KABANATA 124

Tumango siya. “May I know what his name is, Mama…” she said. I stared at her for a while and reading her eyes.

All I can see is hope and curiosity. Not sadness and hatred… I wonder why or maybe she isn’t yet get it.

“His name was Leon, Anak…” I still answered.

“Papa Leon…” she said bluntly.

Kumalabog ang puso ko dahil sa kakaibang pakiramdam noong narinig ang sinabi niya. Ito ang kauna unahang salita na sinabi niya ang pangalan ng kaniyang ama. Para akong hihimatayin dahil sa mga iba’t ibang emosiyon na nararamdaman ngayon.

Tumango ako. “I am Leona, near from him, Mama.” She said at bahagyang nahimigan ang kaniyang tuwa dahil sa narinig.

Tumango ako at ‘tsaka napangiti. “Oo, anak. I named yours from him because you look like him... especially your eyes, anak…” I answered her.

Tumango siya. Pagkatapos ay bumaling sa kabila na tila nag iisip. I just watch her until she gets her stared back at me.

“Don’t be sad, Mama…” she said. Ngumiti at umiling naman ako.

“I am not sad, anak…”