The Lonely Gods of Hagayon (On going)

Chapter 1 - Curiosity Kills

Muntik na akong matumba nang makita ko ang kabuoan ng hospital bill ni Mommy. It was way beyond what I was expecting. Of course, the first million went to the surgery. The next million went to the medicines, doctor and hospital fees and all the jazz of staying at the hospital for three weeks.

But the third million on the bill was like a shock to me. I mentally note to talk to someone to explain to me bakit ganoon naging kalaki ang bill. May nakalagay naman na other expenses but I have to know the breakdown.

Nang marinig ko na gising na si Mommy ay mabilis kong itiniklop ang bill at itinago sa bag ko. I got Mommy her own room. Bukod sa halos doon na ako tumira ay mahirap nang mahawaan pa si Mommy ng ibang sakit kapag sa ward sya mag-I stay.

"Good Morning, Mommy. How are you feeling?" Nakangiti na tanong ko.

She smiled back, but she still looks weak as hell. Lagpas isang lingo na mula nang operahan sya at naghihilom naman na ang sugat. In three days ay pwede na raw kami umuwi basta bed rest pa rin ang kailangan ni Mommy. I was also advised to hire a private nurse at least for two months or until maibalik na ang lakas ni Mommy.

Nakasangla na ang lupa kung saan nakatirik ang three story building na paupahan namin and Mommy doesn't know it yet. Kung ganito kalaki ang babayaran namin na siguradong lalaki pa dahil may ilang araw pa kami ay baka maisangla ko na rin ang bahay at lupa namin na katabi lang ng paupahan namin.

Pero saan na kami pagkatapos? Mommy still need a regular check up, medicine and the private nurse. Parang sasabog na ang utak ko sa kakaisip pero kailangan kong itago ang nararamdaman ko para hindi mag-alala si Mommy.

"I feel good, anak. Have you had your breakfast?" Tinulungan ko syang makaupo at sumandal sa head board ng hospital bed nya.

Umiling ako. "Not yet, Mommy. Busog pa po ako, kinain ko kaninang alas kwatro 'yung tira kong palabok."

"I see. You know, Blair, I am feeling a little better. Why don't you go home today para makatulog ka ng maayos and then kamustahin mo mga tenants natin. You can go back tonight."

Mabilis akong umiling. "There you go again, Mommy. Tinataboy mo na naman ako. Nakakatulog naman ako ng maayos dito. The couch is quite big and comfortable. Ilang araw na lang naman and you can go home."

"Have you seen your face, Blair? Your skin's already so dry and the dark circles.. Oh my, anak. You shouldn't forget to take care of yourself." Naiiling na sabi nya. Mommy's voice is sweet and soft. She's also very refined. Pero prangka kung baga.

Palihim kong pinaikot ang mga mata ko. "I'm okay, Mommy. Please." I don't want to sound annoyed. Iba kasi maglambing si Mommy. Pupunain nya muna ang mga kapintasan ng isang tao pero magbibigay sya ng payo. Sanay naman na ako pero umagang umaga naman kasi at iyon agad ang sasabihin nya.

Aware na ako na dry na ang skin ko. Air-conditioned room ang room ni Mommy at bihira lang ako lumabas. Kapag may bibilhin na pagkain, gamit o gamut o kapag may kakausapin ako sa cellphone or may imi-meet ako sa labas. Halos dito na ako tumira.

She giggled. "Oh, I'm sorry. You should have brought your face masks and hydrating cream."

"Mommy naman, maiisip ko pa ba magpa ganda sa sitwasyon mo?" Hindi ko na napigilan sabihin.

"That's what I was saying. You shouldn't forget to take care of yourself just because I am sick. Anak naman, ni hindi kita pinapadapuan ng lamok ever since you were a child. May sakit na nga ako pero para ka pang mas mukhang may sakit." Humalukipkip sya at inirapan ako.

I sighed. "Fine, sorry. Don't worry, kapag nakalabas ka na, I'll set an appointment with Cora." Tukoy ko sa malayong pinsan ko na may dermatology clinic.