CHAPTER 7

"HINDI NAMAN ho talaga ito kailangan, S-Sir..."

Halos magbaga ang mga pisngi ko sa sobrang kahihiyan na nararamdaman habang nakasunod ako sa malapad na likod ng anak ni Mr. Sandoval papasok ng opisina. Well, I could feel the burning sensation penetrating my chest even as the cold air from the AC brushed against my skin, telling me that the burn on my chest badly needed an immediate treatment, but I couldn't let him do that.

He's my boss, for goodness sake!

Hindi siya umimik. Matapos niya akong paupuin sa itim na couch sa receiving area ay kaagad siyang lumabas. Saglit lamang iyon. Nang bumalik siya ay bitbit niya na ang isang maliit na puting plastic box— isang first-aid kit.

I shut my eyes in frustration. "There's no need to do this, Sir."

But he just silently seated himself next to mine. Inilapag niya ang first aid kit sa ibabaw ng glass center table at binuksan iyon na para bang hindi niya ako narinig.

His eagerness to treat my burn by himself was plastered on his stoic face.

Is