Mas naging madalas ang mga pagbisita ko kay Zach nang mga sumunod na araw. Sinisigurado kong hindi niya mahahalata ang aking ginagawa. Tuwina'y rason ko lang ay bored na akong maglagi lang sa condo ni Icen at natutuwa akong kalaro ang panganay niyang si Zero.

"Caice, dito ka na mag-dinner," nakangiting sumungaw si Sasa sa sala kung saan nakasalampak kami ni Zero sa carpet. We were playing jenga.

Hindi ko na namalayan ang oras, kagaya nang mga nagdaang araw ay inabot na naman ako ng hapunan sa kanila. "Nawala na naman sa isip ko ang oras. Pasensya na kung napapadalas ang kain ko dito sa inyo, ah?"

Tumawa si Sasa, agad na inakay si Zero nang makatayo na kaming dala. "Walang problema! Tuwang tuwa nga itong si Zero sa'yo, mahaba ang pasensya mo sa mga bata."

Zero beamed at me, best friends na agad kami.

"Hindi rin naman kasi makulit itong si Zero," lumingon ako sa paligid, pasimpleng hinahanap si Zach. "Si Zach ba ay nakauwi na?"

Alas sais ng gabi ang kadalasang dating nito galing sa Dela Paz bank. Hindi kami nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon na makapag-usap ng mas mahaba dahil panay naman itong nasa trabaho, but I was slowly working to gain his trust. Gusto kong mapalagay sa akin si Zach.

"Tumawag, malapit na daw."

Pasimple kong niyuko ang aking relong pambisig, noting that this was the first time Zach was coming home late. Pansin ko kasi ay saktong alas sais narito na siya, para bang iwas na iwas magtagal sa kung saan. Gusto agad makauwi.

I helped Sasa set the table, tama kasi ang unang hula ko. Wala sila ni isang kasambahay. Si Sasa ang gumagawa ng lahat. Hindi ko sinubukang magtanong kung bakit, it was their arrangement after all. Kahit pa malakas ang kutob ko na may kinalaman rin iyon sa kung ano talaga ang nangyari kay Zach.

"Is there anything else you need help with?" I asked, glancing at the table set for five. The confusion was evident on my face.

Sasa gave me a small smile, shaking her head. "No, thank you. I just need to go upstairs to help Zero get cleaned up for dinner and check on Selina. She's sleeping."

I nodded, still puzzled by the extra place settings. "Alright."

Sinamahan na nga ni Sasa si Zero sa itaas, ako naman ang naiwan sa baba. I took a moment to look around. The house was modestly furnished, each piece meticulously placed. Nakikita ko naman kay Sasa na masaya siya, pero halatang hindi buo. Halatang may bumabagabag sa kaniya, and I had a feeling it was about Zach.

Before I could dwell too much on my thoughts, I heard the honk of Zach's car. I looked towards the window and saw his vehicle pulling up to the driveway. Dahil nasa itaas si Sasa ay ako na ang lumabas upang pagbuksan ito ng gate.

Nagulat pa ako nang hindi lang ang sasakyan nito ang matagpuan sa labas, behind it was a sleek Mercedes convertible. Oh, that's why the table was set for five.

Inayos ko ang pagkakabukas ng gate hangga't makaparada ng ayos ang sasakyan ni Zach. Ang Mercedes naman ay nanatiling nakapuwesto sa labas. Namatay na ang makina nu'n ngunit hindi pa rin bumababa ang sakay. Nauna pa si Zach! Gusto kong mapairap, hindi kasi ako makaalis sa pagkakatayo ko hangga't hindi ito pumapasok dahil alangan naman pagsarahan ko iyon ng gate.

Lumapit si Zach sa akin upang bumati at humalik sa aking pisngi, sandali ko lamang siyang nilingon dahil ang aking mga mata ay nakapako sa sasakyan sa labas. Heavily tinted ang mga salamin kaya hindi ko maaninag kung sino ang nasa loob.

"Sinong kasa—" I began to ask Zach, but I was interrupted by the ringing of my phone from the pocket of my jeans. I quickly reached for it and answered the call without glancing down the screen.

"Caice?"

Agad na nangunot ang noo ko nang tinig ni Rye ang sumalubong sa akin mula sa kabilang linya. I gave him my number the night he visited me at Icen's condo. Sabi ko'y anumang oras puwede niya akong tawagan, at sa mga nakalipas na araw ay iyon nga ang ginagawa nito. Walang palya, kahit sandaliang tawag lang. It was okay. Rye needed a friend, and I could be one.

"Rye, honey? What's wrong?"

"I'm at the lobby of your condo," he said, sounding so small and vulnerable kahit pa halatang pinapatatag niya iyon.

"Okay, Rye. I'll be there soon. Just stay where you are, alright?" I tried to keep my voice calm, but worry laced my tone.

Nilingon ko si Zach na nag-aalala ring nakamasid sa akin, kunot ang kaniyang noo kaya naman bago pa siya makapag-tanong ay inunahan ko na.

"Zach, I have to go. Bibisita na lang ako ulit dito bukas. It's an emergency."

"Is everything alright?" Tanong niya, hinawakan ako sa siko at tinignang maigi upang siguruhin na ayos lang ako. "Ihahatid na kita. Sandali at magsasabi ako kay Sasa—"

"Zach, there's no need for that," I cut him off, shaking my head. "I can just hail a cab outside the subdivision. I don't want to impose."

He hesitated, concern etched on his face. "Are you sure? I really don't mind. Isa pa'y ihahatid rin naman talaga kita dapat."

Ganoon kasi ang nangyayari tuwing bibisita ako sa kanila. Hinahatid ako ni Icen sa umaga, tapos si Zach ang pauwi. Wala kasi akong sasakyan na ginagamit dito. But then, I didn't want to bother Zach. Kararating niya lang galing trabaho, hindi pa nga nakakapasok ng bahay nila para maghapunan.

"Yes, I'm sure," I insisted, giving him a reassuring smile. "Kunin ko lang ang mga gamit ko sa loob, magpapaalam rin ako kay Sasa. I'll be fine, Zach. I promise."

Sandali niya pa akong pinagmasdan bago napipilitang tumango at magpatalo. He slightly backed away, letting me pass into the house. Sa loob, nadatnan ko si Sasa na abalang inaayos si Zero sa hapag habang karga si Selina. Mabilis kong kinuha ang aking mga gamit at lumapit rito upang magpaalam.

"Sasa, I'm so sorry but I have to leave. Something urgent came up." Yumuko ako upang halikan sa pisngi si Zero na bagong ligo na at suot na ang pantulog nito. "Dadalaw ulit ako, we'll play some more!"

"Promise?" Namilog ang mga mata nito. I grinned at how much he took after his dad. "Will you bring chocolates for me, please?"

"Of course, darling!" Ginulo ko pa ang buhok nito bago muling umayos ng tayo at lingunin si Sasa. "Sorry, gusto ko pa naman ang luto mo!"

"Is everything okay? Gusto mo ba ihatid ka na ni Zach?"

"Hindi na, ayos na. Nakapagsabi na rin ako sa kaniya na mauuna na ako."

"Okay, sige..." Alangan man ay tumango si Sasa. "Mag-uwi ka na lang ng food. Teka't aayusin ko—"

"Hindi na! No need. Thank you, pero kailangan ko na talagang umuwi. Babalik naman ako," pinigilan ko ang akma niyang pagkilos, marahang pinisil ang kaniyang braso bago muling magpasalamat. "Bukas ay susubukan kong dumalaw ulit."

Sasa smiled tenderly and then sighed, nodding. "Alam mo, Caice, nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa ginagawa mo. Alam ko kung bakit ka bumabalik-balik dito kay Zach,"

Natigilan ako sa kaniyang sinabi. Sasa never asked. May pakiramdam naman akong alam niya na hindi lang simpleng pagbisita ang intensyon ng panay kong pagpunta dito. I wanted to help Zach in all ways I could. At dahil puro at totoo ang pagmamahal niya rito, alam kong iyon rin ang gusto niyang mangyari. Sasa could always be there for Zach, but he still needed help. My help.

"I know what you're trying to do," she continued, her voice soft. "And I'm thankful for you. Zach has been through so much, and having you here helps him more than you know."

"Zach was there when I reached my lowest. Ngayon, gusto ko naman siyang samahan." I started, feeling a lump in my throat. "Hindi ko alam at hindi ko na susubukang tanungin, Sasa. Pero sisikapin kong alamin para mas matulungan ko pa siya."

She nodded, understanding. "I see how much he's struggling. Every day, he's trying to be strong for us, but I know it's hard for him."

Kahit mahirapan pa ako ng sobra, hindi ko susukuan si Zach. Tama si Icen, he needed my help. Iyon rin ang dahilan kung bakit hindi agad ako makabalik ng Italy. Kailangan pa ako dito, kailangan pa ako ni Zach.

Tapos ngayon ay narito na rin si Rye.

Muli na akong nagpaalam kay Sasa at nangakong pipilitin kong muling makabisita sa kanila bukas. Nang lumabas ako ng komedor ay nasa sala na si Zach, nakayuko sa kung ano sa screen ng phone niya at nang maramdaman ang presensya ko ay agad akong tiningala ng tingin.

"I booked you a ride," he said, glancing at the window. Doon ko nakita ang saktong pagparada ng kulay itim na sedan, sa likod ng Mercedes na naroon. "Ayan na ata..."

"Salamat," I gave him a tight smile.

Nakasunod si Zach sa akin hanggang sa labas. Nang muling madaanan ng mga mata ko ang Mercedes ay bumalik na naman ang kuryosidad ko sa kung sinong sakay nito kanina.

"Mag-ingat ka, Caice. Text mo ko kapag nasa condo ka na," Zach even opened the backseat for me, mapanuri rin ang hagod ng tingin nito sa kabuoan ng sasakyan. Maging ang driver nga ay sinulyapan pa nito. "I also told Icen na pauwi ka na."

"I will, Zach. Salamat ulit," I replied, nodding. I noticed how he had become way overprotective, his actions showing the depth of his anxiety. He was always on guard, always watching.

I took one last glance at the Mercedes convertible before closing the door. Mukhang wala na iyong sakay, baka pumasok na rin sa loob nang nasa komedor ako at kausap si Sasa.

As the car started moving, I leaned back and closed my eyes, the events of the day running through my mind. Hindi lang si Zach ang inaalala ko kundi maging si Rye. Hindi man ito umiiyak sa tawag kanina ay halata naman ang takot sa tinig nito. Kung ano ang ikinakatakot nito'y hindi ko alam pero labis na nakakapag-alala.

The ride to the condo was quiet, giving me time to reflect. I sent a quick text to Icen, letting him know I was on my way home. He responded almost immediately, asking if I was okay. I reassured him, even though my mind was still racing with worry for Rye and Zach. Maging si Zach ay tinext ko rin, hind ko na gustong pag-isipin pa ito.

When we finally reached my condo, I thanked the driver and hurried inside. The lobby was quiet, halos walang tao kahit sa mga naglalakihang sofa na naroon. I scanned the room and found Rye seated in one corner, looking so isolated and small against the vast, empty space. His shoulders were hunched, and his eyes were downcast.

I walked over to him carefully, not wanting to startle him. "Rye," I called softly, my voice gentle. His head snapped up, and relief washed over his face when he saw me.

Agad rin siyang tumayo para salubungin ako.

"Let's go upstairs, okay?" Inilahad ko sa kaniya ang aking kamay at walang pag-aalinlangan niya iyong tinanggap. His palm was cold. Si Rye ang tipo ng bata na hindi basta-bastang nakikihalubilo sa hindi kilala, maingat rin ang bawat galaw niya na parang takot na takot magkamali. Well, it was his mother's doing. Base sa mga naikuwento niya sa akin ay kaunting pagkakamali lamang ay agad siyang nasisigawan, kundi nasasaktan.

We walked to the elevator, the silence between us heavy but not uncomfortable. Likas na kasi kay Rye ang pagiging tahimik. Once we reached Icen's unit, I unlocked the door and ushered him inside.

"Sit down, Rye," I said, guiding him to the couch. "I'll get you a glass of water."

He nodded again, still not saying a word. I quickly fetched a glass of water from the kitchen and handed it to him. He took it with both hands, his fingers trembling slightly as he brought it to his lips.

I sat down beside him, watching as he drank. "Take your time," I said softly. "You don't have to talk until you're ready."

Rye nodded, his eyes downcast. Ilang sandali rin kaming nabalot pang lalo ng katahimikan, nang matapos siya sa iniinom ay inilapag niya ang baso sa coffee table, tapos ay mas umayos siya ng upo. His small frame sinking into the couch.

I could see the wheels turning in his head, the emotions playing out on his face. Finally, he took a deep breath and spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I hate my dad,"

I tried not to show my surprise. Rye never mentioned his father in any of our sessions. I didn't know a thing about Rye's father, except that he was a very busy man. Ni minsan ay hindi ko pa ito nakita. Hinintay ko si Rye na magpatuloy, pinili kong huwag na munang umimik para mas aral ang aking sasabihin.

"He's a monster,"

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang mas nakakatakot. Kung ang sinabi niya ba o ang paraan ng kaniyang pagkakasabi? Rye seemed so angry that his voice sounded detached from any emotions.

"Is he hurting you the same way your mother did?" Maingat kong tanong, ayaw ko sana, but I needed to know. Para alam ko kung paano ko siya poprotektahan, kung saan at kung kanino.

Rye shook his head quickly. "No, never. But that doesn't mean he's any good. He's still a monster."

Okay. Kahit paano ay nakahinga ako ng maluwag. His mother had already caused him so much pain. Hindi niya na kakayanin ng isa pa.

"Can you tell me more about why you feel that way?"

"He doesn't hit me or anything, but... he's never there. And when he is, it's like I'm not even a person to him. I'm just... something he owns."

I nodded, noting the lack of emotions in his voice. Rye was nine and he was traumatized. I couldn't expect more from him. His tone was flat, as if he was recounting something mundane na tila ba hindi na bago sa kaniya ang ganoon.

"He's not a good person," patuloy niyang bulong, ang mga mata ay nakatuon sa magkadikit niyang mga tuhod.

Matapang si Rye, alam ko. He wouldn't have survived his abusive mother if he wasn't brave. Pero ngayon, habang pinagmamasdan ko siya ay nararamdaman ko ang takot niya kalakip ang lungkot. I didn't know his parents, but I wanted to hate them for what they did to Rye. Kung hindi naman pala nila kayang panindigan ang mga responsibilidad ng pagiging magulang ay sana hindi na lang, hindi 'yung ganitong si Rye ang hustong sumasalo ng lahat ng kanilang mga pagkukulang.

"He does bad things to people. He's a monster," he repeated, his eyes darkening with the memories he was too young to bear.

"What do you mean by 'bad things,' Rye?" I asked gently, trying to probe without pushing too hard.

Rye hesitated, his small hands fidgeting in his lap. "I don't know everything, but I hear things. People talk. They say he's involved in bad businesses. That he hurts people to get what he wants."

My heart ached for him. No child should have to carry such heavy burdens. Sa ganitong edad niya ay dapat naglalaro pa siya! Dapat pag-aaral ang tinututukan niya. Klase sa eskuwelahan at hindi private sessions with me ang panay niyang pinupuntahan.

"I don't want to be like him. I don't want to be a monster."

Hindi ko sigurado kung ano ang ibig niyang sabihin at ayaw ko rin husgahan ang kaniyang ama kaya minabuti kong huwag nang laliman pa ang pagtatanong.

"You won't be, Rye," I assured him, my voice firm. "You're a kind, brave boy. You're loving... Honey, I know you wouldn't be a monster."

Rye rested his head on the headrest and closed his tired eyes. "Can I sleep here?"

I sighed, my heart breaking for him. "Rye, as much as I'd like you to stay, I have a feeling that your dad doesn't know where you are."

"I don't want to go home..." he whispered.

Mas lumapit ako sa kaniya, kahit pa gaano ko siya kagustong kupkupin kahit sa gabing ito lang ay hindi pa rin tama na hindi alam ng ama niya kung nasan siya. "I understand, Rye. I really do. But running away isn't the answer. We need to make sure you're safe, and that means talking to your dad or finding another safe place for you to stay."

"This is where I feel safe, Caice." Umiling siyang muli. "With you."

I sighed deeply, understanding his feelings all too well. There was a time in my life when I wanted to run away from my father, and I could only find peace with that one person. Kahit ang munting ala-alang iyon ay sapat para gisingin ang anumang sakit sa aking damdamin na pilit ko pa ring iniignora.

"I get it, Rye," I said gently. "I really do. But your father will look for you. He will soon find out where you are, and I can't hide you from him, honey."

"Please, Caice. Don't make me go back."

"I won't make you do anything you don't want to do," paniniyak ko habang pinag-iisipang mabuti kung ano ang dapat kong gawin kay Rye, kung paano ko siya tutulungan. "But we need to come up with a plan. Your dad needs to know you're safe, even if you don't want to see him right now."

Rye looked down, his hands fidgeting. Palaging ganyan, kahit pa madalas ay walang imik si Rye, he would always fidget and flinch. "He won't care. He never does."

"That's not true, Rye," I said softly. "If he didn't care, he wouldn't have bodyguards protecting you from your mother."

"He does that to control me, not because he cares," Rye muttered, his voice tinged with bitterness. "I'm his successor. His only heir."

His words struck a chord deep within me. At such a young age, Rye was already burdened with expectations and responsibilities far beyond his years. It was a heartbreaking realization that his parents had set him on a path that left little room for his own identity and happiness.

In my mind, I could see the trajectory of his young life, molded by parents who seemed more interested in their own ambitions than in the well-being of their child. His mother, from what Rye had shared in our sessions, was a narcissist who inflicted emotional and physical abuse. His father, while not physically abusive, seemed to wield a different kind of power over him—a power of control and manipulation.

Rye's childhood had been stolen from him. Rye deserved a life free from fear and control. He deserved to laugh, to play, and to dream. He deserved to know that he was more than what they were making him feel.

The sudden buzz of the intercom interrupted my thoughts. Rye looked at me with wide, apprehensive eyes. Tumayo ako upang tunguhin iyon sa gilid ng pinto.

"Miss Caice, good evening po, ma'am. May naghahanap po sa inyo dito sa baba," iyon agad ang bungad ng doorman. "Silas DiLaurentis daw ho ang pangalan."

Agad akong napalingon kay Rye. He was shaking his head vigorously, his eyes wide with fear. His small hands gripped the couch cushions as if anchoring himself to the spot. Halatang walang balak tumayo at umalis.

"I don't want to see him," Rye whispered urgently. "Please, don't make me go."

I sighed, trying to keep my own anxiety in check. I nodded to him before speaking into the intercom again. "Please ask Mr. DiLaurentis to wait. I'll be down in a moment."