CHAPTER 47

Everything feels so warming. This day is so unforgettable. Nakatingin kami ni Callum sa anak na naglalaro sa damuhan habang hawak ang stuffed toy na napanalunan ni Callum kanina.

“She looks so happy,” I said while looking at my daughter.

“Yes, she is.”

“I love how happy she is now. Noong kaming dalawa pa lang, oo, tatawa siya at makikipaglaro sa akin. Pero minsan . . . alam kong alam niyang kulang sa amin. And every time I look at her with unsaid question, I’m always trying to make her feel that we’re going to have a good family. Kahit kaming dalawa lang. Nitong makauwi lang kami ng Pilipinas niya nababanggit ang “daddy” niya, na madalas ko na lang iisantabi dahil . . . wala naman akong maihaharap sa kaniyang tatay niya.” I look at Callum whose now looking down feeling so regretful. “Dahil maski ako, hindi ko pa kayang harapin ka noon. Dustin tried to father her. He’s willing to be her father.”

“Bakit hindi ka pumayag kung gano’n?” Nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin. “You still hate me