Chapter 207

I slowly opened my eyes, and what welcomed me was a white room. I must be in a hospital room. Unti-unti akong bumangon at dagli kong naramdaman ang kirot sa likod ko. Muli kong naalala ang nangyari. Maging ang balang sinalo ko para kay Ismael. Hindi ko mapigilang mapaluha.

"You're awake..."

I turned to my right to see Ismael's face. His eyes were swollen, and he even had a dark circle under them. He must not have been sleeping well, because he's looking over me.

"Ismael." My voice cracked when tears welled up in my eyes. I immediately opened my arms to ask for a hug, which he did. His thighs are in between my legs.

"Jothea, my love..." he mouthed as he sniffed my scent. I felt his embrace tighten.

"Ismael, hindi ako makahinga," giit ko, pero hindi niya ako pinakawalan. Narinig ko na lamang siyang parang sumisinghot, dahil tahimik na umiiyak. Patuloy ang paghaplos niya sa buhok at likod ko na para bang ako ang kailangang paamuhin ngayong siya naman ang umiiyak.

"Brace yourself. I coul