CHAPTER NINETY

“O-Okay po, m-mommy. What is it that y-you will say?” kunot noo at inosente nitong tanong.

Napatingin ito kay Maximo sabay kunot ng noo niya. “Mr. Grumpy? Why are you crying?” nagtataka na tanong niya.

Nasasaktan nat lahat pero palatanong pa rin tong anak ko.

Sasagot pa sana si Maximo pero pinigilan ko na agad siya. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya. Saka ako kumapit sa braso niya.

“Sweety, you want to meet your daddy right? You met him in your dreams?” I asked.

“Yes po.” she answered. It’s not as cheerful as her voice always sound but at least, she’s responding well.

“It turned to reality just now, my love. You want to know why?” nakangiti ko pang tanong habang nagpupunas ng luha.

Mas lalong tumindi ang pagkakakunot ng noo niya. “Why mommy?”

Mas lalo ko silang pinaglapit ni Maximo. I know she’s starting to wonder but alam ko rin na naghihintay rin siya na ipaliwanag ko sa kanya.

“Mr. Grumpy is your daddy, anak. Meet your dad.” Pagpapakilala ko.

“You’re not lying mom aren’t you?” Paninigura