CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Ang nagsalita ay si Frank Joson. Kakagaling lang niya sa restroom ng party hall, at may kakaibang tingin sa kanyang mga mata habang nakatingin kina Vincent at Mitch. Kitang-kita ang pagbabago ng kulay ng mukha nilang dalawa lalo na si Vincent.
Mula pa noong college, siya na ang student leader talented, confident, at bihirang mapahiya sa publiko.
Ngunit ang pagkagulat na iyon ay saglit lamang.
Mabilis siyang bumawi, ngumiti nang may perpektong composure.
“Yes,” sabi niya nang mahinahon. “That’s why for the past five years, my wife hardly went out. She focused on rehabilitation training. Now there’s finally some improvement, but she’s still very sensitive, afraid of people looking at her differently. That’s why she rarely appears in public. Convincing her to attend this dinner took a lo of effort. I assured her that Mr. Abaya only invites well-mannered guests who would never offend her.” 3
Napakaganda ng pagkakasabi ni Vincent. 2
Ibig sabihin, kung ipagpapatuloy pa ni Frank ang usapan, siya na ang bastos. 1
Napailing na lamang si Kate na naririnig ang usapan mula sa di kalayuan. Natatawa na lamang siya…Pero Vincent, alam mo palang bastos ito? Noong minamaliit ako ng mga kaibigan mo, nasaan ka? Noong ginagaya ni Norman ang paglalakad ko, nasaan ka? 1
Ganito pala kalala ang double standards ng isang tao.
Ngumiti si Frank, malinaw na hindi natinag.
Sa halip, yumuko siya kay Vincent at kailangang aminin, ibang klase talaga ang elegance ng isang dancer kapag yumuyuko.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Fuentebella,” paghingi ng tawad ni Frank. “I didn’t mean to offend anyone. I’m sincerely asking for advice. I have a friend who was also injured five years ago but she wasn’t as lucky as your wife. She’s a dancer. An injured leg is like losing half of her life. So I really hope to help her. If Mr. Vincent knows a good doctor, could you introduce one to me?”
Sumingit si Maam Agatha. “Oo nga, Vincent at Mitch, please don’t misunderstand. We truly mean no offense. For someone who stood up again after adversity, we only feel admiration. Such a Mrs. Fuentebella deserves even greater respect. But what Frank mentioned resonates with me as well, we do have such a friend, and we’re hoping to help her find treatment.”
“Ah… well…” Kahit gaano pa katalino si Vincent, wala siyang maisip na pangalan ng doktor sa sandaling iyon.
Si Mitch ang mabilis mag-isip.
“I was treated abroad,” agad niyang sabi.
Akala niya sapat na iyon para tapusin ang usapan.
Pero hindi umatras si Frank Joson.
“Abroad isn’t a problem. We tour globally all the time. No matter which country, we’re not afraid to go far, for my senior’s leg.”
Nanigas si Mitch. May ganito pala talagang walang pakiramdam sa sitwasyon?
Sa ilalim ng mapagmatyag na tingin nina Frank at Maam Agatha, napilitan siyang humingi ng tulong kay Vincent.
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Nagpasya si Vincent. Kumuha siya ng papel at basta na lang nagsulat ng pangalan ng isang Swiss hospital, saka
iabot kay Frank nang nakangiti.
“This one,” sabi niya. “But every injury is different. My wife started rehabilitation there immediately after her accident. I don’t know how long ago your senior was injured, if it’s been several years, the effect might not be as good.” 3
Ang iniisip ni Vincent, malampasan lang muna ang gabing ito. Bahala na ang bukas.
“Thank you. No matter what, we’ll try,” nakangiting sagot ni Frank.
Pagkatapos ay tumawag siya sa may pintuan. “Kate, you’re here!” bulalas ni Frank..
Malapit na si Kate. 6
Sa ilalim ng mga matang nakatitig sa kanya ang lahat lalo na nina Vincent at Mitch hindi maayos ang kanyang mga hakbang habang papasok siya sa gitna ng party hall. 1
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