The End of Daylight

Sunset

—

"Tammy, are you with me?"

The sudden voice of Jules brought me back to my senses. Napakurap ako nang tatlong beses bago ako tumingala upang salubungin ang tingin niya. Magkasalubong na ang kilay niya habang hawak ang isang mamahaling folder. He then arched a brow when I smiled at him awkwardly.

"What was that again?"

"Sabi ko na nga ba." Asik niya at napairap. Tumayo siya sa harapan ko at mariin akong tinitigan sa mukha as if he was memorizing every angle of my face. "Kanina ka pa ganiyan. Tulala ka sa plane tapos hanggang dito sa suite lutang ka pa rin. What's the matter? May masakit ba sa'yo? Masakit ba ang lalamunan mo?" Jules worriedly asked while examining my face.

Jules, he's my friend and also my music producer. And oh, he's a gay.

"Nah." I shook my head. "I'm just thinking about the concert." Pagsisinungaling ko.

The truth is, I'm feeling anxious now that I'm back in the Philippines. Tatlong taon din akong hindi umuwi dito simula nang mangyari iyon dahil gusto kong makalimot pero pinaglalaruan nga ata ako ng tadhana dahil isa sa mga bansang pagdarausan ng concert ko ay dito sa Pilipinas.

I wanted to decline the offer but what would I say? What acceptable reason could make them believe me? Could make them turn down my concert here? I know that they would call my reasons absurd but for me, they were big deal. Wala silang alam sa pinagdaanan ko at wala akong balak sabihin iyon sa kanila.

"Are you really sure you're okay, Tammy? Pinapasakiy mo ang ulo ko ha! Sabihin mo sa akin ang totoo!" He hissed. "Do you want to see a doctor? Are you not feeling well?" Sunod sunod niyang tanong sa akin, halatang hindi kumbinsido sa sagot ko.

Natawa ako. "Jules, I'm fine. I'm okay. Relax." Tumayo ako mula sa pagkakaupo sa dining area para kuhanin ang hand bag kong nakapatong sa coffee table sa sala. "Where were we again? Paki-ulit nalang 'yung sinabi mo." Pakiusap ko habang hinahanap ang cellphone ko sa aking bag.

"Okay, so here we goes," sumunod siya sa akin habang binabasa 'yung nakasulat sa folder na hawak niya. "Your rehearsals will start tomorrow, that would be 8am in Philippine Arena. You also have a oh— may invitation ka galing sa CEO ng hotel, he wants to wait— nasaan na ba ang manager mo? Bakit ba ako ang nagbabasa ng sched mo?"

Kumunot ang noo ko at mabilis na napalingon kay Jules. Lumipad ang hawak niyang folder sa coffee table at inis na nameywang sa harapan ko.

"Where the heck is Reychel? Ang sabi niya ay may kakausapin lang siya. Bakit napakatagal naman niya—"

Before Jules could even finish his statement, the door opened up, revealing Reychel with a wide smile plastered on her beautiful face.

Reychel, she's my friend and also my manager.

"Omg this is it! The invitation is really legit! They just confirmed it. The CEO of this hotel wants to meet the great Tammy Rustia!" Pulang pula ang buong mukha niya. I don't know if that was because of the oozing heat of the sun or because she was really blushing. She marched like a queen while walking towards our direction. She looked so fresh and excited? I don't know, she looked so happy.

"What?" Kunot noong tanong ko dahil wala akong maintindihan sa sinasabi nila ni Jules. We just arrived from the airport and I'm still having a jetlag. I want to badly rest both of my body and mind.

"The CEO of this hotel would like to meet you Tammy!" Kinikilig na anas ni Reychel bago umupo sa mahaba at malaking sofa sa sala. I was just looking at her with my brows a bit furrowed, still wondering and confused of what's happening.

I arched a brow. "And why would the CEO wants to meet me?"

"Duh! The great Tammy Rustia is having her stay in one of his Hotel, what do you expect him to do? It was a privilege! And guess what? This suite of yours is free! Wala kang babayaran dahil isa rin siya sa sponsors ng concert mo!" Mahabang paliwanag niya sa akin.

Tumango ako. "Okay."

She really looked so excited and it was making me anxious. What's so good in meeting the CEO at ganito siya kasaya?

"That's good to hear!" Napapalakpak si Jules sa magandang balitang natanggap.

I smiled unconsciously too and let my eyes roam around my given suite. It was huge and good actually. The expensive furnitures and appliances were placed on their right places, the suite had a three nice spacious bedrooms, the dining area looks extremely grand with its designedly modern marble island counter and the living area was prominently luxurious. The sofa, the coffee table, the flat screen TV, the little flowers placed on the table, all of them were very much fetching, and the glass window complimented the whole suite, giving me a good sight of the whole city.

Hindi na bago sa akin ang makatanggap ng ganito and I'm glad that they're doing this to me. Mas lalo tuloy akong ginaganahan kumanta at magcompose ng mga kanta.

"Kailan ko siya imemeet?" Tanong ko at nagmartsa upang maupo rin sa sofa sa tapat ni Reychel, sumunod naman sa akin si Jules. I opened my phone to check my messages.

"Tonight at exactly 8pm."

"What?" Natigil ako sa pagtipa at nanlalaki ang matang napatingin kay Reychel. "Did I heard it right? Tonight at exactly 8pm?"

Tumango siya. "8pm madam, tonight." She answered with her eyes glistening in so much excitement.

"Can't we move that tomorrow? Pagod ako at gusto kong magpahinga buong araw." I suggested. It's already 1pm, seven hours nalang ang natitira para makapagpahinga ako and that won't be enough for me to regain my strength.

"Mas lalong hindi mo 'yan magagawa bukas Tammy. Full sched ka if I'm not mistaken." Jules interfered. "Am I right, Reychel?"

"Tama!" Pagsang-ayon niya na may ngiti sa labi.

"Geez." I shook my head in frustration. So I was really left with no choice but to meet the CEO. Hindi naman ako ganoon kabastos para iturn down ang invitation niya and besides, this certain hotel is one of the sponsors of my concert. I should feel flattered.

I was wearing a simple red bodycon dress that perfectly fits my shape. It was actually chosen by my personal stylist, she partner it with my silver heels. She also made me wore a diamond jewelries that was glimmering everytime it touches the lights. She curled the end my natural wavy brown hair and put a light make up on my face. Gusto ni Jules na smokey make up pero mabilis akong humindi dahil dinner lang naman ang pupuntahan ko at hindi party.

"What's the name of the CEO anyway?" Rinig kong tanong ni Jules habang nakahiga sa bed ko.

I'm still in front of my vanity mirror, kasalukuyan pang nireretouch ang buhok ko habang tahimik akong nakikinig sa usapan nila Jules at Reychel.

Yeah, right. Hindi ko rin pala kilala ang CEO pero heto ako't ready nang makipag-dinner sa kanya. I forgot to ask that earlier, good thing Jules raised that question.

"Uh, Jieven Acosta ata? I'm not really sure—"

"What?" Mas mabilis pa sa hangin akong napatayo nang marinig ang pangalan na iyon. Muntik pang mapaso ang stylist ko sa hair curler na hawak niya dahil sa biglaan kong paggalaw.

My eyes widened in surprise and I could even feel my heart beating so fast like it was fresh from a marathon upon hearing that name again.

"Y-you said Jieven Acosta, right?" I reluctantly asked.

"Yeah?" Alanganing sagot ni Reychel na nakaupo sa bed ko at nagtitipa ng kung ano sa laptop niya. Halata ang pagkabahala sa mukha nila ni Jules. "Bakit parang gulat na gulat ka? Kakilala mo?"

I opened my mouth to speak but I immediately closed it upon realizing that I shouldn't act carelessly. Hindi na nila dapat pang malaman ang nangyari sa nakaraan and besides, I don't have the courage to narrate what happened to us in the past, it will just make me reminisce that tragic event. Matagal ko na iyong kinalimutan at wala na akong balak balikan pa iyon.

"Nothing. I'm just surprised." I smiled awkwardly before sitting down again.

I couldn't deny the fact that my heart was actually beating so fast that I think it will come out on my chest any second from now. Sobra sobrang kaba ang nararamdaman ko habang naglalakad kami ni Reychel papunta sa isang private room kung nasaan ang CEO at hinihintay ako.

"Ang bagal mo maglakad! Grabe!May patay ba sa harap na ikaw lang ang nakakakita?" Reychel irritatedly asked. When I glanced at her, she looked annoyed and furious. Magkasalubong ang kilay niya habang nakatingin sa akin.

"Do I need to run?" My voice held so much sarcasm.

"Hay nako! Bilisan mo at late na tayo!" Wala na akong nagawa nang hilain niya ako hanggang sa maabot namin ang isang double door na kwarto sa dulo ng pasilyo.

We stopped in front of the door and I think my heart is going to explode now.

"Ang sabi nila, sobrang gwapo daw ni Jieven. My gosh, galingan mo ah." She giggled in excitement.

"Whatever you say." I rolled my eyes. "But hey, how do I look?" I asked before Reychel could even open the door. She leaned forward and examined my face intently. Her eyes glistened in so much astonishment.

"You're pretty!" She exclaimed afterwards. "Sige na, pasok na. You just wasted twenty minutes." Asik niya sa akin matapos tignan ang suot na wrist watch.

Magsasalita pa sana ako nang bigla nalang niyang buksan ang pintuan at itulak ako papasok. Bago niya maisara ang double door ay kumindat siya sa akin. Nang tuluyan nang sumara ang pintuan ay kumabog ang dibdib ko sa sobrang kaba.

This is it.

I puffed a heavy breath before I stood straight and looked up. And with that exact moment, after the three long years, I meet those hazelnut dazzling eyes again. The eyes that made me irresistibly attracted and fell in love with him and those bewitching eyes that gave me so much hard time thinking straight whenever I'm looking at it finally met mine again.

He was standing not too far away from my position. The room was dim, there were massive paintings in the wall and the chandelier in the middle was splendidly voluminously alluring. Overall, the room looks like a mini function room.

I bit my lower lip when my eyes landed on him. Slowly, a faint smile formed on his lips as he walked towards my direction. I was just staring at him because as much as I wanted to look away, I just couldn't get my eyes off him. I still cannot digest the fact that I'm actually seeing him right here.. right now.

And when he stopped in front of me, that was when I thought that I've been holding my breath for too long.

"Nice to see you again, Miss Rustia." He said in a deep and firm tone while looking directly to my eyes.

I wanted to slap him so bad but my hands were trembling in so much fear. Alam kong una palang ay alam niyang ako ang imemeet niya pero tinuloy niya pa rin. How could he do that? How could he act like nothing happened to us in the past? Like he didn't hurt me at all?

"Shall we?" He offered me his hand.

Tinignan ko iyon na puno ng galit sa mata. Bumalik lahat ng masasakit na ala-ala naming dalawa. Gusto ko siyang sigawan at saktan pero hindi ko magawa. Dahil hindi ko siya kaya, hindi ko kayang saktan ang taong minsan ko ring minahal.

My grip on my pouch tightened and at that exact moment, our tragic story flashed on my mind like a thunderbolt hitting my chest so bad.

—

Three Years Ago

"Are you going to stay there for the rest of your life?"

I was about to swipe the screen of my phone to complete the word MATE in wordscapes but I paused midway when I heard my Daddy's furious voice outside the car. Nakabukas ang bintana ng kotse kaya narinig ko siya. I made a face before rolling my eyeballs. Here we go again, nagsisimula na namang uminit ang ulo ni Daddy.

In-exit ko nalang ang nilalaro ko bago ko pinatay ang cellphone at ipinasok sa bulsa ng suot kong jacket para hindi na ako pagalitan. I looked up to Daddy through the window and gave him a small awkward smile to lessen his anger.

"Dad, I'm just playing wordscapes and besides you and Mom are still busy talking to the staffs." I opened the backseat door and swiftly moved outside the car. The cold breeze of the air embraced my body, making my hair danced in an unknown rhythm. Good thing, I was wearing a jacket, it could somewhat give me warmth.

Nakita ko si Mommy hindi kalayuan sa pwesto namin na may kausap na isang hotelier. Napansin ko naman na patakbo takbo sa buhanginan ang nakababata kong kapatid na anim na taong gulang na si Tamara. She really love beaches ever since then but beaches don't love her. Frankly speaking, she doesn't know how to swim, she just want to play with the water and sand in beaches.

"But that doesn't mean you will stay inside the car for such a long time. Manong Adrian needs to drive it back in your aunt's ancestral house." Dad replied. Magkasalubong na naman ang kilay niya.

"Alright, alright. I get it Dad. I apologize." I raised both of my hands as a surrender. If I were to answer him that would lead us to endless argument again. Palibhasa abogado siya kaya maraming rason ang naibabato sa akin. I am always the loser when he started throwing me certain points and facts. Minsan mauungkat na naman ang mga nagawa kong kasalanan noon, nakakaloka lang makipag-away sa abogado.

Nilibot ko nalang ang paningin ko sa paligid. It's almost sunset. Mas lalong gumanda ang beach na nasa harapan namin dahil nagrereflect ang liwanag ng araw sa tubig. There were also minibars and restaurants nearby and a lot of tourist just like us are having their good time there, drinking alcoholic drinks and having fun with the loud bang of the music and if I am right, the hotel owned that establishments.

Something came into my mind while looking around. I smirked with the thought of escaping in the middle of the night when my parents and Tamara were already asleep.

"Go get your sister. Clean her up." Dad seriously said in monotone.

I just simply nodded before walking towards her direction. Tamara was bubbly playing with the sand, trying so hard to build a castle but she failed. Siguro ay nairita si Daddy sa ginagawa niya kaya heto ako't susunduin ang kapatid ko.

"Tamara, stop that, let's go." Mahinahong anas ko nang malapitan ko siya. She was giggling but glared at me the moment she heard my voice. She looked up and was about to throw me some sand but I was too fast to warn her.

"Try it! Subukan mo akong batuhin ng buhangin at ibabato talaga kita sa dagat!" I hissed though I won't do that. Tinatakot ko lang siya dahil masyado siyang sutil at pasaway. I don't want to spoil her.

She paused midway. I sighed in relief when she released the sand in her palm kaya mabilis akong lumapit sa kanya. "Stop it, ang dugyot mo na." Pinagpag ko ang kamay niya na may mga buhangin. She pouted and about to cry but I just rolled my eyes. Hinawakan ko na siya at inakay habang naglalakad kami papasok sa hotel na tutulyan namin for our Family's Summer Vacation.

Ngayon lang nagkaroon ng libreng oras sila Mommy and Daddy at ngayon lang din nagtugma ang schedule nilang dalawa. Ngayon pang isang linggo nalang ang natitira bago magpasukan. But I can't blame them, mabuti nga at napagbigyan nila kami ni Tamara na magbakasyon dito sa Palawan even though we asked to go in France. Tamara and I wanted to see the Eiffel Tower so bad.

"Are we going to stay in one room, Mom?" Tanong ko habang naglalakad kami. She was holding the card for our unit, sa kanya ito binigay ng receptionist kanina dahil siya ang kausap nito.

Napatingin naman ako kay Daddy na hila hila ang dalawang maleta namin ni Mommy habang hila hila ko naman ang maliit na maleta ni Tamara na kulay pink. I'm really having a hard time taking care of this kiddo.

Really? Kapatid niya ba ako o babysitter?

"I know you wouldn't like that, Tammy and you wouldn't like to be alone either so I took two rooms. You'll be with Tamara." She answered.

Pumasok na kami sa elevator at pinindot ni Mommy ang sixth floor. I must say that this hotel looked expensive and lively, they had a good quality of furnitures and the staffs were so good in accommodating their customers.

"I don't like to be with ate. She's ingay, so ingay." Tamara covered her ears to demonstrate how annoying I am. I shot up a brow.

Mommy laughed because of what she said about me while Daddy just looked at me with his serious face. Bigla akong nainis kaya mahina kong kinurot sa tagiliran si Tamara ng palihim, but of course I made sure that it wasn't that painful, kapatid ko pa rin siya kahit paano.

Tamara looked at me defiantly afterwards, like she was actually planning inside her head how to kill me.

"I don't like to be with you either. You're so kulit, so kulit." I mimicked her.

Nagbago ang ekspresyon sa mukha niya, ngumuso siya dahil sa sinabi ko.

My little sister is so adorable. Ang sarap niyang ihagis talaga.

"You have no choice but to get along with each other so stop arguing about simple things. Sleep outside if you don't want to be in the same room." Daddy said to us, looking hell serious.

Tamara looked down while I refrain myself from talking. Kung mayroon man akong isang kinatatakutan na tao sa mundo ay walang iba kung hindi si Daddy. I don't know. He was always so serious and grumpy like geez, jokes couldn't even make him laugh.

Bigla nalang tumalon talon si Tamara sa inis dahil sa sinabi ni Daddy kaya mahina ko siyang kinurot ulit, but of course mahina lang. For heaven's sake, nasa loob kami ng elevator! Ayoko namang mastuck dito!

"You're so arte!" I exclaimed in frustration, my voice was full of sarcasm. Tamara looked so pissed and so I am too. I stuck my tounge out to tease her but she just crossed her little arms over her chest and made a face.

Pagkarating namin sa sixth floor ay naglakad lang kami sa mahabang pasilyo bago kami huminto sa dulo. Something was written in between the two rooms. It says "Executive Lounge". Kumpara din sa mga kwartong nadaanan namin ay mas malaki ang dalawang pinto na nasa harapan namin.

"Here's your key. Fix your things and after that we'll have our dinner together downstairs." Mommy said and simply handed me our card.

Tumango naman ako at priness ang card sa pinto para madetect niya ito. It beeped and the door automatically opened on its own. Magkatabi lang naman ang room namin so I have nothing to worry about.

Right after I opened the door, Tamara instantly run inside like a hungry wolf. Sinubukan pa niyang pumatong sa kama pero masyado siyang maliit kaya hindi niya ito maabot.

"Kawawa ka naman, you need some help?" I teased her while settling our luggage on the side.

"Sleep! I want to sleep ate!" She yelled in frustration, trying to climb up but she failed to do so.

I let out a small smile because of her cuteness. "Oh bat' ka galit?" I teased.

Upon placing our luggage on the side, I walked towards her place. Holding her small waist, I carried her on top of the bed and she willingly obliged. She giggled afterwards and then grabbed the pillows.

"You're six but your height is for three." I whispered unknowingly. I thought she didn't heard what I've said but I was wrong. She slapped me using the pillow! It wasn't that painful but of course it surprised me! Who wouldn't?

"What the heck, Tamara?" Hinila ko ang isa pang unan at nilapat ito sa mukha niya. Sa laki ng unan ay nasakop nito ang kalahati ng katawan niya. She hissed and tried to get away from me but I didn't let her. It was our daily routine to argue with simple things, so nothing's new.

She groaned. I don't know if it was because of the pain or frustration but I think both. I made sure I wasn't being so harsh while covering half of her body. We always fought but I still love her, I still want her to breathe. Ang pakikipag-away namin sa isa't isa ay ang paraan namin para ipakita 'yung pagmamahal namin. We're not really that clingy and showy to each other but God knows how much I love my sister.

I laughed and let her go after 10 seconds. I stuck my tongue out to tease her more. Napaubo pa siya nang pakawalan ko siya.

"You're so bad! You're going to hell ate!" She was breathing heavily. Hinahabol niya ang hininga niya kaya mas lalo akong natawa. I just ignored what she said and threw her the pillow.

"Go get some sleep now, gigisingin kita pag dinner na." I softly said. Naalala kong baka isumbong niya ako kila Mommy at Daddy na inaaway ko siya. Geez, that would be the end of me.

Bumaba ako sa kama at naglibot sa kwarto. It was huge and good. The furnitures were looking fiercely luxurious. There was a large brown sofa on the right side of the room. The flat screen tv were attached on the wall near the bathroom. May mini kitchen din pero hindi ko na iyon pinuntahan, napansin ko kasi ang terrace na natatakpan ng malaking kurtina. I swept it off, revealing the sliding door. Binuksan ko iyon at sinalubong ako ng malakas na hangin. It was cold of course, pero hindi ako nilalamig. Naglakad ako hanggang sa maabot ko ang dulo. I could barely see the blue ocean and the people walking around below from my position.

"Wow." I unconciously whispered when my eyes settled on the sky. Naghahalo ang kulay dilaw at kahel sa kalangitan. It's sunset already! The sun is going down! This is what I've been waiting for! Mabilis akong tumalikod at bumalik sa loob.

Tamara was already asleep when I went inside. I tiptoed while walking to prevent any unnecessary noise and then I opened the door upon reaching it. I was wearing a simple pastel pink shirt, I tucked it on my black high waisted shorts and I was also wearing a white jacket. I could feel the fast beating of my heart. I feel so excited to see the sunset but my smile faded away while waiting for the elevator to open. Geez, bakit ang tagal?

Pagkatapos ng ilang sandali na paghihintay ay bumukas na rin sa wakas. I pressed the ground floor button and waited for about 20 seconds before the elevator opened. Tumakbo na ako para mabilis kong marating ang dagat.

Huminto ako nang marating ko ang dagat. I even giggled when I felt the coldness brought by the water when it reached my toes. Mabuti nalang at nakasuot lang ako ng sandals ngayon kaya walang problema kung mabasa man ito.

I pulled out my phone afterwards and searched for the camera. I then positioned it in a great angle wherein it could capture the whole sky view. I clicked it for so many times until it satisfies me.

Masaya kong tinitignan ang mga kuha ko ng makaramdam ako ng kakaiba. I could sense that someone is looking at me. I don't know if it was from my back, right side or left side. I could just barely feel it, it was making me anxious and paranoid. Wala sa sarili tuloy akong napalingon sa paligid.

My eyes widened when I saw a man nearby, he was looking at me with a serious face, brows a bit furrowed. Pareho kami ng pwesto pero siguro limang metro ang layo namin sa isa't isa. I didn't noticed him earlier. Kadarating lang ba niya o kanina pa siya? I don't know, maybe he came here while I was busy capturing the sunset.

Both of his hands were placed inside his beach pocket black shorts. Some strands of his brown hair fell from his pushed up hairstyle making it touch his forehead.

Then suddenly, I became so conscious of myself. "Do I look weird? Weird na ba ang pagkuha ng pictures?" I asked myself, eyes still settled on him.

Bigla tuloy akong nahiya. Kaya niya ba ako tinitignan dahil nakita niya akong pinipicturan ang langit? So what? I was mesmerized by the sunset, what's wrong with that?

But as much as I wanted to turn my gaze out of him, I just couldn't take it off. He already got my attention so I couldn't help to check him from head to toe. Moreno siya at matangkad, about 5'9 or above. He was wearing a simple white button down short sleeve dress shirt and a black beach shorts but with that simple outfit I could say that he had a muscular body. It was just a simple freaking clothes but it was so much fetching.

He then looked away and fixed his hair using his fingers like a model posing for a cover magazine. And there, I saw his side face. I must say that he's a drop dead gorgeous man. Ang tangos ng ilong at ang ganda ng jawline. Ang ganda ng side profile niya.

I was shookt when he glanced at me again. Sa pagkakataong ito ay nakita ko na ang buong mukha niya. His eyes were moon shaped, he has thick eye brows, well sculptured nose, thin pinkish lips and perfect chiseled jaw. Makinis at medyo maputi siya. I bit my bottom lip when I saw his left ear, when you look up to it you could see his piercing.

Mabilis akong nag iwas ng tingin nang lapitan siya ng isang babae na nakasuot ng pulang bikini.

"Hey, babe, let's go. Kakain na tayo sabi ng Mommy mo." The lady in red bikini spoke. Ah, may girlfriend.

I made a disgusted face when I realized that I just sounded so disappointed earlier. So what if he's already taken? Then good for him.

"Alright." The man answered sweetly.

Hindi na ako nag-abalang lumingon sa kanila nang maramdaman kong papaalis na sila pero hindi rin nagtagal ay hindi ko natiis at bigla akong napalingon.

His right arm was encircled around her small waist and they were busy chitchatting. I could even see his smiles while talking to his girlfriend. He then leaned closer to her and whispered something that made her giggled.

I envy them. They look so good together.

But then, I looked away when my eyes couldn't reach them anymore. I glanced back at the sky and forced myself to smile. I would love to watch this lovely sunset with the one I love but I have no one. I just closed my eyes and let the cold breeze of the wind embrace my body.

But my moment went over when my phone suddenly rang.

Mommy Calling...

I immediately pressed the answer button. "Mom."

"Where are you? You're not in your unit, anak." Her voice held curiousity and at the same time annoyance.

"I'm on my way back, Mom. Just wait for me." I turned my back and walked towards the hotel but I paused midway when my eyes flew to the man standing not too far away from my position. He was standing outside the restaurant with his girlfriend beside him but his eyes were pierced to mine. His girl was busy talking to the old lady in front of them. Alam ba niyang nakatitig siya sa akin ngayon? Geez. Anong problema niya sa akin? I'm starting to get anxious by his actions.

"Tammy, are you still there?"

The sudden voice of my mom brought me back to my senses. I just looked away and started walking again. "I'm here, Mom. Give me five minutes."

—