CHAPTER 32

On Monday morning, we gathered at my clinic for the day I'd planned to reunite Mommy Gloria and Hector. I called a friend in the laboratory department and asked them to have Maya come over.

"She's on her way, Hector's wife," I informed Mommy Gloria and Peter, sitting on the sofa. "I want you to meet her, Mom. And Pete, it's up to you to explain."

Mommy Gloria's hands were fidgety, and she seemed restless. "I am nervous, Ara. I don't know what to do when I see my son."

"Please calm down, ma'am. I'm nervous, too. No one will catch us if we both faint," Peter joked, earning a cheerful smile from Mommy Gloria.

A few minutes later, Maya appeared at the door. Mommy, Gloria, and Peter stood up immediately.

"Good morning, doctor," Maya said, her eyes darting toward the two strangers with a hint of curiosity. "Why did you call me?"

"Maya, I have someone to introduce to you. I hope you won't be surprised," I said calmly.

She glanced at Mommy Gloria and Peter again, recognition dawning on her face.

"This is Mrs. Gloria Villanueva, your husband's mother," she said, turning to me before looking back at Mommy Gloria.

"And I'm Peter Alcantara," Peter interjected. "You probably remember me from last week outside the lab. Hector and I were classmates in college. His real name is Hector Villanueva."

Unexpectedly, Maya approached Mommy Gloria and embraced her, bursting into tears. "Finally! I meet you."

"Where is he? I want to see my son!" Mommy Gloria exclaimed.

The door opened, and Rachel entered with a little boy. "Doctor, he's looking for his mother!"

Maya's attention shifted to her son. "Marco, come here."

Marco ran to Maya, who had let go of Mommy Gloria's hand. They both wiped away their tears. Rachel exited, and I approached them.

"Is he my grandson?" Mommy Gloria asked, still wiping her tears. "He looks just like Hector."

"Yes, Marco, this is your grandma. She's Papa's mother."

Marco was too shy to speak, so Mommy Gloria hugged him instead. I took a deep breath, relieved and happy to see my plan succeed. Yet, a part of me ached because this happiness was for Hector's family, not mine. What mattered was that I had done something good for Hector.

We all went to the laboratory department to meet Hector. Maya accompanied Mommy, Gloria, and Marco. As we walked, Mommy Gloria and I exchanged glances, communicating silently. Her eyes seemed to say, "I'm sorry, Ara," but I just smiled in reassurance.

***

Maya and I walk into the laboratory department first.

"Where have you been? I've been looking for you!" Hector exclaimed upon seeing Maya. When he saw me, he fell silent, looking embarrassed. He turned his gaze to Maya, clutching his temple.

"Sorry, Papa! I was at Dr. Clara's clinic. She asked me to come," Maya explained. "I want to introduce someone to you."

Hector was sitting in the waiting area, his son beside him. He avoided my gaze.

Peter arrived next, surprising Hector.

"You look familiar," Hector said.

Peter stopped and glanced at me, looking bewildered, before approaching Hector. "Brad, I'm Pete. We were classmates in college, brothers in our fraternity."

Confused, Hector glanced between Peter, Maya, and me. Peter reached out and grabbed his shoulder. "Tor, your mom is here with me. When I saw you last week, I looked for her. We thought you died in an accident."

Hector's face changed again. He touched his temple, running his fingers through his hair.

Mommy Gloria entered the room, looking restless. After many years, she was about to see her only child again, whom she thought had died. We all suffered from that thought.

Her arrival drew Hector's attention. Mommy Gloria embraced him, sobbing. "Hector, do you remember me? I'm your mother."

Hector stared into nothingness, his face expressionless. "Why are you here?"

We all fell silent as Mommy Gloria let go of her embrace. I exchanged glances with her, but our attention kept returning to Hector.

"Do you remember me?" Mommy Gloria asked.

"How could I forget you?" Hector said, not looking at her, his eyebrows furrowed. "You and Dad were never there for me. You neglected me."

Another silence enveloped us. I began to understand the extent of Hector's retrograde amnesia. Peter kept glancing at me, his confusion evident.

"Hector, that was a long time ago. I thought you had forgiven us," Mommy Gloria explained.

Peter approached me and spoke softly. "Ara, why does he remember his mother but not me? And why did he remember me last week if he has amnesia?"

"Hector has retrograde amnesia, Pete," I explained. "He lost his memory after the accident seven years ago, including his memories from college and high school. He remembers you from last week because his long-term memory can still form new memories."

Peter scratched his head but nodded.

Maya spoke while Hector clutched his forehead. "Papa, do you know your real name?"

"Hector! You remember us, so why didn't you look for us all these years?" Mommy Gloria asked again.

Hector messed up his hair and yelled, "Because I'm so tired of living like this!"

Hector covered his face with his hands, gasping in anger.

I intervened. "Can I talk to Hector alone?"

They followed my request, leaving Hector and me in the waiting area. They peeked through the large glass window in the hallway.

"Hector, why did you change your name?" I asked, my voice strained. Hector didn't look at me, his eyebrows furrowed. "Please answer me. I can't help you with your treatment if I don't know the truth."

I remembered how Hector treated my parents like his own, spending countless nights at our place. I couldn't believe he had hidden his resentment towards his parents from me for so long.

"I grew up with my nanny," Hector said, still not looking at me. "My parents were often absent, even during important occasions. I remember I only had my auntie and nanny with me during my elementary graduation. And now, when I found out I had amnesia, I took the opportunity to escape that painful reality. I forced myself to change my identity."

Anger bubbled up inside me. "Do you know how much we suffered for seven years without you?"

"What do you mean?" he asked.

I took a deep breath, fighting back tears. "If you hold any grudges against your parents, let them go. Your mother almost died of grief when she thought you were gone. You're valuable to them. You're a parent now, Hector, and you know how it feels."

Hector looked at the window, where Mommy Gloria was still crying, holding Marco. "I can't control my feelings when I see them. I need time."

"Your mother will cover the expenses for your operation. You and Maya don't have to worry."

Hector nodded. I left the room, letting Mommy Gloria in. I hurriedly said goodbye to Maya and Peter and strolled aimlessly around the hospital, ending up on the rooftop again. Leaning against the railings, I stared into the distance, feeling weak whenever Hector was near.

I still love Hector, and that is how I feel. What should I do now? My heart still yearns for him, and regret consumes me once again.

***

I stopped Eric from picking me up after work. I felt sorry for him for waiting inside my clinic for so long because I'd been so busy with Hector's case. It was seven in the morning and his Ford Ranger came to a halt at the hospital entrance.

"I will pick you up later, baby," Eric said. "You can't refuse anymore. I'm willing to wait."

I was about to open the car door but glanced toward him and breathed deeply. "Better not, baby. I'll be home late. Focus on your studio. They need you."

"I'm worried about you. You've been working hard. Come on, take a break."

Eric kissed my forehead, then moved to my lips. "I miss you a lot."

Then his lips descended toward my neck, which caught me off guard. I pushed him away. "Eric, stop. Not here."

He moved back to the steering wheel, and silence filled the car.

"The gang invited us to Pagudpud next week," Eric said.

"I'm always busy," I replied, losing interest. "You should go."

He stared at me. "You need breaks too. Didn't you enjoy joining us when you were exhausted from work?"

"I must monitor a patient's surgery today. I can't explain it, but I must prioritize this."

Eric sighed. "This is the first time you won't be with me."

"You'll be in good company. Melay will take care of you."

Eric forced a smile. My Android phone rang, and I quickly answered it. I opened the car door, hearing him say goodbye, but I was not paying attention.

I walked to the hospital entrance. When the call ended, I turned back. Eric's car was already gone. Guilt washed over me for not saying goodbye. I took a deep breath but proceeded to enter the building.