Chapter XXII: Paltiing
As the couple arrives back at the hospital, a mix of unease and hope fills the air. They step into the ICU ward, bracing themselves for the sight of Isko lying unconscious. To their surprise, the room is bustling with people, some murmuring softly, others standing solemnly near the door. Christine and Benigno exchange puzzled glances, unsure of what to make of the situation.
"Ang dami namang tao," Christine whispers to Benigno.
"Akala ko ba tahimik dito?"
"Baka para sa anak ng mayor," Benigno replies cautiously, though doubt lingers in his voice.
Just then, an elderly woman approaches them, her hands clasped together as if in prayer.
"Pasensya na po," she says gently.
"Pwede bang itanong kung nasaan si Isko?"
Christine freezes, her mind racing.
"Si... si Isko?" she stammers.
"Opo," the woman confirms with a warm smile.
"Narinig namin ang nangyari. Marami sa amin ang gustong bumisita sa kanya." She gestures towards the crowd, which includes people of all ages—some holding flowers, others bearing food or simple gifts.
Benigno and Christine are momentarily dumbfounded.
"Ang dami namang nagmamalasakit," Christine mutters, her voice tinged with awe.
"Tara," Benigno says, taking charge.
"Samahan natin sila."
One by one, the couple accompanies the visitors to Isko's bedside. Each visitor has a story to tell—how Isko helped them carry groceries, fixed a broken fence, or simply lent a listening ear during hard times. The stories paint a picture of a selfless, kind-hearted man who had touched countless lives in quiet but meaningful ways.
Christine wipes a tear from her eye.
"Hindi ko alam na ganito siya kamahal ng mga tao," she whispers to Benigno.
"Hindi rin," Benigno admits, his voice thick with emotion.
"Nakakahiya na hindi natin nakita 'to noon."
At exactly 3:16 PM, a hush falls over the room as Isko stirs. His eyelids flutter open, revealing a pair of weary but alert eyes. He blinks a few times before focusing on the faces in front of him.
"Christine... Benigno... bakit kayo umiiyak?" Isko asks hoarsely, his voice barely above a whisper.
The couple rushes to his side, tears streaming down their faces.
"Isko," Christine chokes out,
"patawarin mo kami."
Benigno grips Isko's hand tightly.
"Anak," he says, his voice breaking,
"hindi ka namin pinahalagahan noon. Patawarin mo kami sa lahat ng pagkukulang namin."
Isko furrows his brows, confusion evident on his face.
"Ano pong sinasabi niyo?"
Christine takes a deep breath, summoning her courage.
"Regie," she says softly, using his original name.
"Ikaw si Regie. Anak namin."
The mention of his original name triggers a cascade of memories. Flashes of his childhood, his struggles, and his final days at their old home flood Isko's mind. His breathing quickens as the weight of those memories settles in.
"Ako si... Regie?" he murmurs, his voice trembling. He looks at Christine and Benigno, their tear-streaked faces confirming the truth. The realization hits him like a tidal wave, and his own tears begin to flow.
"Anak," Christine says, reaching out to stroke his face.
"Ikaw 'to. Ikaw si Regie."
Isko—or Regie—lets out a sob, his emotions overwhelming him.
"Bakit? Bakit niyo ako iniwan noon?"
As Regie regains his full memory, the weight of the moment hangs in the air. Benigno and Christine, with tear-streaked faces, look at him as though seeing their son for the first time in years. Regie stares back at them, his expression shifting between confusion, recognition, and guilt.
Christine, unable to hold back her emotions, clasps his hand tightly.
"Anak... gusto naming mag-sorry sa lahat ng nagawa namin noon. Sana mapatawad mo kami."
Benigno nods, his voice trembling.
"Regie, mali kami... sa lahat ng paghuhusga, sa hindi namin pag-unawa. Hindi namin nakita ang sakit na dinanas mo."
Regie looks at them, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Ako rin, gusto kong humingi ng tawad... sa lahat ng nagawa kong mali sa inyo noon." He pauses, his voice breaking.
"Alam ko nasaktan ko rin kayo sa mga panahon na hindi ko kayo naintindihan."
Christine shakes her head vigorously.
"Anak, hindi mahalaga ang nakaraan. Ang mahalaga, andito ka na ulit." Her voice cracks, and she starts sobbing.
Benigno steps closer, placing a hand on Regie's shoulder.
"Anak, gusto lang naming malaman mo na mahal ka namin. Lahat ng iyon, dala lang ng takot at pagkukulang namin bilang magulang."
Regie's gaze softens, and a small, hesitant smile forms on his lips. He closes his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath as if to release the burdens he's carried for so long.
"Pinapatawad ko kayo," he finally says, his voice steady.
"Alam kong lahat tayo nagkamali, pero ayoko na dalhin pa ang bigat ng nakaraan."
Christine collapses into a hug with him, her tears soaking into his hospital gown.
"Salamat, anak," she whispers.
"Salamat."
Benigno joins the embrace, his arms encircling both of them.
"Pangako, babawi kami. Hindi na namin hahayaang maramdaman mo ulit ang sakit na iyon."
After a few moments, Regie pulls back slightly, wiping his tears.
"Pero isang bagay lang," he says, his tone lightening.
"Huwag niyo na akong tawaging Regie."
The couple looks at him, puzzled.
"Bakit, anak?" Christine asks gently.
Regie smiles, this time with more certainty.
"Kasi iniwan ko na ang pangalang 'yon sa nakaraan. Simula ngayon, Isko na lang. Regie ang pangalan ng bata na puno ng galit at sakit. Si Isko ang taong natutong magpatawad at magbago."
Benigno nods, understanding dawning in his expression.
"Kung 'yan ang gusto mo, Isko na ang itatawag namin sa'yo."
Christine brushes a hand over his hair lovingly.
"Tama ka, Isko. Panibagong buhay, panibagong simula."
A sense of peace fills the room as they share a quiet moment together, the weight of years of misunderstandings and pain slowly lifting. For the first time, it feels as if their fractured family is beginning to heal.
"Paano na, Ma, Pa?" Isko asks with a soft chuckle, his voice tinged with hope.
"Panibagong simula nga ba talaga?"
Christine squeezes his hand.
"Oo, anak. Simula ito ng mas maganda, mas maliwanag na bukas para sa atin."
Benigno smiles.
"At pangako namin, Isko, gagawin namin ang lahat para mapunan ang mga pagkukulang namin noon."
Isko smiles back, his heart finally at ease. For the first time in a long while, he feels like he belongs.