Kabanata 30

ALIYAH'S POV

I have no idea how long we have been in this position; he is embracing me as if I were a fragile object that could break at any moment if he lets go of his hold.

I didn't understand why, despite the fact that I was holding everything inside, I never spoke a word... those painful words against him— only waiting to be spoken.

I didn't know why it feels surreal. Him, hugging me from my behind then here I am, looking down at the rapids of this river, and both of us that giving each other the silence we both need.

Masakit...

Kung may isang bagay man ang pinakamabigat sa akin ngayon, iyon ay ang sakit.

Sakit dahil sa pagkabigo sa lahat ng bagay. Sakit na dinulot ng pagkasirang pangako't pagtitiwala. Ang sakit dulot ng pagkakaiwan sa ere.

Masakit...

And it hurts more knowing he's here. His presence makes me weak. He makes me feel the searing pain of being that woman whom he left behind. He left me and brought all these struggles upon us.

I closed my eyes and swallowed the lump i