Chapter 19

"I'm really sorry, Carol. I really must go," Paumanhin ko sa kasama.

"It's okay, Kaia. I understand."

I tried so hard not to answer calls. I turned off my phone when Carol and I were talking— well, most of the time it was I who was talking. Palaging may tumatawag and it's usually Auntie or Kali. I don't want to talk to them pa kahit gaano pa kaimportante yung tawag. But my shop's landline rang. I thought it was from a customer. It turns out that it was my Auntie. Ibababa ko na sana yung tawag kaso she halted my by saying that the President invited us to lunch. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero ang sabi ni Auntie na dapat umuwi na ako.

I feel sorry for Carol. Kasi iiwan ko siya. She's been with me the whole time, listening to my rants. Although I noticed how off she's been acting.

"Are you sure you're okay? You don't seem okay," Sabi ko sa kanya.

Umiling siya. "I'm okay, Kaia. You don't have to worry." She forced a smile.

Tumango nalang ako, not fully convinced. "I'll call you later after