever you may be, know that the echo of your laughter and the memory of your kindness will continue to inspire us. We'll carry you with us in our hearts, in the stories we share, and in the way we choose to live life with the same zest you embodied. Rest in peace, Gweneth. You'll be fondly remembered."
And then, there's Stacey who's trying to hold her mic but dropped it twice. Maloi have to join her in the podium to make sure that she can finally say her last message for Gweneth. "The world feels a little dimmer without your light, Gweneth. But I know you wouldn't want me to be sad. You'd want me to celebrate the life you lived, the joy you brought to everyone around you, and that infectious laugh that will forever echo in my memory. So rest easy, Gweneth. May you find peace wherever you are. Shine on, my friend." she went directly to Gwen's coffin and kissed it before going back to her seat.
Aiah, the most understanding and strong personality that she is, failed to hide her Attorney-like aura. Tonight, she's just fragile as our other best friends. When she's in front of the podium, she wasn't able to utter a word. Gusto niyang magsalita pero puro panginginig lang at walang lumalabas sa bibig niya. She had to pass the mic to Jhoanna.
Jhoanna stood up, carrying Ep with her while the twins stayed with Colet.
"Good afternoon everyone, dor those of you who didn't know me, I'm Jhoanna, Gweneth's best friend. We've known each other since high school. Gweneth was more than just a friend; she was like a sister to me. We shared so many memories together, and I will cherish them forever. Gweneth's passing leaves a huge void in my life, but I'm so grateful for the time we had together. She taught me so much about friendship and love, and I will carry her lessons with me always Gweneth may be gone, but her memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Gwenny, our Gwenny, mahal na mahal ka namin. Walo pa rin hanggang dulo!" as she said the last words, our best friends came in front. Tulala lang ako hanggang sa inalalayan ako ni Maloi na tumayo to join our group hug.
Hindi nila ako iniwan hanggang sa ako na ang magsasalita. My love, you know how bad I am when it comes to public speaking. But for you, I'll overcome this. This is for you, My Gweneth.
"G-Good afternoon everyone ..." I smiled sadly at them. Tita is a crying mess now while Valfer and Tito is beside her.
"My name is Sheena, and Gweneth was the love of my life, my fiancée. We met in the hospital a few years back and from that day on, there was no one else for me. Gweneth wasn't just beautiful on the outside, her heart was even more radiant. She had this radiant energy like the sunset- way of making everyone around her feel loved and accepted. Her positive spirit was contagious, and together we overcome each fears, sadness, and struggles." I looked at my friends and saw them still crying.
I shook my head. No, I will not cry. Not in front of this crowd.
"We were building a future together, filled with dreams and laughter. Gweneth's absence leaves a gaping hole in my heart, but I am so grateful for the love we shared. She taught me the true meaning of life and a lot of things that I wasn't aware of before, a lesson I will treasure forever. Gweneth may be gone, but her love will continue to be a guiding light in my life. For those who knew Gweneth, please remember her." I always got choke.
"Bebe, hindi man natin natuloy ang panghabang buhay natin, sisiguraduhin kong itutuloy ko ang buhay ko para sa'yo. Walang araw na hindi kita iisipin. Walang gabi na hindi kita pasasalamatan dahil nagkaroon ng panibagong kahulugan ang buhay ko. Mahal na mahal kita. Rest in peace, my love. Until we meet again." I passed the mic and walked away.
I went home and locked the door of my room. Umiyak ako nang umiyak hanggang sa makatulog ako.
Nang mawala siya, iniisip ko kung paano ako babangon. Pero nang mawala rin siya, alam kong kailangan kong bumangon para makita ang paglubog ng araw dahil pakiramdam ko, tuwing nanunuod ako ay kasama ko pa rin siya.
I closed my eyes and when I open it again, I was in front of her tombstone.
"Kamusta ka, bebe?" I looked up. "M-masaya ba diyan? Pakisabi naman kay Lord na huwag puro hingi ng discount mga pasyente ko sa braces oh? Malulugi ako eh. Wala nang makakain si Nael niyan." I sighed.
"Huwag mo akong tatawanan ha? G-gusto ko sanang mag-adopt ng kiddo eh, tapos ipapangalan ko sa'yo." I whispered. "Gwen ... Gweneth Catacutan. P-parang anak lang natin, bebe." I wiped off my tears. Kusa na silang nagsisilaglagan na parang nagpapaunahan.
"Remember this day, love? Kasal na dapat natin ngayon eh. Hinihintay na sana kita sa Altar. Siguro tinatawanan mo ako kung sakaling hindi ako makapili sa tatlo kung sino ang kasama ko habang inaantay ka sa harapan. Wala eh, tatlo silang best friends ko." I laughed bitterly.
"Miss na miss na kita. ... Allow me to read my wedding vow? Sinulat ko ito habang inaantay kang magising sa ICU." Pero hindi ka na nagising, bebe.
I cleared my throat.
Gweneth,
From the moment you entered my life, it was as if the world bloomed with a thousand colors I never knew existed. You brought laughter to my quiet moments, strength to my doubts, and a love so fierce it took my breath away.
Today, standing here before you, my heart overflows with a love that words can barely contain. You are not just the love of my life, but my best friend, my confidante, my other half.
I promise to be your partner in every sense of the word. To celebrate your victories with a joy that rivals your own, and to hold your hand through every challenge life throws our way.
I promise to listen to your dreams and support you in chasing them, no matter how big or small. To be your biggest cheerleader, your shoulder to cry on, and the safe haven where you can always be yourself.
I promise to fill our lives with laughter and adventure. To explore new horizons together, hand in hand, and to create a lifetime of memories that will warm our hearts even in our golden years.
But most importantly, Gweneth, I promise to love you with every fiber of my being. A love that is patient, understanding, and ever-growing. A love that will weather any storm and emerge even stronger.
You are my everything, Gweneth. Today, I choose you, and I will continue to choose you every single day for the rest of our lives.
"English diba? Hindi ako nahirapan pero gumamit ako ng grammarly." I tried to joke.
"Babangon ako, bebe. Hindi ko man masilayan ang bagong umaga simula nang mawala ka, pangako, I'll continue chasing sunset with you. At malay mo bukas, I'll be chasing the first dawn too ever since I lost you. No pressure ha? Basta babangon ako." I told her while removing the leaves on her space.
"I love you so much, My Gweneth. Ikaw ang bawat simula, katapusan.... You're my last sunset and my first dawn."