CHAPTER 44

The doorbell kept ringing at two in the morning, each chime amplifying the anxiety in my chest. Eric had heard Hector's voice earlier, and I had forgotten to turn off my Android phone in panic. Now, I didn't know what to do. I was desperate to avoid another confrontation between them; it would be even worse for Hector.

The loud banging on the door left me no choice but to open it. My hands trembled as I twisted the knob, fearing the neighbors might be disturbed and file a complaint. Eric's angry, almost red eyes met mine as soon as the door swung open, magnifying my fear and anxiety. He scanned the unit, and when he saw Hector, he stepped inside without a word.

I burst into tears, wrapping my arms around Eric. "Please, Eric, don't hurt him," I pleaded, barely whispering. I clung to him, trying to prevent any violent action.

Eric continued walking, ignoring my words. I tightened my grip, sobbing uncontrollably. His body trembled with anger, and I could feel my fear reflected in his shaking hands. My tears soaked his chest, but I didn't let go.

I buried my face deeper into his chest until he stopped walking. He took a deep breath, and I let go, still crying. Eric looked at me, his eyes showing a glimmer of restraint. He turned around, closed the door slowly, and suddenly punched it. The sound of splintering wood made me cringe. He collapsed onto the tiled floor and burst into tears. I turned away and went to Hector.

***

I dialed Mommy Gloria's number repeatedly, but no one answered.

"Hector," I said, approaching him again. "Do you have any information about yourself? Where do you live?"

"Huh," he muttered, not himself again.

Worry gnawed at me. If Hector had no psychosis and DID, I might have an idea of what was happening to him.

"I'm sleepy," he said again, and I just nodded, guiding him to lie down and covering him with a blanket. His childlike state didn't change. He still looked helpless and lost. Then it dawned on me. My worry had deepened about his condition.

I glanced back at Eric, still crying with his head down. His fist was bleeding. I felt sorry for his situation and knew it was time to explain everything to him.

When Hector fell asleep on the sofa, I went to the bathroom, retrieved my first-aid kit, and sat on the floor facing Eric. I gently took his bleeding hand, but he pulled away, looking in another direction.

"Eric, please," I begged, my voice breaking.

Eventually, he let me hold his hand. I treated his wound in silence. He didn't flinch, and we didn't make eye contact. When I finished, I realized we were both crying. I didn't leave his side. Leaning against the wall near the door, we watched Hector sleep.

"Tell me, Ara. Who is he in your life?" Eric finally broke the silence.

"Long story, Eric."

"I'm ready to listen."

I lowered my head, gathering the courage to speak. "Seven years ago, he was my boyfriend," I said, feeling the heavy guilt in my heart. "He had an accident, and we all thought he died, but he suddenly came back. He came back with no memory of me."

"Do you still love him?" Eric asked, his voice trembling.

"No," I lied, but the words felt hollow.

I lifted my head, looked at the ceiling, and then turned to Eric. "Yes, Eric, I still love him."

He burst into tears and quickly stood up. Surprised, I watched him open the door and run out. I had no choice but to follow him. Since the elevator was unavailable, he took the fire exit. From the twentieth floor, I chased Eric until we reached the ground floor.

"Eric!" I called, but he ignored me.

We exited the building, and I saw him heading toward his parked car. He didn't look back. He got in and sped away. I chased after him until I couldn't catch up anymore. I kneeled on the concrete road, breathless and sobbing. His car disappeared from my sight.

When I returned to my unit, Hector was still sleeping. I sat on the floor beside him, gazing at his peaceful face. Did I make the wrong decision to let Eric come into my life? This is too much. I couldn't control myself and ended up crying even more.

"Why are you crying?" Hector's voice startled me.

"I'm fine, sorry," I said, trying to compose myself, wiping my tears, and forcing a smile.

He sat up and joined me on the floor. Then, I could no longer bear it. I caved in, crying louder. Strangely, he embraced me, and I held him tightly. After all these years, it felt surreal to feel his embrace again.

***

We stood on the condominium building's rooftop, admiring the early morning Ortigas skyline. The cool breeze and the city's stillness offered a moment of serenity. I wanted to share this peaceful time with Hector until the sun rose.

"I come here when I'm sad—when I remember him," I said.

He was quiet beside me, but he didn't seem troubled. I smiled thinly, wanting to memorize his face as I used to.

"He's the man who does a crazy somersault when he's happy," I continued, even though Hector might not understand. "He wanted to marry me and have a happy family. He was kind and helpful, often putting others' needs before himself. He loved to admire beautiful things, like the sunset. Sometimes, he was naughty when I was sick, but I found it endearing."

Tears poured down again. "This man used to love me so much, but now he has forgotten it."

You came back, Hector, but fate denied you to me again. I said to myself. It's okay. At least I have you with me right now.

"I'm feeling something painful," Hector said, furrowing his brow.

"Painful?"

"Someone left me," he said, tapping his temple lightly.

I took out my phone and called Mommy Gloria again. Hector was experiencing PTSD. I became worried about him, and I needed to find answers. When she finally answered, I made a deep sigh of relief.

"Ara, thank goodness you called," Mommy Gloria said.

"Mom, Hector is with me. Please come here now." Then I heard her bursting out on the other end of the line. But at least she gave me hope.

At five in the morning, Mommy Gloria and Daddy Ben arrived. I greeted them with a tight hug. Did they know what happened to Hector? Mommy Gloria's eyes were swollen, like mine. How many days had they been looking for him? Daddy Ben ran to Hector and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, Ara," Mommy Gloria said between tears.

"Who are you?" Hector asked, glancing back at them.

"These are your parents, Hector," I told him.

He looked between them, confused. "Parents?"

Hector bent his head and swiped his hair upward. Mommy Gloria started crying again. She probably couldn't handle the overwhelming feeling of her missing son, so she collapsed in his arms. Hector hugged her back, even though he looked confused. Daddy Ben also started crying and joined them in their embrace, surprised by his son's current situation.