CHAPTER 74—He missed her so much

I spent more time in Wilson and had a little conversation with Arlo and Regina. Not that long, I drove way to San Juan, Rivera to visit Tita Pau and Faye. Ate Fiona informed me that this day would be her last day to hold a vigil.

“Let me have that,” I volunteered and got the styro plate with a bunch of watermelon seeds.

“Nakakahiya na sa ‘yo, Rome. Upo ka na lang kaya roon?” Napakamot si Ate Fio.

“Bumabawi lang,” simpleng sagot ko. I put the styro plate on the table. People were smiling at me.

“Sino siya?”

“Hindi ko kilala. Sosyal siya oh.”

“Bango pa.”

“Sabi sa ‘yo pagchichismisan ka riyan eh,” Ate Fio said when I suddenly entered inside. Ayoko kasi ‘yung pinag-uusapan ako, pero hindi naman ako naiinis sa kanila.

“Can I give some coffee sa mga nagpapasugal?”

“Maupo ka. Ako na bahala roon. Bisita ka rito. Kausapin mo na lang si Mama,” pagtawa niya.

“Okay, fine.”

Naupo na lang ako sa harapan ng kabaong, but soon stood to sight Tita Pau. Nangayayat siya, unlike before. Faye lo