CHAP 35

"Mommy? Are you still there?"

I couldn't speak. Kahit ang gumalaw ay hindi ko magawa. I tried to swallow the lump in my throat as I slowly ended my daughter's call.

"Mr. Revelar," I uttered, acknowledging his presence.

Halos ilang santo ang pinasalamatan ko dahil hindi ako nautal nang nagsalita ako. I composed myself and stood up from my seat. Inayos ko ang suot kong coat bago tumingin sa kanya.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be distracted. Anyway, you're here for the meeting, right?" I asked the obvious and glanced at my watch.

Hindi ko masasabi na masyado siyang maaga sa usapan dahil ganito naman talaga siya noon pa. Bigla na lang sumusulpot bago o mismong kaorasan ng meeting. I put away my inside thoughts and tried to focus at him.

"Have a seat." I pointed the visitor's chair with an open palm.

Walang imik naman siyang sumunod. Prente siyang naupo habang magkakrus ang kanyang binti. Slowly, the tension inside my chest faded. Seeing him acting professionally made me at ease.

"Do yo