Present Day | 2026

    
    
I feel a burning ache of suppression capturing my chest. "He lost too much blood," the comment echoes in my head, a sharp reminder of the risks we confront in our line of work.

In the intense and high-pressure setting of a rescue operation, the skill of emotional suppression becomes paramount. The ability to set aside personal emotions and focus on analyzing the situation can make a crucial difference in saving lives.

Emotional suppression isn't about ignoring or denying feelings; it's about managing them effectively so they don't interfere with your thoughts and actions. It's about striking a balance between empathy and productivity, between your heart and mind.

But mastering this skill is challenging, especially as tension mounts and negativity fills the air. Whwn stress tightens its grip, and the urge to succumb to fear and despair looms large.

In these critical moments, composure can make all the difference, even between life and death. Yet, it demands patience and mental stability, especially when prioritizing the well-being of yourself and those in need.

And if keeping your emotions in check means one more person gets to see another day, then it's a small sacrifice to make.

Breaking down shouldn't be in my vocabulary but Im on the verge of it. So, I gather my strength that had me forever to take a deep breath before I compose myself.

Lives hang in the balance, and I need to steel my resolve as I prepare to address the frantic medics before me.

"Set aside your fears for now. We have casualties coming in who desperately need our help. It's time to focus and do our jobs!"

My role ends here because I'm only a volunteer nurse and can't handle the complex medical procedures. At this point, offering encouragement and support is all I can do.

"Breathe," I said, my voice steady as I firmly grasped the shoulders of a young medic from the local responders, his eyes locked on the blood-soaked man before him.

"Apply pressure," I instructed, guiding his hands to press down on the wound of the patient.

Quickly, I grabbed some sterile bandages and helped him cover the large wound. "You can do this. Just focus on what's in front of you." He nodded, a look of determination returning as he rolled up his sleeves, regaining his composure and professionalism.

Put emotions aside, we have lives to save. Iyan ang paulit-ulit na tumatakbo sa isipan ko upang labanan ang namumuong tensyon sa'king sistema sa dami ng dumadating na mga biktima ng landslide na ngayon lang na-rescue.

Sa kabila ng pagod at puyat, nananatili kaming pursigido. Ang bawat isa sa team ko ay nanatiling matatag sa kabila ng nangyaring insidente habang may nililigtas kaming mga taong ilang araw ding stranded sa kanilang mga gumuhong tahanan.

Ang iba ay natabunan ng lupa o mga debris na sa kabutihang palad ay nakaligtas. Five days have passed since a magnitude 8.5 earthquake devastated Nueva Vergara City and the remote island of Britanya off the coast.

The massive quake triggered a landslide that buried nearly one-fourth of the island's only village, leaving its inhabitants struggling to survive.

As the sole rapid response force faced difficulties reaching the remote area due to severe manpower shortages and challenging terrain, the City's Red Cross volunteer team was urgently dispatched to provide immediate disaster relief.

Our organization was also mobilized to collaborate with the Red Cross team. Assigned to specific work areas, we leveraged our expertise in rescue operations to lead the efforts in conjunction with the local rescue unit.

We were met with a scene of profound desperation. The islanders, visibly exhausted and anxious, had been waiting for help with growing concern. The team quickly established a makeshift medical station, distributing essential supplies like food, water, and medicine.

Volunteers worked efficiently, tending to the injured and offering comfort to those in distress. Despite the overwhelming conditions, the team's coordinated efforts began to restore a sense of order and hope.

Collaborating with local community leaders ensured effective distribution of aid and the establishment of plans for sustained support.

While the government's disaster teams work diligently to progressively deliver more structured aid from Nueva Vergara to the island, our small group of volunteers was responsible for ensuring survival during the first day or two.

I believe it will take months of sustained compassion to rebuild lives here, and it will never be easy. Taking the deepest breath I could muster, I closed my eyes...Alam kong ginawa ko ang aking makakaya para mapanatili ang puso at isip kong maging matatag.

Ngunit habang tumatagal kami rito at sunod-sunod padin ang mga aftershocks kaya parang imposibleng manatili sa aking katinuan. At kailangan ko pa talagang pag daanan ang isang matinding pagsubok bilang isang rescuer.

The gravity of my negligence was impossible to hide; the weight of the failed rescue mission burdened both my team and me.

Blood stains clung to our clothes like morbid badges of honor, and my hands bore the evidence of the gruesome sight I had witnessed.

Ayaw ko mang alalahanin ang mga nangyari pero binabangungot naman ako ng gising.

We are all far from our best, having been awake around the clock, tirelessly rescuing without pause at the slightest indication of life in every site devastated by the earthquake.

Our bodies ache, our minds are fatigued, and our emotions are stretched thin. At ang ganoong mga insidente ay hindi maiiwasan pero hindi ko parin makumbinsi ang sarili ko na hindi ako naging pabaya. Na hindi ako nag kulang, hindi nagkamali...

Halos mangatngat ko naman ang ang labi habang nakikipagtalo sa sarili. It was really my fault—

"Don't you dare think again that you're at fault," a voice resonates from behind. I pursed my lips, iniisip ko nanga, kanina pa. Sadyang ayaw lang talag ako lubayan ng konsensya ko.

"Doc. Han..." I sighed, calling out to him.

Iminulat ko ang aking mga mata para salubungin siya, ngunit hindi ko inaasahan na ganoon pala siya kalapit, dahilan upang bigla akong umatras. "God, quit that habit even at work, you're too clingy."

"We're not on duty though, ease up, Tin. Take a rest and change. Here, I've got your medication and a blanket for you," he said gently. He then carefully opened the capsule and handed it to me along with a bottle of mineral water.

He also leaned closer, helping me remove my dirty clothes and gently wrapping me in the warm embrace of my blanket na para bang isa akong embutido. His actions were filled with care and tenderness.

Kahit kailan talaga nuknukan sa pagkatamis ang lalaking 'to. Sobrang bait at maalagain. Sarap niya talagang jowain, kaso in dormant state naman ang puso ko.

Hindi ko makuhang mahulog sa mga sweet gestures at act of service niya. Hindi makuhang tumibok ng puso ko sa kagubatang ito. Buti nalang, klinaro niyang wala siyang ibang motibo sa pagiging maalaga niya sa akin.

He just cares for me cause he sees me as his grandmother.

Oh, diba paanong romantic iyon?

Gusto ko ngang mainsulto nung unang narinig ko ang dahilan niya kaso binalewala ko narin dahil minsan lang ang taong ituturi kang kapamilya kahit hindi mo naman kadugo.

Pero kung sino mang hindi nakaka kilala sa amin, na'ko, paniguradong pagkakamalan kaming mag-asawa.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, concern evident in her eyes.

"I'm fine, don't worry," I reassured, forcing a smile. "You'll need to take over the shift later so I can get some rest."

Han nodded, but his worried expression remained. "I'm really fine, trust me," I insisted, trying to ease his concern. "I just need a little downtime. And please, stop looking at me like I'm an old woman who needs constant care."

"You know you need constant care, Kristin." he remarked softly, placing a gentle hand on my head.

Bahagya niyang ginulo ang aking buhok bago gumuhit sa mukha niya ang tiwala sa'king mga sinabi.

"Don't make me worry, nurse Kristin."

"Yes, Doc..." I responded, a hint of playful sarcasm in my tone.

"I'm serious, Kristin," Han emphasized. Haha, ang sarap niya talagang asarin, hindi kasi siya marunong magalit.

"And so am I, Han," I retorted, matching his seriousness with a touch of defiance.

He clicked his tongue disapprovingly. "Your health—"

"I'm not on my deathbed, for heaven's sake!" I interjected, a smirk playing on my lips.

"Take a good rest," pag-uulit niya bago umalis. Minsan mas malala pasya kung magalala kesa kina mama at papa eh.

"I will, and you stay safe!" habol kong sabi at kumaway.

He's not assigned to rescue operations because he holds a medical license, while I am solely a volunteer specializing in rescue work. However, his the head of our unit, and I lead the operations. He remains on standby, tending to patients in our unit's medical tents.

Apat lang naman talaga kaming nasa organisasyon at ang katulong namin ngayon ay ang mga sundalo at iilang galing sa Red Cross at local unit.

Graduate lamang ako ng kursong nursing kaya tinatawag nila akong volunteer nurse at naging maalam ako sa rescue operations dahil sa mga training programs na kinukuha at sinasalihan ko.

Habang hinahatid ng tingin si Doc
Han paalis ay nangliliit ang aking mga mata sa kaniyang hitsura, ang gulo kasi ng buhok niya at mukhang kakagising lang ng tao.

'Tamo nga naman lakas maka usisa sa kalagayan ko pero maski buhok niya hindi niya maayos-ayos.

But there is no issue at all. The Korean doctor who ended himself in the Philippines is as attractive as ever.

Nakakatuwa namang isipin kung papaano siya napadpad sa ganitong klaseng trabaho when only two years ago, he came here for a six-month training stint to earn his General Practitioner license before planning to migrate to the United States. Now, he’s still here, actively saving lives in this country.

It's amazing how routes may divide and take us to unexpected destinations. At kung iisipin, wala ako ngayon sa kinatatayuan ko kung hindi dahil sa mga taong naka palagid sa'kin, lalong-lalo na si Doc Han.

It feels like just yesterday I was alone, carrying the weight of the world. But when he arrived, he didn’t hesitate to help me carry on. With his presence, the burden I was bearing seemed to lift. He stood by me through the challenges I faced, providing strength and support.

Hindi niya ako iniwan sa aking mga pagsubok, bagkus ay nagpakita siya ng tunay na pag-aalala at malasakit.

At sa pamamagitan ng kanyang presensya, natutuhan kong hindi ako nag-iisa at na mayroon akong kasama sa aking mga laban. Ang kanyang pagmamahal at suporta ay nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa akin upang patuloy na harapin ang buhay nang may pag-asa at pinatutunguhan.

I won't waste any time until I complete my mission. As long as I can help, support, and guide others toward their well-being, I’m unstoppable. Because having a purpose is the very reason why I continue to live a life that I never thought I would still be breathing for.

Tired, yet fulfilled, I headed back to our tent and took my time to thoroughly clean and sanitize my body before getting into bed. Though, I still have a hard time to succumb into deep slumber dahil sa pangyayari pero nakatulog din naman ako ng mapagod kakaisip.

Maybe, the warm bath I had also helped me get a rest that I ended up waking up quite late in the afternoon. At tanging nagpagising sa'kin ay ang ingay mula sa labas ng tent.

Naririnig ko ang aking mga kasamahan na nag-aaway sa kung sino raw ang gigising sa akin. Napakamot na lang ako sa ulo, ano naman kaya ang meron para magkaroon pa sila ng alitan sa simpleng pag gising sa'kin?

"What's the matter?" I asked upon parting the opening of the tent to see them, but I didn't expect them to be so startled.

Keane hesitated for a moment, nervously shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Finally, she mustered up the courage to speak.

"Kristin, the director wants your presence as soon as possible," she said with her voice trembling slightly.

I furrowed my brow in confusion. "Why? What's going on?" I asked, a hint of worry creeping into my voice. Keane glanced at nurse Jen, who exchanged worried glances with her.

"I'm not sure, but it seems urgent. The director didn't provide any details, but she insisted that you come right away," she explained.

"Alright, I'll go see her immediately. Thank you for letting me know," I said, trying to sound calm kahit alam ko naman talaga kung bakit ako pinapapunta roon.

I quickly fix myself and put on my scrubs, but I couldn't ignore the sight of Keane and Jen, both drenched in sweat and visibly struggling to catch their breath. I couldn't help but wonder what could be weighing on their minds.

"Wait a second," I said, halting in my tracks. "What's wrong? Why do you both look so afraid? Is there a problem?" My voice was filled with concern.

"What happened, Keane?" I pressed, noticing that no one was planning to answer me.

I want them to speak up to ease their worries lalo na nung mapansin kong hindi pa sila bihis at halatang wala pang tulog. Puno pa sila ng putik at may bahid pa ng dugo ang kanilang mga suot.

"Have you two taken a break?" I changed the topic, but they continued to bow their heads and avoid eye contact. "Is there something that I'm not aware of?"

After we finished the operation, our team was supposed to be off duty since the medical doctors had taken charge and operations were halted. So, why were they still in their rescue suits?

Sa nakikita ko ngayon, kumpleto naman ang team ni Doc. Han. Sila ay naglilibot sa mga pasyente habang ang iba naman ay naglilipat ng mga kagamitan mula sa mga bagong dumating na donasyon kaya wala akong makitang dahilan kung bakit parang ngayon lang sila naka-alis sa trabaho.

Now I could feel my temper but I still tried to calm down and for the nth time, I asked again, "Tell me, there's nothing to be afraid off."

Keane cleared a throat, clearly nervous. "W-we just came out from Commander Goon's barracks..."

"What?!" I exclaimed, taken aback by what she just said.

"Wala naman hong problema, nurse Kristin," depensa agad ng dalawa na mas lalo kong pinagsuspetsahan.

"We just aided the 3 soldiers who were affected by our recent operation..." they stammer while trying to convince me but I didn't bought their excuses.

I could feel my anger rising, my exhaustion from a tiresome day adding fuel to the fire. How dare Commander Goon take them away without my permission or Doc. Han's?

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before addressing the situation. "Keane, I appreciate your intentions to assist, but it's crucial for us to operate as a cohesive team and maintain open communication. Please remember to inform me before extending assistance beyond our designated duties. Is that understood?"

The frustration was evident on Keane's face as she acknowledged the oversight. It served as a valuable reminder for all of us about the importance of effective communication and teamwork, particularly in situations like this one. Dahil iniiwasan ko talaga na walang maaabuso sa'min.

Pinaka ayaw ko talaga sa lahat, porke boluntaryo lang kami ay gagawin lang kaming utos-utusan ng kung sinong may malaking ranggo. I wonder if any of the people here knows that scheme here.

We're just three volunteer nurses from our organization and the rest are from Red Cross Association. Bagaman dala-dala namin ang pangalan ng RCA ngayon may mga iba talagang nanamantala porke hindi kami kabilang sa kilalang organisasyon.

"Take a break, Keane and Jen, and make sure to eat and get some good sleep," I instructed, prioritizing their well-being since they hadn't slept in three days. "I’ll be heading to the medical tents now."

They both nod before leaving. Damn, natulog lang ko may bagong problema agad? I've been composing myself as I made my way towards the medical tents however, frustration and irritation filled my mind.

It puzzled me why Commander Goon required assistance from our team when there were already medics present in their barracks. However, the inability to question his decision only added to my frustration.

Keane and Jen had stayed up late because I, too, had chosen to work through the nights. Despite my advice for them to take it easy, they insisted on continuing without supervision, assuring me that they could handle it.

As I stepped into the makeshift medical tent, the atmosphere was heavy with the sharp smell of antiseptic and the subdued buzz of medical machinery.

Harsh fluorescent lights cast stark shadows against the canvas walls, adding a sense of urgency to the scene unfolding before me.

I knew I was summoned by the Medical Director to account for my failure in a rescue operation, a duty I held as the head of the operations. The weight of responsibility pressed down on me as I prepared to face the consequences of my actions, or lack thereof.

Nakatayo si Doc Latrasil sa gitna ng tent, ang kanyang pigura ay naliliwanagan ng mga ilaw sa itaas. Nakakunot pa ang kaniyang noo habang seryoso at deretsong nakatingin sa akin, her expression is a silent harbinger of the conversation to come.

"Kristin," she said, her voice cutting through the din of activity like a surgeon's scalpel. "We need to talk."

I swallowed hard, the gravity of her words settling like a stone in the pit of my stomach. I took a seat on one of the rusty chairs thrown carelessly around the tent, bracing myself for the impending confrontation.

"Kristin, the recent operation did not go as planned," Doc Latrasil began, her voice tinged with a mixture of disappointment. "There were lapses in judgment and coordination that put both our team and the patients at risk."

Her words struck me like a physical blow, each syllable a testament to the magnitude of my failure. I had sworn to uphold the principles of duty and compassion, yet in the heat of the moment, I had faltered, and lives had hung in the balance as a result.

"I understand, Doc," I replied, my voice tinged with regret. "I take full responsibility for what happened. I should have been more vigilant, more prepared."

Doc Latrasil's expression softened slightly, a glimmer of empathy shining through the veneer of disappointment.

"Kristin, we are all human, prone to error and misjudgment," she said, her voice tempered with understanding. "But it's how we learn from those mistakes that defines us as rescuers and as individuals."

I nodded, her words wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. "I won't let you down again, Doc,"

I promised, feeling a surge of determination flooding through me. "I'll do whatever it takes to regain the trust I may have shaken."

Punong-puno ako ng kaba dahil nga bigo akong magawa ng tama ang trabaho ko but her response took me by surprise.

"Oh my, Kristin, you haven't lost any of my trust," she reassured me. "I was concerned for your safety. Sending your team alone there without awareness of potential aftershocks was my responsibility, too."

Sa totoo lang, hindi naman problema na kami lang ng team ko ang naka atas na tulungan si Mang Kanor sa paghahanap ng anak niya, the issue was Commander Goon didn't allow us to have his men's assistance.

At nung nagka aberya nanga, saka pa sila dumating at sa palagay ko sa amin pa masisisi kung bakit palpak ang operasyon na'yon. If he only let us have one man to assist us... But the more I think of it, parang kasalanan pa kung bakit hindi natural na malakas ang mga babae at kailangan pa ng alalay.

Makukuwestyon pa ang kakayahan namin base sa'ming kasarian at mas lalo lang ata iyong hindi kaya ng pride ko.

"I appreciate your concern, Doc," I replied, feeling a swell of gratitude within me like a tide. Pero kahit ganun ang nararamdaman ko, hindi pa rin mawawala sa isip ko ang bahagyang galit at pagkairita.

Nagdadalawang isip tuloy ako kung sasabihin ko ba kay Doc Latil ang tungkol kay Commander Goon. Baka makadagdag lang ito sa kaniyang mga iniisip, kaya siguro mas mabuti nang huwag na lang?

For now, I'll let it pass this time, mas importante sa ngayon ang umiwas sa gulo. Operation were paused for now kaya manatili nalang munang kalmado. I also need to tend to the child and find his father ASAP.

"Is anything wrong, nurse Kristin?"

"Oh, nothing Doc," I forced a smile. "I'll take my leave Doc. I'll help Doc Han's team," I just made an excuse, but that's what I'll actually do after this.

As I left the tent, the weight on my shoulders felt heavier than ever. Doc Latil's remarks, intended to comfort, only served to worsen my anxiety.

It seemed as if the burden had grown, biting at me with solid persistence. Ewan ko ba, naghahalo-halo lang din ang nararamdaman ko sa huli.

Kung kaninang umaga ay nagawa ko pang patatagin ang sarili ko habang nililigtas ang bata at paglalakas ng loob sa mga kasamahan ko, ngayon parang gusto ko nalang lumapasay sa lupa.

Nakatulog nanga ako pero bakit parang pagod na pagod padin ako. Maybe I should have sleep more?

"Tin?" and hearing his voice makes me wanna drag myself out of the place.

Hindi ko naman kasi akalaing dito ako mismo sa harapan niya dadalhin ng mga paa ko. Plano ko lang na mag-assist sa ibang kasamahan niya. I thought I was just pacing out, walking to where I was supposed to be.

"What are you doing here?" agarang pagtatanong nito. Errr, I already made him worry so much dahil sa katigasan ng ulo ko.

Hindi naman sana ako magiging lutang kung nakinig lang ako kay Rae na matulog. Imagine I've been awake for 72 hours?

"Why are you asking me that, of course I'm here to help!"

Pagsisinungaling ko ulit at agad na kumuha ng kung ano-ano sa donation box. Nagliligpit kasi ngayon si Doc Han sa mga kagamitang pang medikal.

"Updates?" usisa ko kaagad dahil ayaw kung mapunta sa akin ang topic. "How's the child?" buti nalang madaling kausap 'tong koryanong 'to.

"He survived, but the blood loss has left him unconscious, and we're running low on supplies to sustain him," Doc Han explained grimly.

My senses sharpened. "Is a blood transfusion an option?" I asked, suddenly alert.

"It is, but it's risky. His AB negative blood type is rare, and finding a compatible donor here is unlikely. Even if we did, we lack the necessary equipment to perform the transfusion," Doc Han replied, his expression troubled.

"Shouldn't we call for help then? What's the nearest hospital from this island?" I pressed, urgency creeping into my voice.

"The nearest is the Neuva Vergara Doctor's Hospital on the mainland. We've already contacted them for assistance. All we can do now is wait for their immediate response," He said, his tone heavy with concern.

Para naman akong nabunutan ng tinik sa narinig pero andoon padin ang pag-aalala. "How about the father?" I asked out of nowhere.

I knew it was just me hoping if it hadn't just gone that way... If just the operation was successful, if just I was physically strong enough...

Back at the field, I was with the father when we're searching for his son. He's been lost for five days at kahapon nga ay natagpuan na namin siya. Ngunit sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon, habang nasa gitna ng operasyon bigla nalang nagkaroon ng aftershock.

Dahil doon hindi kami naka kilos ng agaran at ang malala ay nagkaroon ng landslide na kung saan muntikang nahulog ang bata sa dumaguhong lupa.

Buti at agad siyang nailigtas pero ang kapalit niyon ay ang pagkawala ng buhay ng ama ng bata. Rescue operations are suspended and we have to wait before finding his father.

Natahimik ako habang nag-replay sa isip ko ang mga nangyari. I was holding tight of the kid's hands but I don't have enough strength to pull him up.

Yakap-yakap ko na ang bata matapos siyang makuha sa ilalim ng tumaob na sasakyan na malapit sa isang bangin. Papalabas na sana kami ng biglang yumanig at kasunod no'n ang dahan-dahang pag guho ng lupang kinaroroonan namin.

Para lang din nag slow-mo lahat sa paningin ko ng makitang tinatangay nadin pala ako ng lupa. Buong akala ko pa ay iyon na ang huli kong hininga but Keane was able to pull me out of the car before the portion of the soil had gone.

We are not yet safe at lingid saking kaalaman na nabitawan ko pala ang bata. Habang nakatitig sa lupang gumuguho parin ay siya namang pagtakbo ni Mang Kanor sa bangin upang mahila ang kamay ng anak.

Sa oras na'yon, parang gustong sumabay ng puso ko sa pag guho ng lupa. Abot-abot ang aking kaba hanggang sa aking bituka. Gusto kong makakilos ngunit pinipigilan ako ng pagkahilo.

Yumayanig parin ang lupa pero kahit nasusuka ay binaliwala ko lahat para lang takbuhin ang mag-ama. The rope that's holding my waist was just enough in length to reach their distance and I was able to grab mang Kanor's foot.

And that situation put us two hanging upsidedown on the cliff. .My eyes were already filled with my tears begging and screaming for Keane and Jen to immediately pull us up and that was when Mang Kanor shouted that he couldn't hold any longer.

Doon mas lalong gumuho ang puso ko habang nakatingin kay mang Kanor.
He beg, he cried saying "save my son."
And without hesitation, I stretched out, grabbing his son but in that moment, I failed to realize his sacrificial plan to save both me and his child.

As his grip loosened and his son slipped from his grasp, a flood of emotions engulfed me. The only sound piercing the chaos was his soft voice, saying thank you before he let go, allowing himself to fall.

His gratitude echoed in my ears, making a deep struck of pain in my heart.

I was left staring blankly as Keane and Jen successfully pulled us away from the cliff edge. Saka lang din natigil ang pangyanig at kasunod no'n ang nakakabinging katahimikan habang natutulala kong pinagmasdan ang lupa.

The only sound I could hear next was the loud footsteps of the military boots approaching us and the sobs of the child crying in pain on my shoulders.

Commander Goon's men had arrived and it was too late and reality hit me hard once more. The father of the child I couldn't save was gone. His sacrifice reminded me of how fragile life is and how brave people can be.

It was miraculous that he managed to grab his son's hand and save us, but... I... I couldn't save him. I could have grab his other foot or his hands too but I just let him fell...

"Kristin,"

"Huh? You were saying?"

"You're pacing out, I cleary said to have a rest... Ang tigas talaga ng ulo mo."

"I'm sorry... N-nakatulog naman ako." napapayuko kong tugon.

He sighed. "I saw what happened; it was all caught on a drone. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help. You put your life at risk again, and I regret that."

"No Han, wala ka namang kasalanan. Hindi mo kasalanan—"

"At mas lalong hindi mo kasalanan. It's nobody's fault Kristin it was an accident and I was sorry for not being there for you."

Sa katunayan gusto ko ng maiyak. Wala na talaga akong mahitang katapangan sa bawat sulok ng kalamnan ko. Naduduwag ako sa lahat, nawawalan ako ng lakas sa lahat ng nasaksihan ko.

"I couldn't save a life. I couldn't save two of them. His foot slipped from my hands... I let his father die—"

"No. Kristin..."

"I killed a man and I let everyone get injured..."

"No one wished for what happened, Kristin. It was out of your control. And it's not just about the lives lost; it's also about the ones you saved. You did what's right, Kristin."

"You saved his son. You fulfilled a parent's wish, and you certainly didn't fail as a fighter and sign of hope in our line of work, Tin."

My body surrendered as he pulled me closer, enveloping me in his arms. Even amidst my grief, I couldn't summon any tears to heat my eyes or wet my cheeks. Now, I am malfunctioning! Huhuhu.

"Don't worry, everything's gonna be alright. We'll find his father," he reassured me.

Trying to regain composure, I focused on the distant sound of helicopter blades slicing through the air. Agad akong natigil sa pag-e-emote dahil nagkatinginan kami ni Doc Han.

"See, the rescue had come. Stop crying now 'cause we'll accompany the child in the Hospital for your assurance, okay?"

I nod and smiled as he pat my head. Alam niya talaga kung papano ako maging maayos. Inasar pa ako nito sa sipon na tumutulo habang nalalasap ko ang alat niyon. Kainis, walang tumulong luha sa mga mata ko pero panay tulo ng uhog sa ilong ko.

Ano bayan...

"Let's go," he said in serious tone and I followed.

Doc Han and I made our way to the open field where the NVD Hospital helicopter was descending.

As the helicopter landed, officials from another military unit emerged and people's clamour immediately filled the scene.

Sa tapat ng evacuation kasi nag landing ang helicopter kaya abang na abang ang mga tao. Nasisiyahan sa kanilang nakikita lalong lalo na ang mga bata dahil sa dalang pasalubong ng mga sundalo.

May mascot kasing huling lumabas sa helicopter na agad pinagkaguluhan. Masaya rin naman akong nakitingin at mas lalong humupa ang nararamdaman kong pag-aalala dahil sa pakulo nila.

Sumunod naman ang pangalawang helicopter o air ambulance ng NVD Hospital at lumabas doon si Doctor Eliseo Salviejo, a well-known personality in medical field especially in medical missions. He's one of the stakeholders of Red Cross Association as well as my parents.

He's also the director of NVD Hospital kaya inaasahan ko talaga na siya mismo ang bibisita sa islang ito. "Good afternoon, Doctor Latrasil!"

Bati nito at nakipag kamay kay Doc. Binati rin nito si Doc Han at iba pang mga doctor na kasama namin. Afterwards, he returned to acknowledge our request.

"So, you're the brave volunteer who saved the child," he remarked, catching me off guard.

I glanced at Doc Han, surprised by the Doctor's sudden acknowledgment. Doc Han must have reported everything! It wasn't necessary though.

"Good afternoon Doctor Salviejo, it's a pleasing to meet you." I replied trying to maintain a straight face. Kinakabahan parin ako tuwing kaharap siya kahit na dati ko na siyang nakikita. He still looks young despite his age and graying hair. "Hindi lang ho ako ang nasa operasyon, Doc. Kung hindi dahil sa mga kasama ko, the operation would be a complete disaster."

"I see you, hija! I truly appreciate your team's efforts. Take a moment to breathe—everything under our care is in good hands," he said with a warm smile, his words conveying authority and reassurance.

"Oh, before I forget," he said, glancing around with a curious expression, "I think one of our doctors has been captivated by your bravery... Where is he?" He scanned the area, looking for any sign of him.

Hinahanap ang doctor na tinutukoy niya habang ako naman ay walang humpay na kaba ang nararamdaman. Hindi kasi ako sanay sa ganito, no one had acknowledge a volunteer's efforts, no one had praised us kundi kami-kami lang din.

"Oh, there he is! Doc Ethan!"

Ngingiti-ngiti pa ako habang pilit na kinakalma ang sarili. Doctor Han really knows how to let his team flatter. He's never been boastful but a proud team leader and has his own ways how to make people around him look up on him.

"Doctor Ethan Delfiero!" agad naman akong natigilan sa sinampit niyang pangalan. "Doc Delfiero was looking forward to see you, brave heart."

"Haa???" my lips parted. Sino raw?

Para akong papel na bigla nalang tinangay ng hangin habang pababa ang isa pang air ambulance. Doon ko lamang narinig ang ingay ng elesi at nadama ang lamig ng hangin na dinudulot no'n.

And before I could process everything, I was gripped by a deep sense of remorse, my heart burdened with another weight of doubt. I braced myself as the door swung open, hoping that the name I had heard did not belong to someone I knew.

But my heart skipped a beat as I saw him walk out onto the field, it was really him.

His sudden arrival triggered a flood of emotions I had long suppressed beneath layers of sorrow and duty. The air crackled with tension as bitter and sweet memories flooded my head.

Time appeared to stand still as our eyes locked, and a wordless exchange of emotions occurred between us. At that point, the weight of unspoken words weighed heavily in the air, knotted strands from the past merging with the present.

As Ethan approached, his look was filled with concern and optimism, and I couldn't help but wonder what role he would play in the unfolding drama that had brought him back.

Mixed feelings of longing and dread raced through my veins, the lines between past and present blurring as we stood on the edge of doubt.

Bakit gano'n?

Nasasaktan ako sa imaheng nasa harapan ko pero lintik na genes ang meron siya at mas lalo lang ata siyang gumwapo?

Grabe... Nakakasilaw.

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Thanks for reading! ☺️🥀