{"id":330,"date":"2026-06-01T04:33:37","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T04:33:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thetruenews.online\/?p=330"},"modified":"2026-06-01T04:33:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T04:33:37","slug":"pinatalsik-ko-ang-matandang-hardinero-dahil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thetruenews.online\/?p=330","title":{"rendered":"Pinatalsik ko ang matandang hardinero dahil"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cPinatalsik ko ang matandang hardinero dahil akala ko wala na siyang silbi. Dalawang oras matapos noon, nakita ko siyang umaalis sa aking hacienda kasama ang isang batang lalaki. Tumingala sa akin ang bata, at halos mawalan ako ng hininga. Pareho kami ng mga mata. Pareho kami ng mukha. At sa ibabaw ng kaliwang kilay niya, may peklat siyang eksaktong katulad ng peklat na dala ko mula pa noong bata ako.\u201d<\/h1>\n
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\u201cPinatalsik\u00a0ko\u00a0ang\u00a0matandang\u00a0hardinero\u00a0dahil\u00a0akala\u00a0ko\u00a0wala\u00a0na\u00a0siyang\u00a0silbi.\u00a0Dalawang\u00a0oras\u00a0matapos\u00a0noon,\u00a0nakita\u00a0ko\u00a0siyang\u00a0umaalis\u00a0sa\u00a0aking\u00a0hacienda\u00a0kasama\u00a0ang\u00a0isang\u00a0batang\u00a0lalaki.\u00a0Tumingala\u00a0sa\u00a0akin\u00a0ang\u00a0bata,\u00a0at\u00a0halos\u00a0mawalan\u00a0ako\u00a0ng\u00a0hininga.\u00a0Pareho\u00a0kami\u00a0ng\u00a0mga\u00a0mata.\u00a0Pareho\u00a0kami\u00a0ng\u00a0mukha.\u00a0At\u00a0sa\u00a0ibabaw\u00a0ng\u00a0kaliwang\u00a0kilay\u00a0niya, may\u00a0peklat\u00a0siyang\u00a0eksaktong\u00a0katulad\u00a0ng\u00a0peklat\u00a0na\u00a0dala\u00a0ko\u00a0mula\u00a0pa\u00a0noong\u00a0bata\u00a0ako.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pitong\u00a0taon\u00a0ko\u00a0nang\u00a0pinatalsik\u00a0si Mang\u00a0Tonyo\u00a0bago\u00a0ko\u00a0nalaman\u00a0ang\u00a0totoo.<\/p>\n

Nang\u00a0araw\u00a0na\u00a0iyon,\u00a0malakas\u00a0ang\u00a0hangin\u00a0sa\u00a0bukirin\u00a0ng\u00a0pamilya\u00a0Villanueva\u00a0sa\u00a0labas\u00a0ng\u00a0Tagaytay.\u00a0Nakatanaw\u00a0ako\u00a0noon\u00a0sa\u00a0malawak\u00a0na\u00a0taniman\u00a0ng\u00a0kape\u00a0at\u00a0bulaklak\u00a0habang\u00a0hawak\u00a0ang\u00a0mga\u00a0plano\u00a0para\u00a0gawing\u00a0luxury\u00a0eco-resort\u00a0ang\u00a0lupain\u00a0na\u00a0iniwan\u00a0ng\u00a0aking\u00a0ama.<\/p>\n

Akala\u00a0ko\u00a0noon,\u00a0tama\u00a0ang\u00a0lahat\u00a0ng\u00a0ginagawa\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

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At\u00a0sa\u00a0isip\u00a0ko, si Mang\u00a0Tonyo\u00a0ang\u00a0pinakaunang\u00a0bagay\u00a0na\u00a0kailangang\u00a0mawala.<\/p>\n

Mahigit\u00a0dalawampung\u00a0taon\u00a0siyang\u00a0hardinero\u00a0sa\u00a0aming\u00a0hacienda.\u00a0Tahimik,\u00a0matanda,\u00a0laging\u00a0nakasuot\u00a0ng\u00a0kupas\u00a0na\u00a0sombrero\u00a0at\u00a0lumang\u00a0jacket\u00a0na\u00a0paulit-ulit\u00a0nang\u00a0tinahi.<\/p>\n

Maraming\u00a0beses\u00a0ko\u00a0siyang\u00a0nakitang\u00a0nakatayo\u00a0sa\u00a0ulan\u00a0para\u00a0lang\u00a0takpan\u00a0ang\u00a0bagong\u00a0tanim\u00a0na\u00a0mga\u00a0bulaklak.<\/p>\n

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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Minsan\u00a0sinabi\u00a0pa\u00a0ng\u00a0ama\u00a0ko:<\/p>\n

\u201cKapag\u00a0dumating\u00a0ang\u00a0araw\u00a0na\u00a0wala\u00a0ka\u00a0nang\u00a0mapagkatiwalaan, si Mang\u00a0Tonyo\u00a0lang ang\u00a0paniwalaan\u00a0mo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0hindi\u00a0ko\u00a0kailanman\u00a0naintindihan\u00a0kung\u00a0bakit.<\/p>\n

Para\u00a0sa\u00a0akin,\u00a0isa\u00a0lang\u00a0siyang\u00a0matandang\u00a0trabahador\u00a0na\u00a0mabagal\u00a0at\u00a0makaluma.<\/p>\n

Lalo\u00a0na nang\u00a0malaman\u00a0kong\u00a0natatagalan\u00a0ang\u00a0renovation\u00a0dahil\u00a0ayaw\u00a0niyang\u00a0gibain\u00a0ang\u00a0lumang\u00a0greenhouse\u00a0sa\u00a0likod\u00a0ng\u00a0burol.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelikado\u00a0na ang\u00a0lugar\u00a0na\u00a0iyon,\u201d\u00a0malamig\u00a0kong\u00a0sabi\u00a0sa\u00a0meeting. \u201cWala\u00a0nang\u00a0silbi.\u201d<\/p>\n

Matagal\u00a0siyang\u00a0nanahimik\u00a0bago\u00a0mahina\u00a0niyang\u00a0sinabi:<\/p>\n

\u201cSir\u2026\u00a0pakiusap,\u00a0huwag\u00a0ninyong\u00a0sirain\u00a0iyon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBakit?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yumuko\u00a0siya.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay\u00a0nangangailangan\u00a0pa\u00a0po\u00a0kasi\u00a0niyan.\u201d<\/p>\n

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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Napangiti\u00a0ako\u00a0nang\u00a0mapait.<\/p>\n

\u201cAko\u00a0ang may\u00a0desisyon\u00a0dito.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tatlong\u00a0araw\u00a0matapos\u00a0noon,\u00a0pinirmahan\u00a0ko\u00a0ang\u00a0papel\u00a0ng\u00a0pagpapatalsik\u00a0sa\u00a0kanya.<\/p>\n

Hindi\u00a0siya\u00a0nagmakaawa.<\/p>\n

Hindi\u00a0rin\u00a0nagalit.<\/p>\n

Tahimik\u00a0lang\u00a0niyang\u00a0hinubad\u00a0ang\u00a0lumang\u00a0guwantes\u00a0sa\u00a0paghahardin\u00a0at\u00a0inilapag\u00a0sa\u00a0mesa.<\/p>\n

Pagkatapos\u00a0ay\u00a0tumingin\u00a0siya\u00a0sa\u00a0akin\u00a0at\u00a0nagsabi:<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cPagsisisihan\u00a0mo\u00a0ito\u00a0balang\u00a0araw.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kinain\u00a0ako\u00a0ng\u00a0inis\u00a0sa\u00a0paraan\u00a0ng\u00a0pagtitig\u00a0niya\u00a0sa\u00a0akin\u00a0noon.<\/p>\n

Hindi\u00a0iyon\u00a0galit.<\/p>\n

Parang\u00a0awa.<\/p>\n

Dalawang\u00a0oras\u00a0matapos\u00a0siyang\u00a0umalis,\u00a0nasa\u00a0harapan\u00a0ako\u00a0ng\u00a0hacienda\u00a0habang\u00a0kinakausap\u00a0ang\u00a0contractor\u00a0nang\u00a0makita\u00a0kong\u00a0palabas\u00a0si Mang\u00a0Tonyo\u00a0dala\u00a0ang\u00a0lumang\u00a0maleta.<\/p>\n

May\u00a0kasama\u00a0siyang\u00a0batang\u00a0lalaki.<\/p>\n

Mga\u00a0pitong\u00a0taong\u00a0gulang.<\/p>\n

Nakasuot\u00a0ng\u00a0medyo\u00a0malaking\u00a0kulay-abong\u00a0sweater\u00a0at\u00a0mahigpit\u00a0na\u00a0yakap\u00a0ang\u00a0lumang\u00a0backpack.<\/p>\n

Napakunot-noo\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

Hindi\u00a0ko\u00a0pa\u00a0kailanman\u00a0nakita\u00a0ang\u00a0batang\u00a0iyon\u00a0sa\u00a0hacienda.<\/p>\n

Hanggang\u00a0sa\u00a0tumingala\u00a0siya\u00a0sa\u00a0akin.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0halos\u00a0mawalan\u00a0ako\u00a0ng\u00a0hininga.<\/p>\n

Parang\u00a0tumigil\u00a0ang\u00a0buong\u00a0paligid.<\/p>\n

Pareho\u00a0kami\u00a0ng\u00a0mga\u00a0mata.<\/p>\n

Maitim\u00a0na\u00a0kayumanggi.<\/p>\n

Bahagyang\u00a0pataas\u00a0ang\u00a0dulo.<\/p>\n

Pati\u00a0ilong\u00a0at\u00a0hugis\u00a0ng\u00a0labi\u00a0niya\u2026\u00a0parang\u00a0salamin\u00a0ng\u00a0sarili\u00a0kong\u00a0mukha\u00a0noong\u00a0bata\u00a0pa\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0ang\u00a0tuluyang\u00a0nagpayanig\u00a0sa\u00a0akin\u2014<\/p>\n

ang\u00a0maliit\u00a0na\u00a0peklat\u00a0sa\u00a0itaas\u00a0ng\u00a0kaliwang\u00a0kilay\u00a0niya.<\/p>\n

Manipis\u00a0na\u00a0hugis\u00a0buwan.<\/p>\n

Eksaktong\u00a0katulad\u00a0ng\u00a0peklat\u00a0ko\u00a0mula\u00a0nang\u00a0mahulog\u00a0ako\u00a0sa\u00a0hagdan\u00a0noong\u00a0walong\u00a0taong\u00a0gulang\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

Hindi\u00a0ako\u00a0makagalaw.<\/p>\n

Lumapit\u00a0ako\u00a0nang\u00a0hindi\u00a0namamalayan.<\/p>\n

\u201cSino\u00a0ang\u00a0batang\u00a0iyan?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bahagyang\u00a0hinigpitan\u00a0ni Mang\u00a0Tonyo\u00a0ang\u00a0balikat\u00a0ng\u00a0bata.<\/p>\n

Bigla\u00a0siyang\u00a0namutla.<\/p>\n

\u201cWala\u00a0kang\u00a0kinalaman\u00a0diyan.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tinitigan\u00a0ko\u00a0ang\u00a0bata\u00a0habang\u00a0bumibilis\u00a0ang\u00a0tibok\u00a0ng\u00a0puso\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Imposible.<\/p>\n

Wala\u00a0akong\u00a0anak.<\/p>\n

O\u00a0iyon\u00a0ang\u00a0akala\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Takot\u00a0na\u00a0takot\u00a0tumingin\u00a0sa\u00a0akin\u00a0ang\u00a0bata\u00a0bago\u00a0nagtago\u00a0sa\u00a0likod\u00a0ni Mang\u00a0Tonyo.<\/p>\n

Sakto\u00a0namang\u00a0tumunog\u00a0ang\u00a0cellphone\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Si\u00a0Mama.<\/p>\n

Sinagot\u00a0ko\u00a0iyon\u00a0habang\u00a0magulo\u00a0ang\u00a0isip\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0ang\u00a0unang\u00a0tanong\u00a0niya\u00a0ang\u00a0nagpalamig\u00a0sa\u00a0dugo\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

\u201cPinatalsik\u00a0mo si Mang\u00a0Tonyo?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOpo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tahimik\u00a0siya\u00a0sandali.<\/p>\n

Pagkatapos\u00a0ay\u00a0mahina\u00a0niyang\u00a0tinanong:<\/p>\n

\u201cKasama\u00a0ba\u00a0niya\u00a0ang\u00a0batang\u00a0lalaki?\u201d<\/p>\n

Parang\u00a0tumigil\u00a0ang\u00a0paghinga\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaano\u00a0mo\u00a0nalaman?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hindi\u00a0agad\u00a0siya\u00a0sumagot.<\/p>\n

Narinig\u00a0ko\u00a0ang\u00a0mabigat\u00a0niyang\u00a0paghinga.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuwag\u00a0mong\u00a0hayaang\u00a0umalis\u00a0sila.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMa,\u00a0ano\u00a0bang\u00a0ibig\u00a0mong\u00a0sabihin?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0paulit-ulit\u00a0lang\u00a0siyang\u00a0nagsalita\u00a0na\u00a0tila\u00a0takot\u00a0na\u00a0takot:<\/p>\n

\u201cMakinig\u00a0ka\u00a0sa\u00a0akin.\u00a0Hanapin\u00a0mo\u00a0sila.\u201d<\/p>\n

Naputol\u00a0ang\u00a0tawag.<\/p>\n

Tumakbo\u00a0agad\u00a0ako\u00a0palabas\u00a0ng\u00a0gate\u00a0pero\u00a0wala\u00a0na ang\u00a0lumang\u00a0sasakyan\u00a0ni Mang\u00a0Tonyo\u00a0sa\u00a0kalsadang\u00a0balot\u00a0ng\u00a0hamog.<\/p>\n

Hindi\u00a0ako\u00a0nakatulog\u00a0nang\u00a0gabing\u00a0iyon.<\/p>\n

Paulit-ulit\u00a0na\u00a0bumabalik\u00a0sa\u00a0isip\u00a0ko\u00a0ang\u00a0mukha\u00a0ng\u00a0bata.<\/p>\n

Lalo\u00a0na ang\u00a0peklat.<\/p>\n

Hindi\u00a0iyon\u00a0maaaring\u00a0nagkataon\u00a0lang.<\/p>\n

Kinabukasan,\u00a0umuwi\u00a0ako\u00a0sa\u00a0bahay\u00a0para\u00a0kausapin\u00a0si\u00a0Mama.<\/p>\n

Nasa\u00a0sala\u00a0na\u00a0siya\u00a0nang\u00a0maaga\u00a0pa\u00a0lang.<\/p>\n

Maputlang-maputla.<\/p>\n

Parang\u00a0tumanda\u00a0siya\u00a0ng\u00a0sampung\u00a0taon\u00a0sa\u00a0isang\u00a0gabi.<\/p>\n

Nang\u00a0makita\u00a0niya\u00a0ako,\u00a0nanginginig\u00a0ang\u00a0mga\u00a0kamay\u00a0niya.<\/p>\n

\u201cKilala\u00a0mo ang\u00a0batang\u00a0iyon,\u00a0hindi\u00a0ba?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tahimik\u00a0lang\u00a0siya.<\/p>\n

Nawalan\u00a0na\u00a0ako\u00a0ng\u00a0pasensya.<\/p>\n

\u201cSino\u00a0siya?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bigla\u00a0siyang\u00a0umiyak.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0sa\u00a0tunog\u00a0pa\u00a0lang\u00a0ng\u00a0iyak\u00a0niya,\u00a0kinabahan\u00a0na\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

\u201cPatawarin\u00a0mo\u00a0ako\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

May\u00a0mabigat\u00a0na\u00a0kutob\u00a0na\u00a0bumalot\u00a0sa\u00a0dibdib\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

\u201cAno\u00a0ang\u00a0itinago\u00a0mo sa\u00a0akin?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tumingin\u00a0siya\u00a0sa\u00a0akin\u00a0habang\u00a0namumula\u00a0ang\u00a0mga\u00a0mata.<\/p>\n

\u201cPitong\u00a0taon\u00a0na ang\u00a0nakalipas\u2026 may\u00a0minahal\u00a0kang\u00a0babae.\u201d<\/p>\n

Parang\u00a0may\u00a0sumabog\u00a0sa\u00a0isip\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Agad\u00a0lumabas\u00a0ang\u00a0pangalan\u00a0niya.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsabel?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pumikit\u00a0si\u00a0Mama.<\/p>\n

\u201cOo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Napaatras\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

Si\u00a0Isabel\u00a0ang\u00a0una\u00a0kong\u00a0minahal.<\/p>\n

Ang\u00a0babaeng\u00a0akala\u00a0ko\u00a0noon\u00a0ay\u00a0pakakasalan\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Magkasama\u00a0kami\u00a0simula\u00a0college.<\/p>\n

Mabait\u00a0siya.\u00a0Matalino.\u00a0At\u00a0may\u00a0pinakamagandang\u00a0ngiti\u00a0na\u00a0nakita\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0tutol\u00a0ang\u00a0pamilya\u00a0ko\u00a0dahil\u00a0mahirap\u00a0lang\u00a0sila.<\/p>\n

Mainitin\u00a0ang\u00a0ulo\u00a0ko\u00a0noon\u00a0at\u00a0naniniwalang\u00a0sapat\u00a0na ang\u00a0pag-ibig.<\/p>\n

Hanggang\u00a0sa\u00a0maospital\u00a0ang\u00a0ama\u00a0ko\u00a0matapos\u00a0kaming\u00a0mag-away\u00a0tungkol\u00a0kay\u00a0Isabel.<\/p>\n

Pinapili\u00a0niya\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

Pamilya\u00a0o\u00a0siya.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0pinili\u00a0ko\u00a0ang\u00a0pamilya.<\/p>\n

Hanggang\u00a0ngayon,\u00a0sariwa\u00a0pa\u00a0rin sa\u00a0isip\u00a0ko\u00a0ang\u00a0gabing\u00a0nakipaghiwalay\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

Malakas\u00a0ang\u00a0ulan\u00a0noon.<\/p>\n

Nakatayo\u00a0si\u00a0Isabel\u00a0sa\u00a0ilalim\u00a0ng\u00a0bubong\u00a0ng\u00a0dormitoryo\u00a0habang\u00a0namumula\u00a0ang\u00a0mga\u00a0mata\u00a0niya.<\/p>\n

Tinanong\u00a0niya\u00a0ako:<\/p>\n

\u201cKapag\u00a0nawala\u00a0ako\u2026\u00a0hahanapin\u00a0mo ba\u00a0ako?\u201d<\/p>\n

Galit\u00a0at\u00a0sugatan\u00a0ako\u00a0noon.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0nasabi\u00a0ko\u00a0ang\u00a0isang\u00a0linyang\u00a0habambuhay\u00a0kong\u00a0pagsisisihan:<\/p>\n

\u201cHuwag\u00a0mo nang\u00a0guluhin\u00a0ang\u00a0buhay\u00a0ko.\u201d<\/p>\n

Iyon\u00a0ang\u00a0huli\u00a0naming\u00a0pag-uusap.<\/p>\n

Pagkaraan\u00a0ng\u00a0isang\u00a0buwan,\u00a0nawala\u00a0si\u00a0Isabel.<\/p>\n

Ilang\u00a0beses\u00a0ko\u00a0siyang\u00a0hinanap\u00a0noon\u00a0kapag\u00a0lasing\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0nilamon\u00a0ako\u00a0ng\u00a0trabaho\u00a0at\u00a0panahon.<\/p>\n

Hanggang\u00a0ngayon.<\/p>\n

Tumingin\u00a0ako\u00a0kay\u00a0Mama.<\/p>\n

Paos\u00a0ang\u00a0boses\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

\u201cYung\u00a0bata\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Mas\u00a0lalo\u00a0siyang\u00a0umiyak.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnak\u00a0mo\u00a0siya.\u201d<\/p>\n

Parang\u00a0gumuho\u00a0ang\u00a0mundo\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

\u201cH-Hindi\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNoong\u00a0umalis\u00a0si\u00a0Isabel\u2026\u00a0buntis\u00a0na\u00a0pala\u00a0siya.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nawalan\u00a0ako\u00a0ng\u00a0marinig.<\/p>\n

Matagal\u00a0akong\u00a0natigilan.<\/p>\n

Pagkatapos\u00a0ay\u00a0natawa\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0baliw\u00a0at\u00a0wasak\u00a0ang\u00a0tunog\u00a0niyon.<\/p>\n

\u201cNagbibiro\u00a0ka\u00a0ba?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBinigyan\u00a0ko\u00a0ng\u00a0pera\u00a0si\u00a0Isabel\u00a0para\u00a0lumayo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nanlaki\u00a0ang\u00a0mga\u00a0mata\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

\u201cAno?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNatakot\u00a0akong\u00a0masira\u00a0ang\u00a0kinabukasan\u00a0mo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Malakas\u00a0kong\u00a0sinuntok\u00a0ang\u00a0mesa.<\/p>\n

\u201cKaya\u00a0pinalayas\u00a0mo\u00a0siya?!\u201d<\/p>\n

Humahagulgol\u00a0si\u00a0Mama.<\/p>\n

\u201cHindi\u00a0ko\u00a0alam\u00a0na\u00a0buntis\u00a0na\u00a0pala\u00a0siya\u00a0noon!\u201d<\/p>\n

Napaatras\u00a0ako\u00a0habang\u00a0parang\u00a0sinasakal\u00a0ng\u00a0guilt\u00a0ang\u00a0dibdib\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Habang\u00a0payapa\u00a0akong\u00a0namumuhay\u2026<\/p>\n

lumalaki\u00a0pala\u00a0ang\u00a0anak\u00a0ko\u00a0nang\u00a0walang\u00a0ama.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0alam\u00a0ni Mang\u00a0Tonyo\u00a0ang\u00a0lahat.<\/p>\n

Agad\u00a0akong\u00a0nagmaneho\u00a0para\u00a0hanapin\u00a0siya.<\/p>\n

Matapos\u00a0ang\u00a0halos\u00a0isang\u00a0araw\u00a0na\u00a0pagtatanong,\u00a0natagpuan\u00a0ko\u00a0rin ang\u00a0maliit\u00a0niyang\u00a0bahay\u00a0sa\u00a0isang\u00a0mahirap\u00a0na\u00a0baryo\u00a0sa\u00a0paanan\u00a0ng\u00a0bundok.<\/p>\n

Luma\u00a0ang\u00a0bahay.<\/p>\n

Katabi\u00a0ng\u00a0taniman\u00a0ng\u00a0mustasa.<\/p>\n

Pagkababa\u00a0ko\u00a0ng\u00a0sasakyan,\u00a0nakita\u00a0ko\u00a0ang\u00a0batang\u00a0lalaki\u00a0sa\u00a0labas,\u00a0nagdodrowing\u00a0gamit\u00a0ang\u00a0chalk.<\/p>\n

Tumingala\u00a0siya\u00a0sa\u00a0akin\u00a0bago\u00a0mabilis\u00a0na\u00a0tumayo.<\/p>\n

Takot\u00a0ang\u00a0mga\u00a0mata.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0doon\u00a0ko\u00a0unang\u00a0naramdaman\u00a0ang\u00a0sakit\u00a0na\u00a0hindi\u00a0ko\u00a0maipaliwanag.<\/p>\n

Pitong\u00a0taong\u00a0gulang\u00a0pa\u00a0lang\u00a0siya\u00a0pero\u00a0sanay\u00a0na\u00a0siyang\u00a0matakot\u00a0sa tao.<\/p>\n

Lumabas\u00a0si Mang\u00a0Tonyo\u00a0pagkaraan\u00a0ng\u00a0ilang\u00a0segundo.<\/p>\n

Malamig\u00a0ang\u00a0tingin\u00a0niya.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlam\u00a0kong\u00a0pupunta\u00a0ka.\u201d<\/p>\n

Diretso\u00a0ko\u00a0siyang\u00a0tinignan.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnak\u00a0ko\u00a0ba\u00a0siya?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tahimik\u00a0siya\u00a0sandali\u00a0bago\u00a0tumango.<\/p>\n

Nanginginig\u00a0ang\u00a0mga\u00a0kamay\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

\u201cAno\u00a0ang\u00a0pangalan\u00a0niya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGabriel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Muli\u00a0kong\u00a0tiningnan\u00a0ang\u00a0bata.<\/p>\n

Mahigpit\u00a0niyang\u00a0yakap\u00a0ang\u00a0kahon\u00a0ng\u00a0chalk\u00a0bago\u00a0muling\u00a0nagtago\u00a0sa\u00a0likod\u00a0ni Mang\u00a0Tonyo.<\/p>\n

Parang\u00a0pinipiga\u00a0ang\u00a0puso\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

\u201cAsaan\u00a0si\u00a0Isabel?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pagkatapos\u00a0kong\u00a0itanong\u00a0iyon,\u00a0biglang\u00a0nagdilim\u00a0ang\u00a0mukha\u00a0ni Mang\u00a0Tonyo.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0unang\u00a0beses\u00a0ko\u00a0siyang\u00a0nakitang\u00a0galit.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay\u00a0karapatan\u00a0ka\u00a0pa\u00a0bang\u00a0magtanong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nanlamig\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

\u201cNasan\u00a0siya?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mariin\u00a0niyang\u00a0kinuyom\u00a0ang\u00a0kamao.<\/p>\n

\u201cPatay\u00a0na.\u201d<\/p>\n

Huminto\u00a0ang\u00a0mundo\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Malamig\u00a0ang\u00a0hanging\u00a0dumaan\u00a0sa\u00a0taniman.<\/p>\n

Wala\u00a0na\u00a0akong\u00a0marinig\u00a0kundi\u00a0malakas\u00a0na\u00a0ugong\u00a0sa\u00a0tenga\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Tumingin\u00a0siya\u00a0sa\u00a0akin\u00a0habang\u00a0namumula\u00a0ang\u00a0mga\u00a0mata.<\/p>\n

\u201cTatlong\u00a0taon\u00a0na\u00a0siyang\u00a0patay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nanghina\u00a0ang\u00a0mga\u00a0tuhod\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

\u201cH-Hindi\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNagtrabaho\u00a0siya\u00a0hanggang\u00a0maubos\u00a0ang\u00a0katawan\u00a0niya\u00a0para\u00a0buhayin\u00a0ang\u00a0anak\u00a0mo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bawat\u00a0salita\u00a0ay\u00a0parang\u00a0kutsilyong\u00a0tumataga\u00a0sa\u00a0dibdib\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

\u201cHindi\u00a0ka\u00a0niya\u00a0gustong\u00a0guluhin\u2026\u00a0dahil\u00a0naalala\u00a0niya\u00a0ang\u00a0sinabi\u00a0mo\u00a0noon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hindi\u00a0ako\u00a0makahinga.<\/p>\n

Tumingin\u00a0si Mang\u00a0Tonyo\u00a0kay\u00a0Gabriel\u00a0na\u00a0nakasilip\u00a0sa may\u00a0pintuan.<\/p>\n

\u201cBago\u00a0siya\u00a0namatay,\u00a0isa\u00a0lang ang\u00a0ipinakiusap\u00a0niya\u00a0sa\u00a0akin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nanginginig\u00a0akong\u00a0nagtanong:<\/p>\n

\u201cAno\u00a0iyon?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuwag\u00a0na\u00a0huwag\u00a0ipapaalam\u00a0sa\u2019yo\u00a0na may\u00a0anak\u00a0ka.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doon\u00a0ako\u00a0tuluyang\u00a0bumagsak.<\/p>\n

Lumuhod\u00a0ako\u00a0sa\u00a0basang\u00a0lupa\u00a0habang\u00a0hindi\u00a0mapigilan\u00a0ang\u00a0pag-iyak.<\/p>\n

Akala\u00a0ko\u00a0noon\u00a0ako\u00a0ang\u00a0biktima\u00a0ng\u00a0pamilya\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0ang\u00a0totoong\u00a0nasaktan\u2014<\/p>\n

si\u00a0Isabel.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0ang\u00a0anak\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Gabing\u00a0iyon,\u00a0matagal\u00a0akong\u00a0nakaupo\u00a0sa\u00a0labas\u00a0ng\u00a0bahay\u00a0ni Mang\u00a0Tonyo.<\/p>\n

Hindi\u00a0ako\u00a0kinakausap\u00a0ni\u00a0Gabriel.<\/p>\n

Tahimik\u00a0lang\u00a0siyang\u00a0nagbabasa\u00a0ng\u00a0lumang\u00a0comic\u00a0book\u00a0malapit\u00a0sa\u00a0bintana.<\/p>\n

Hanggang\u00a0sa\u00a0napansin\u00a0ko\u00a0ang\u00a0litrato\u00a0sa\u00a0mesa.<\/p>\n

Si\u00a0Isabel.<\/p>\n

Payat\u00a0na\u00a0payat\u00a0na\u00a0siya\u00a0sa\u00a0larawan.<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0ganoon\u00a0pa\u00a0rin ang\u00a0ngiti\u00a0niya.<\/p>\n

Katabi\u00a0ng\u00a0picture\u00a0frame\u00a0ang\u00a0isang\u00a0sulat.<\/p>\n

Mahinang\u00a0sabi\u00a0ni Mang\u00a0Tonyo:<\/p>\n

\u201cIniwan\u00a0niya\u00a0para\u00a0sa\u2019yo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nanginginig\u00a0ang\u00a0mga\u00a0kamay\u00a0ko\u00a0habang\u00a0binubuksan\u00a0ang\u00a0kupas\u00a0na\u00a0sobre.<\/p>\n

\u201cMarco,<\/p>\n

Kung\u00a0nababasa\u00a0mo\u00a0ito,\u00a0malamang\u00a0wala\u00a0na\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

Matagal\u00a0kitang\u00a0kinamuhian.<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0kalaunan\u00a0naintindihan\u00a0ko\u00a0ring\u00a0nasaktan\u00a0ka\u00a0rin.<\/p>\n

Hindi\u00a0ko\u00a0sinabi\u00a0sa\u2019yo\u00a0ang\u00a0tungkol\u00a0kay\u00a0Gabriel\u00a0dahil\u00a0ayokong\u00a0mapilitan\u00a0kang\u00a0mamili\u00a0ulit.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0ayokong\u00a0lumaki\u00a0ang\u00a0anak\u00a0natin\u00a0sa\u00a0awa.<\/p>\n

Tinanong\u00a0kita\u00a0noon\u00a0kung\u00a0hahanapin\u00a0mo\u00a0ako\u00a0kapag\u00a0nawala\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

Ang\u00a0totoo\u2026\u00a0hinihintay\u00a0kong\u00a0pigilan\u00a0mo\u00a0ako\u00a0noon.<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0ayos\u00a0lang.<\/p>\n

Dahil\u00a0kahit\u00a0paano\u2026\u00a0minahal\u00a0pa\u00a0rin\u00a0kita.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hindi\u00a0ko\u00a0na\u00a0natapos\u00a0basahin.<\/p>\n

Nabasa\u00a0na\u00a0ng\u00a0luha\u00a0ko\u00a0ang\u00a0papel.<\/p>\n

Buong\u00a0gabi\u00a0akong\u00a0nakaupo\u00a0sa\u00a0labas\u00a0hanggang\u00a0mag-umaga.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0unang\u00a0beses\u00a0kong\u00a0naintindihan\u00a0na\u00a0kayang\u00a0patayin\u00a0ng\u00a0pagsisisi\u00a0ang\u00a0isang\u00a0tao\u00a0kahit\u00a0buhay\u00a0pa\u00a0siya.<\/p>\n

Mga\u00a0sumunod\u00a0na\u00a0araw,\u00a0palagi\u00a0na\u00a0akong\u00a0dumadalaw\u00a0kay\u00a0Gabriel.<\/p>\n

Noong\u00a0una,\u00a0malamig\u00a0siya\u00a0sa\u00a0akin.<\/p>\n

Halos\u00a0hindi\u00a0nagsasalita.<\/p>\n

Hanggang\u00a0sa\u00a0minsang\u00a0nakita\u00a0ko\u00a0siyang\u00a0umiiyak\u00a0sa\u00a0likod-bahay\u00a0dahil\u00a0tinawag\u00a0siyang\u00a0\u201cbatang\u00a0walang\u00a0ama.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halos\u00a0madurog\u00a0ang\u00a0puso\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Lumuhod\u00a0ako\u00a0sa\u00a0harap\u00a0niya.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0mahina\u00a0kong\u00a0sinabi:<\/p>\n

\u201cPasensya\u00a0na\u00a0kung\u00a0ngayon\u00a0lang\u00a0dumating\u00a0si\u00a0Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tumingala\u00a0siya.<\/p>\n

Namumula\u00a0ang\u00a0mga\u00a0matang\u00a0kapareho\u00a0ng\u00a0akin.<\/p>\n

Matagal\u00a0siyang\u00a0tahimik\u00a0bago\u00a0mahina\u00a0niyang\u00a0tinanong:<\/p>\n

\u201cTotoo\u00a0po\u00a0bang\u00a0kayo\u00a0ang\u00a0daddy\u00a0ko?\u201d<\/p>\n

Napaluha\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

Unang\u00a0beses\u00a0kong\u00a0naramdaman\u00a0na\u00a0hindi\u00a0ako\u00a0karapat-dapat\u00a0tawaging\u00a0ama.<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0tumango\u00a0pa\u00a0rin\u00a0ako.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0bigla\u00a0niya\u00a0akong\u00a0niyakap.<\/p>\n

Munting\u00a0yakap\u00a0iyon.<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0halos\u00a0durugin\u00a0nito\u00a0ang\u00a0puso\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

Makalipas\u00a0ang\u00a0isang\u00a0taon,\u00a0kinansela\u00a0ko\u00a0ang\u00a0buong\u00a0plano\u00a0para\u00a0sa\u00a0resort.<\/p>\n

Nanatiling\u00a0buo\u00a0ang\u00a0lumang\u00a0greenhouse\u00a0sa\u00a0likod\u00a0ng\u00a0burol.<\/p>\n

Dahil\u00a0iyon\u00a0ang\u00a0paboritong\u00a0lugar\u00a0ni\u00a0Isabel\u00a0noon.<\/p>\n

Pinabalik\u00a0ko\u00a0rin\u00a0sina\u00a0Mang\u00a0Tonyo\u00a0at\u00a0Gabriel\u00a0sa\u00a0hacienda.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0unang\u00a0beses\u00a0matapos\u00a0ang\u00a0maraming\u00a0taon\u2026<\/p>\n

napuno\u00a0ulit\u00a0ng\u00a0tawanan\u00a0ng\u00a0bata\u00a0ang\u00a0lugar.<\/p>\n

Isang\u00a0hapon,\u00a0tumatakbo\u00a0si\u00a0Gabriel\u00a0sa\u00a0gitna\u00a0ng\u00a0taniman\u00a0ng\u00a0bulaklak\u00a0bago\u00a0lumingon\u00a0at\u00a0sumigaw:<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa!\u201d<\/p>\n

Natigilan\u00a0ako\u00a0sa\u00a0ilalim\u00a0ng\u00a0ginintuang\u00a0sikat\u00a0ng\u00a0araw.<\/p>\n

May\u00a0mga\u00a0pagkawala\u00a0na\u00a0hindi\u00a0na\u00a0kailanman\u00a0mababawi.<\/p>\n

Hindi\u00a0ko\u00a0na\u00a0muling\u00a0mahihingan\u00a0ng\u00a0tawad\u00a0si\u00a0Isabel.<\/p>\n

Pero\u00a0kahit\u00a0paano\u2026<\/p>\n

may\u00a0pagkakataon\u00a0pa\u00a0rin\u00a0akong\u00a0maging\u00a0ama\u00a0na\u00a0karapat-dapat\u00a0sa\u00a0anak\u00a0ko.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0minsan\u2026<\/p>\n

ang\u00a0magkaparehong\u00a0peklat\u00a0ay\u00a0hindi\u00a0sumpa\u00a0ng\u00a0tadhana.<\/p>\n

Kundi\u00a0paraan\u00a0para\u00a0matagpuan\u00a0ng\u00a0isang\u00a0ama\u00a0ang\u00a0anak\u00a0na\u00a0matagal\u00a0nang\u00a0nawala\u00a0sa\u00a0kanya.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cPinatalsik ko ang matandang hardinero dahil akala ko wala na siyang silbi. Dalawang oras matapos noon, nakita ko siyang umaalis sa aking hacienda kasama ang isang batang lalaki. Tumingala sa… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":331,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-330","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thetruenews.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/330","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thetruenews.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thetruenews.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetruenews.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetruenews.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=330"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thetruenews.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/330\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":332,"href":"https:\/\/thetruenews.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/330\/revisions\/332"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetruenews.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/331"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thetruenews.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=330"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetruenews.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=330"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetruenews.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=330"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}