CHAPTER 28

I visited Tita Cecile's unit, and when I arrived, her face painted a worried expression. She looked surprised, and I could tell she had been looking for me.

"Ara, what's going on with you?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. "I've been worried about you for a week."

I managed a thin smile. "Sorry, Tita. I went to Tagaytay."

"What did you do there? You're so silly," she said. "You should have told me. So many people were looking for you."

"Do you know that Eric's dad has passed away?" she added. Her words left me stunned. "He often calls me, looking for you, worried because your phone is always off."

I clutched my temple, a wave of regret crashing over me. The weight of my neglect towards Eric in the past few days was crushing. I yearned to apologize, to make amends for my actions.

"How—how is he now? I'm sorry, Tita."

"I talked to him. He's okay now. I feel sorry for him. If only my sister and I could visit him in the States, we would, but we can't. We're trying to avoid causing tension with his grandmother."

I directed my eyes to the floor, my energy draining away, leaving me with a profound sense of loss. "I've wronged Eric so much," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I hope he can find it in his heart to forgive me."

She patted my shoulder. "Don't worry. Eric will be coming home next week. He's not angry; he's just very concerned about you."

I couldn't find the words to express my feelings. Memories of the past few days flooded back, each one a painful reminder of my emotional turmoil. I stared into space as if Tita Cecile wasn't there, the heaviness in my chest tightening my breath.

I made a decision last night and needed to share it with her, so I was looking for someone to talk to today.

"Tita, I might quit my radio program," I confessed, feeling like a child seeking her mother's guidance. "I want to focus on my clinical work now."

"If that's what's best for you, just go ahead," she responded.

Silence fell between us again. I returned to my senses when Tita Cecile held my left hand, looking at me intently.

"Ara, be honest with me. Is something wrong?" Her question caught me off guard, but I wasn't shocked. I couldn't hide my feelings any longer. "I can see it in your face. I went through something similar, so I understand. Don't be afraid to talk to me."

I took a deep breath and forced myself to speak.

"He's alive."

Confusion flickered across her face. "Who? I don't get it."

Tears welled up and spilled over. "Hector—the one I thought was dead—is alive," I said, my voice breaking. I bent my head downward, covering my face with my hands and brushing my hair back.

"How did that happen? I'm so sorry, Ara. Is that why you disappeared for a week?"

"I don't know how it happened, but what matters is he's alive and has amnesia. Marco is Hector."

"Huh? Are you sure?" Tita Cecile's eyes widened. "Maybe he just looks like him, Ara. That happens sometimes."

I ended up telling Tita Cecile everything. I detailed every event of the past few days, why I disappeared for a week, and why I left when I went to the police station. Confessing the truth made me feel lighter. She listened patiently, which I appreciated. She couldn't believe it either.

After I finished my story, we sat silently, struggling to find the right words. If fate were a person, Tita Cecile and I would have had harsh words for it. Fate had become our enemy because of what it had done to us.

She handed me a box of tissues and rubbed my back. I felt she now understood my situation.

"What do you plan to do now, dear?" she asked.

"I need to fulfill my promise to face him for treatment."

"I'm worried about you—because if he gets better and suddenly decides to return to you, things might get even more complicated. He has a family, and you're about to get married." I suddenly remembered Eric visiting my clinic. I knew Tita Cecile was worried about the same thing, that this incident might happen again to her nephew.

"Don't worry, Tita. I've accepted it," I said, holding her hand. "I thought about it a lot when I returned home. Things will never be the same. I won't interfere in his family's life now, even if he recognizes me. We have to accept our situation with open hearts. It was a tough decision, but I knew it was best for everyone."

"Ara, I'm here for you. Talk to me if you ever feel you can't handle it anymore."

I bit my lip and nodded, glancing at the ceiling as if tears wouldn't fade. I wiped my eyes again. "When Hector came back, it hurt even more. It hurts so much."

And I cave in. Tita Cecile embraced me, reminding me of my mother. Her gentle pats on my back comforted me like a child. I was grateful for her presence, understanding, and love. At that moment, I felt less alone in my struggle.

"Just cry it out, Ara," she said gently. "But don't let yourself become completely weak. Be strong; fight it."

"Tita, promise me that this won't reach Eric. Don't worry, I will be okay."

I didn't want Eric to be involved in what was happening to me now, and I needed to hide it well when he returned. I had to strengthen my heart because this might be my last card. I wouldn't let my whole being crumble; I would hold on as much as possible.

"I respect your decision, but don't let him down. Please don't neglect my nephew."

She let go of her embrace, and I nodded. As I remembered something else, my gaze became unfocused again.

***

"Ara, you have a visitor," Mama said.

I quickly got up, wiping away my tears and fixing my hair. Mama gave me a warm smile, but before I could say anything, she turned and left my room. I heard her inviting someone in. My heart skipped a beat when he appeared at the door, catching me completely off guard.

"Hector—Daddy?"

I couldn't believe he was standing in front of me. His flight to America was supposed to be today. I wondered why he hadn't left, given that his petition papers appeared in order.

"Why are you here? I thought—"

"I refused to go with my parents, Mommy. I let them leave without me."

"But why, Daddy? I thought you were sorting out your petition papers."

"I did, but I stopped," he said as he approached me and held my face. "Mommy, I don't want to be away from you. I can't leave you."

Tears streamed down my face as he laughed softly at my reaction.

"Daddy, thank you! I can't bear it either," I exclaimed. I hugged him tightly, not wanting to let him go.

"No matter what happens, we won't leave each other, okay? We'll always be together and build our dreams."

That was the happiest moment of my life. No one could stand in the way of our love. No matter what, we would never separate, even for eternity. But if only the concept of eternity existed.

I snapped back to the present, shaking my head. Why did everything end like this? Why did fate have to play tricks on me twice? No matter how often I cried for him, there would never be an eternity for both of us. I was too confident that this would last for a lifetime, that nothing could stand in our way, but it was all wishful thinking in the end.

"Hector, what a waste."

Regret and bitterness started to consume me again.