KABANATA 4

“Ganoon ba?” anitong bahagya pang tumango. “O siya sige, hindi na kita ipagtitimpla ng kape. Baka mahirapan ka pang makakuha ng tulog mamaya,” pagpapatuloy nito.

With a decisive motion, she returned the cup she’d been holding back into the cupboard. Her understanding demeanor reminded Marcus of how supportive his parents had always been, encouraging him to pursue his ambitions without hesitation.

Agad na ibinalik ni Marcus ang paningin sa screen ng kanyang laptop habang hindi naman nawawala sa kanyang isipan ang totoong dahilan ng kanyang pagsusumikap. Graduating with a degree in BS Biology was just the first step on a long journey. His goal wasn’t just to finish school—it was to continue to medical school and eventually specialize as a cardiothoracic surgeon. It was a lofty ambition, requiring years of intense study and rigorous training, but Marcus welcomed the challenge.

Sampung taon mula ngayon nakikita niya ang sariling abala sa ospital, performing life-saving surgeries and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Ang isiping iyon ang para sa kanya ay tila ba tunay na dahilan kaya siya ipinanganak. Making every late night and sacrifice worthwhile.

“Sandali nalang, Ma at matutulungan ko na rin kayo ni Papa sa mga gastusin,” ani Marcus habang ang tinig ay kababakasan ng totoong determinasyon.

Ngiti lang ang isinagot doon ng kanya ina. Kaya tahimik lang din niya itong pinanood habang nang ilapag nito sa kanyang harapan ang platong may lamang egg sandwich. Kakaibang damdamin ang humaplos sa puso niya nang masamyo ang mabangong aroma niyon.

His stomach growled in response, reminding him of how long it had been since his last meal. The gesture, simple yet thoughtful, was another reminder of his mother’s unwavering care. It wasn’t just any sandwich either—it was his favorite. Somehow, she always knew how to provide the exact kind of comfort he needed, even without him asking.

Kinuha niya ang sandwich saka iyon kinagat. Alam niya ang pagsusumikap ng mga magulang niya para sa kanya at sa kanyang pangarap. Branch manager ang kanyang ina sa isang kilalang bangko. Kung paano nito napagsasabay ang pagiging ina at career woman ay hindi masabi at hindi rin mahulaan ni Marcus.

His father, Mario, was a software engineer at a major telecommunications company, a career that required long hours and mental rigor. Together, their stable professions were the foundation of Marcus’s opportunities—enrolling him in a prestigious university, encouraging his aspirations, and ensuring he had everything he needed to succeed. The thought filled him with both gratitude and a sense of responsibility.

“Pagka-graduate mo, dumiretso ka na sa med school, anak,” ani Juliana sa malambing na tono at iyon ang humila sa kanya mula sa malalim na pag-iisip.

Her words carried both encouragement and an unspoken reminder of the expectations she and Mario had for him. Marcus glanced at her, her face reflecting pride and love. While he knew she and his father had saved enough to cover his education, he still felt a pull to contribute in some way.

He wanted to lessen their burden, to show them that their sacrifices had not been in vain. But for now, he simply nodded, savoring the sandwich and the quiet moment they shared in the kitchen.

“Gusto kong magtrabaho, Ma. Gusto kong magturo sa university kung saan ako nag-aaral ngayon. Sa tingin ko kaya ko namang pagsabayin iyon at ang med school,” iyon ang isinagot ni Marcus. Matatag ang tinig at kalmado.

He took another bite of the egg sandwich, savoring its comforting taste. His mother’s cooking always had that effect on him, no matter how tired or stressed he was. But as much as he appreciated the warmth of the meal, his mind was already racing ahead to his plans.

Balancing his studies with work had always been a part of his life—he’d done it through college, and he knew he could manage it in med school too. The idea of teaching was particularly appealing; it would not only provide him with some income but also help him stay connected to the academic environment he loved.

Juliana, however, wasn’t convinced. Her expression softened as she leaned back in her chair, the lines of concern creasing her brow despite the smile she wore.