44 - I Will Embrace You

HARI YASIEL SIERRA

I went to the gym to clear my thoughts. Bahala na kung anong sasabihin ni Cheska once she saw the puppy. I’m sure she’ll like it, at mawawala na ang pagtatampo niya sa akin.

I spent hours in the gym until I decided to get back to my room—nang makita kong nagmamadaling bumaba si Baste, nakabihis.

“Saan ka pupunta?” Kunot-noong tanong ko sa kanya. His steady and cold demeanor becomes frantic, as if something happened to someone. I’ve never seen him like this before—even to Genevieve. Aligagang-aligaga ito habang nagmamadaling lumabas.

“Somewhere.” wala sa sarili nitong sagot.

Nakatitig lang ako sa likod ni Baste hanggang sa tuluyan na itong nawala sa paningin ko, kaya umakyat na ako para makaligo, at pinagmasdan ko ang tuta na naglalaro sa loob ng kwarto ko.

“What should I name you, little puppy?” He’s too tiny; maybe a six-month-old. I can’t remember. His hair is white as snow.

After taking a bath, I played with the puppy and fed him. Tulad nga ng sabi ni Cheska, Bich