Ten years earlier from the current time zone
“Are you trying to kill yourself again?” Napalingon ako sa nagsalita. It was the boy who saved my life when I tried to commit suicide. Just like me, he’s wearing a hospital gown. He also has an arm sling dahil sa injury na natamo niya sa kaliwang braso.
Nginitian ko lang siya. “Why are you smiling at me like that?” He asked while looking at me with his creep-out face. “You must’ve gone crazy after hurting your head.” Naiiling niya sabi. Nanahimik na lamang ako at hinayaan siyang lumapit sa kinaroroonan ko.
“Should I take you to a mental institution?” Suhestiyon niya at naupo sa tabi ko. I let out a heavy sigh.
“You had time to dodge that vehicle, why’d you stop?” Sandali ko siyang sinulyapan. Seryoso ang itsura niya habang nakatitig sa akin. He is making me nervous.
“I just want to end my sorrow. I don’t want to continue hurting inside.” He suddenly burst out of laughter. Anong nakakatawa sa sinabi ko? I am dead serious right now but he’s treating me like a joke.
“Of all the living creatures in the universe, do you think you’re the only one who’s suffering? Everyone experience pain” My eyebrows narrowed a bit nang marinig ko ang sinabi niya.
“I never said such thing.” Dipensa ko.
“Then tell me, why did you do that? Why did you try to commit suicide?” I bit my lower lips.
“I-I just want to see my parents…” Naramdaman ko ang pagdaloy ng luha sa aking pisngi.
“How about your grandma? Iiwan mo na lang siya mag-isa?” What he said created a loud bang on my chest. How could I forget about the only person who cared for me after my parents passed away?
“Here, take this.” Inabutan niya ako ng panyo. Agad ko ‘yung kinuha at pinunasan ang basa kong pisngi. “Don’t even think of jumping from this rooftop.” He warned me.
Hindi ko mapigilang mapangiti dahil sa inaakto niya. We don’t even know each other. This is the first time I met him but he already act as if we’re friends for a long time. “What if I plan to do so?” Paghahamon ko sa kanya.
“Do whatever you want, hindi na kita pakikialaman.” Itinuro niya ang injured niyang braso. “You see this?” Tumango ako.
Nagulat ako nang bigla niyang iangat ang shirt niya. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. “Hoy! Ibaba mo nga ‘yan!” Saway ko.
“Tsk green-minded. I just want to show you my other injury.” Napapikit ako dahil sa kahihiyan. Kung ano-ano ang pumapasok sa utak ko. Ibinalik ko ang paningin ko sa kanya.
“I had this when I got bumped by the car nang iligtas kita.” Tinanggal niyang ang bandage at bumungad sa akin ang malalim na sugat sa kanyang tagiliran. Mabuti na lang at natahi na ito, kailangan na lamang pahilumin.
“S-sorry…” Nasambit ko na lang.
“I’ll accept your sorry but you better not cause any trouble in the future.” I nodded.
“Actually, I came here to say goodbye. I’m leaving.” Ngumiti siya sa akin.
After that, tumalikod na siya at nag-umpisang humakbang palayo.
But before he’s completely gone out of my sight, he said something that totally moved my heart. I can feel the sincerity in his voice. He almost made me cry.
“You have to live no matter what happens. During the hardest part of your life, always try to remember that there are things worth surviving for…”
With that, he disappeared from my life. I never saw him in the hospital again and even after I got discharged. I didn’t even had the chance to ask for his name. However, I swear that I will never forget that boy. He is the person who gave me hope and courage to continue my life.
I’ll repay him for his kindness…someday…
--
HIS POV
Her name is Khaela.
I silently watched her from a distance. She seems so lost and pitiful. I know how she feel. The eternal torment she carries weights the same as mine--or does it? Tulad niya, nasasaktan rin ako. I feel so fucking guilty of an incident that I never actually did. But hell! Pakiramdam ko ay kasalanan ko ang lahat.
She is crying because of me. She is hurting because of a stupid creature like me. And I know, someday I have to pay her off. But how?