Chapter 21

Claire’s

“Yes, ma. Okay lang po talaga ako, at saka nandiyan naman si Kate para samahan ako.” I sighed as I explained myself to my mother. Lying to her was not my intention, but I really need to do this. Kung sasabihin ko na mag-isa lang akong pupunta ay mas lalo lamang siyang mag-aalala at baka hindi pa ako payagan.

“I just want to make sure, hija. Alam mo naman ayoko ko talaga sa mga retreat na ‘yan. It’s too risky at saka hindi mo kilala iyang mga kasama mo, they’re strangers, I don’t want to be judgemental pero nag-iingat lang ako.” Mahabang paliwanag ng mama ko. Worry and disapproval laced her voice,

I can’t blame her though, the last time I said that I’ll go on a retreat I ended up in the hospital. It was an isolated incident but, she still worries about it.

“It’s fine, ma. Really. Isolated incident lang