Chapter XXIII: Ayat
The sun dips lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the hospital's sterile white walls. Shane paces anxiously in the hallway outside the ICU, her hands clench tightly together. She has been restless since hearing about Isko's recovery, her heart racing with emotions she couldn't quite sort out.
Inside the ICU, Christine stands by Isko's bedside, softly adjusting the blanket draped over him. Benigno steps out for a moment to get some coffee, leaving Christine to keep watch. Isko, though still pale and weak, offers a faint smile.
"Masakit pa ba ang ulo mo, Isko?" Christine asks gently.
"Medyo po," Isko replies with a weak chuckle,
"pero nakakabuti naman po ang pahinga."
As Christine prepares to leave the room to allow Isko some rest, she notices Shane lingering near the doorway. Her face lights up with recognition, and she approaches the young woman with a warm smile.
"Shane, nandito ka pala," Christine greets.
"Gusto mo bang makita si Isko? Gising na siya."
Shane's eyes widen in surprise, her cheeks flushing with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"A-ako po? S-sigurado po kayo?"
Christine laughs softly, placing a reassuring hand on Shane's shoulder.
"Oo naman. Siguradong matutuwa siya kapag nakita ka niya. Halika, samahan kita."
Christine gently guides Shane into the room. As they enter, Isko looked up, and his expression brightens immediately upon seeing her.
"Shane!" he exclaims, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and joy.
Shane smiles shyly, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her blouse.
"Kumusta ka na, Isko?"
"Mas mabuti na," Isko says, his gaze softening as he looks at her.
"Salamat sa pagdalaw."
Christine, sensing the moment needed privacy, excuses herself quietly.
"Iiwan ko muna kayo. Mukhang kailangan niyo ng oras para mag-usap."
As Christine closes the door behind her, an awkward silence fills the room. Shane hesitates, taking a step closer to Isko's bed.
"Isko," she begins, her voice trembling slightly,
"may gusto sana akong sabihin sa'yo."
Isko's brow furrows in concern.
"Ano yun, Shane? May problema ba?"
She shakes her head, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Wala naman. Actually, gusto ko lang… magpasalamat."
"Pasalamat? Para saan?"
Shane's cheeks turn pink, and she takes a deep breath before continuing.
"Para sa lahat ng ginawa mo. Sa pagligtas sa akin noong ulan, at sa kabutihang loob mo kahit noong hindi mo pa ako kilala ng lubos. Hindi ko makakalimutan ang mga iyon."
Isko is taken back, his heart racing as he senses there was more to her words.
"Shane…"
She looks him directly in the eyes, her nervousness fading as determination took over.
"Isko, gusto kong malaman mo na… mahal kita."
For a moment, Isko is speechless. His mind reels from her confession, but as he looks into her earnest eyes, he feels a warmth spread through his chest.
"Shane…" he begins, his voice soft but steady.
"Hindi ko inaasahan ito, pero… mahal din kita."
Tears wells up in Shane's eyes as relief and happiness washes over her. Isko reaches out a hand, and she takes it gently, holding it close to her heart.
"Salamat," she whispers, a tear rolling down her cheek.
Benigno and Christine peek into the room, their faces lighting up at the tender scene. Christine nudges Benigno playfully.
"Sabi ko na nga ba, may espesyal na koneksyon ang dalawang 'yan," Christine murmurs with a smile.
"Oo nga," Benigno agrees, his tone lighter than it had been in days.
"Mukhang magiging masaya na si Isko ngayon."
The couple steps inside to join them, their hearts filled with hope and happiness as they celebrated this new chapter in Isko's life.
The days that followed are nothing short of overwhelming for Isko. His hospital room, once quiet and sterile, now bustling with visitors from all walks of life. Citizens from Vigan, members of the Cathedral community, and even local officials streamed in, their presence a testament to how much his life had touched theirs.
"Mabuti na lang at maayos ka na, Isko," one of the Cathedral volunteers says, placing a basket of fruits on the side table.
"Hindi lang ikaw ang binuhay ng Diyos, kundi pati ang pananampalataya namin sa kabutihan."
Others share similar sentiments, recounting moments when Isko's kindness and generosity had impacted their lives. Each story left Isko deeply moved, his gratitude growing with every visitor.
Shane, however, remained a constant presence. Every day, she brings him a bouquet of fresh flowers, their vibrant colors brightening the room, and his favorite snacks, ensuring he has something to look forward to.
"Eto, Isko," Shane says one afternoon, placing a small bag of chips and a bottle of iced tea on the table beside him.
"Alam kong paborito mo 'to. Manood tayo ng Netflix mamaya?"
"Salamat, Shane," Isko replies, his voice warm.
"Hindi ko na nga mabilang kung ilang beses mo akong pinasaya habang nandito ako."
They often spent their afternoons watching lighthearted series or inspiring documentaries. The laughter they shared filled the room, a healing balm for both Isko's physical and emotional wounds.
Benigno and Christine, too, take turns staying by Isko's side. They coordinate with Shane to ensure he was never alone. Christine would often bring warm, home-cooked meals, while Benigno quietly sat by Isko's bedside, occasionally cracking a joke to lift his spirits.
"Parang lumalakas na si Isko," Benigno remarks one evening, glancing at Christine and Shane.
"Sa tingin ko, mas mabilis ang paggaling niya dahil sa suporta niyo."
Christine nods, a soft smile on her lips.
"At dahil na rin sa lakas ng loob niya. Ang importante, nandito tayo para sa kanya."
The routine would continue for days, the room becoming a hub of love and care. Visitors would come and go, leaving behind tokens of appreciation and words of encouragement.
Then, one sunny morning, the doctor enters the room with a bright smile.
"Good news, Isko," he announces.
"You're fully recovered and ready to be discharged. Congratulations!"
A wave of relief and excitement sweeps through the room. Shane clasps her hands together, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"Narinig mo 'yun, Isko? Makakauwi ka na!"
Christine wipes away a tear, her heart swelling with pride and gratitude.
"Salamat sa Diyos," she whispered.
Benigno pats Isko's shoulder.
"Handa na kami na iuwi ka, Isko. Ngayon naman, kami ang aalalay sa'yo."
Isko, overwhelmed by the support he has received, nods with a grateful smile.
"Hindi ko alam kung paano ako magpapasalamat sa inyong lahat. Pero isa lang ang sigurado—handa na akong magsimula ulit."
As the day of his discharge nears, the hospital room begin to empty, its bustling energy gradually replace by a serene stillness. Isko's journey to recovery had been long, but it is marked by love, resilience, and a newfound purpose to embrace life anew.