Hera Venice is a well-known doctor who conducts medical missions in some indigenous part of the country. She's widely known for her beneficence toward the poor.

But there's something about her that I didn't like.

Put it this way. Everyone has a certain aura by which you can make an impression just by feeling the air around them. And that's the issue, the air around Hera Venice feels so heavy. I feel strained around her.

I feel bad for describing her this way, but that's just what I really think deep down. Magdadasal na lang ako at hihingi ng tawad sa pagiging judgmental ko.

Anyway, I prepped myself for today. When I was satisfied with my appearance, I decided to take my leave.

Hindi ko maikakailang kinakabahan ako, lalo na ngayon at mag-isa lang akong pupunta sa ospital upang kitain ang ina ni Gaia. What if she asks me something that I don't know the answer about? I'm doomed. Ang malas ko naman kasi at hindi ko kasama si Atticus.

"Figlia, thank you for coming today."

Iyon agad ang bungad sa akin ni Hera Venice nang makarating ako sa ospital. Being the affectionate mother that she is, the madame pulled me into a hug. Hindi ko naintindihan iyong una niyang sinabi, kaya ipinagkibit-balikat ko na lamang ito.

"I missed you, Mom." labas sa ilong kong sabi at niyakap siya pabalik. Kumalas naman siya sa yakap at ngumiti sa akin nang matamis. She gestured me to follow her.

"I have a lot of guests, Gaia. I need you to look after our ragazzino. Do you mind?" she said in a sweet yet embarrassed tone.

Again, I couldn't fathom one of her words. Regardless, I nodded in response. Pumunta kami sa kanyang opisina at doon namin nadatnan...

"Voglio il mio animale domestico, Mama!"

My heart throbbed upon seeing the little brother of Gaia Venice. He was holding a small whip, like the one used for commanding horse. I had no idea why he seemed to be throwing a fit, but it was obvious that he's asking for something that he wants.

"Figlio, silenzio! Il tuo animale é morto!"  sambit ni Hera.

Napailing naman ang bata sa sinabi ng kanyang ina. "I want my pet, Mama! Adesso!  I want my pet!" he insisted.

"Ares!"

The little boy looked at me. His eyes turned moist. "Sorella, I want my pet... Adesso, voglio il mio animale domestico." Nilapitan niya ako at hinila niya ang dulo ng damit ko.

I was taken aback. Hindi ko naman maintindihan ang wikang binibigkas nila kaya hindi ko alam ang sasabihin. Only his name Ares was familiar to my ears. From what I've heard, he also wanted his pet now.

I glanced over Hera Venice and pleaded for help. She shook her head before turning to her crying son. "Ares, how many times should I tell you that your pet is dead? Silenzio, we will find a new one for my figlio. Do not cry anymore." pag-aalo niya sa kanyang anak.

Natulala naman ako nang yakapin ako ng bata at sa akin siya umiyak. Wala sa sariling hinaplos ko ang kanyang likod dahil panay ang kanyang hikbi.

"Ares, stop crying. Your pet will be sad, too." Iyon na lamang ang nasabi ko dahil nangangapa ako sa mga salita.

I was confused by my seemingly mixed feelings towards the child. Hindi ko maipaliwanag. The mere sight of Ares Venice leaves a bittersweet taste on my mouth. Para bang magkahalong saya at lungkot ang nararamdaman ko.

"Don't cry anymore. We'll get you a new pet."

Another sob escaped from his lips. "Really?"

"Yes." I wiped his snot when he stopped crying. "Good boy."

Tumayo na ako at binuhat ko ang kapatid ni Gaia Venice. He willingly let me carry him, and he even rested his head on my shoulder. I turned to her mother.

"Worry not, figlia. I'm sure our ragazzino will get over that wench." aniya at nanliit ang mga mata niya. I didn't get what she said, so I decided to shrugg it off and continued comforting the little boy instead.

The whole day passed smoothly. Medyo nabawasan ang kaba ko dahil abala naman si Hera Venice sa pakikipag-usap sa mga board members ng ospital. Kaya pala niya ako pinapunta upang bantayan ang aking kapatid.

"Sorella, I'm doing good in school." pagmamalaki ni Ares.

Ngumiti naman ako at sinabing ipagpatuloy lang niya ito. I still don't understand their language, but if I'm guessing it right, Sorella means sister and figlia  means daughter, judging by the way how Hera saidthei

Maghapon kong inaaliw si Ares na noo'y tila inip na inip sa ospital. Naglaro lang kami ng kung anu-ano hanggang sa pagsawaan ako ng bata at tinulugan na lamang ako.

"Gaia, thank you for today." malambing na sambit ni Hera at niyakap na naman ako. "I know that you're busy organizing your wedding but you still came. Grazie, figlia."

I had nothing to say, so I simply nodded.

"Don't let our efforts go in vain, okay? No matter what happens, the wedding must take place." malunamay niyang sabi at hinawakan ako sa magkabilang pisngi. "You have eliminated the threat so there's no reason to postpone the marriage."

I held both of her hands and forced a smile. She kissed the top of my head and I couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Hera Venice, hindi ko alam kung kailangan ko pang ituloy ang kasal. Your daughter is a cunning cheater... and I don't know why I have the same feeling about you.

I went home feeling tired and exhausted. When I entered the unit, I was expecting to see Atticus but to my surprise, Sandro was the one who greeted me upon my return.

"Hi." My brows lifted in surprise. "Why are you here?"

As usual, he ignored me. Hindi na ako nagtaka. Alam ko namang ayaw niya sa akin kaya hindi niya ako pinapansin.

"Pagod ako ngayon, Sandro. If you keep ignoring me, I won't mind. Wala rin naman ako sa mood na makipag-usap." sabi ko habang nagtatangal ng sapatos ko.

His eyes stayed on the envelop placed on the table. I was just about to retreat to my room when he miraculously spoke to me. "Help me, Gaia."

It's so unusual for him to ask for my help.

Nilingon ko siya. "With what?"

Sandro lifted his gaze to me. "I don't know what to do anymore. Should I tell him about it or not?" He seemed deeply troubled.

Tinabihan ko siya. "What is it, Sandro? Can I help?"

The secretary rubbed his face on both of his hands. "I accidentally discovered something. It's a big progress to our case, but it will turn his world upside down. Atticus will be devastated."

Bago pa man ako makapagsalita, inabot niya sa akin ang envelop na kanina pa niya tinititigan. Binuksan ko ito at natulala ako sa laman nito.

"Meet our new suspect, Auxen."

No...

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