I found myself at the hospital as early as 7:30 in the morning.
No, there’s nothing wrong with me. In fact, I’m feeling a little perfect today.
Stephen had been sick since Friday. He had about 42-degree fever last night. I was dead-worried. I felt that the sponge-bath didn’t help at all… I slept late. I kept on thinking and planning for the coming day… and I wasn’t wrong. He still had a sky-high fever when I woke up at half past 6, so I decided to rush him at the hospital.
Oh my. The presumption totally blew my head. They had him sent to a government hospital to run an H1N1 test. What the!? H1N1? Quarantine? Are you serious? Ako din? Ganon? Ilang days? The questions started to run through my head but I didn’t let him notice. I was even teasing him that he was steaming hot.
I got seriously worried. On our way there, I prayed that it wasn’t that crucial.
His fever went up and down in a 20 to 30-minute interval; the normal lab tests took place and stated a viral infection in his lungs and another asthma attack. Apparently, this is becoming very often. I think we need to be more cautious than before… He had been very sickly and I need to look after his health more earnestly.
Triage. X-ray. Blood Sample. Lab tests. Nebulizer.
All I could do was to sit down and wait.
Then the chilling thought of losing him anytime came to me… No. I am not ready for that. NOT ANYTIME. I think I want to be his wife yet; I want L and S named after him. I know I am crazy for even thinking about it but I guess I am already out on a limb to lose the only best friend I have in this side of the map.
And so today I appreciate you more.
I want to do everything I can to take care of you… Coz with you, I have had the healthiest mutual dealings of my life.
With all the efforts circling the creation of a right relationship, I know for sure that the ones I exerted for you are the ones that I will never regret.
Our life together had been both joyous and tested but I want you to know that whichever way, my parting soul will not remember the laptop, mobile or even jewelries you gave me. Instead, I will bring the fondest memories I had with you…
…the days that we have nothing but each other
…the warmth of your arms that embraces me every night
…the conversation that ends our day
…the way you assure me that we can make it through whatever comes along
…the unquestionable support to whatever decision I make
…the way you slap me with my mistakes so I can learn
…the way you assure your love in times that I don’t deserve it
…and the way you just know what to do when I haven’t even said a word
In short, it is the impact of your presence; the times I love and felt loved.
That very ordinary day…
…And that extraordinary love.
BEING BRATINELLA 