1 Chapter 1: The Hollow Tree

I hold on to my chest as my son helps me get up. The memories. The pain. The endless torments.... are back.

"Basing on your facial expression, you already know him," he says softly.

I nod, closing my eyes to prevent my tears from falling. I clutch my dress in agony.

"I~"

Knock.

"Mom~ why are~"

Leo looks confused as he closes the door. He rushes to me and cups my face.

"What's going on, mom? Have you been crying?" he asks as he looks at his brother for answers. Mon looks down, avoiding his brother's gaze. Leo wipes my tears and rubs my back as I weep.

The room turns quiet. It is the longest five minutes of my life. I wish for this day not to ever come. However, the strings have already been pulled and some even tangled. Too late to cut them anymore.

Mon looks at me for approval then he shows the photo to his brother.

"Wha~ what is the meaning of this?" Leo asks with his eyes fixed on the phone's screen.

I stand and walk to the window. I fill my lungs with the misty air.

"Follow me to my study," I say as I open the secret door inside my room. I had it built to escape from my ex-husband wherever he gets home drunk.

When I didn't follow his orders, he threatened me saying that he's gonna hit my children. I didn't believe him since they are also his. So wrong I was.

I got home one night and found him whipping Leonard with his belt because he accidentally spilled some juice on his shoes.

I ran and held my son, crying and so terrified. I begged Anthony to stop.

Then, he smirked at me. He agreed not to beat him instead, he made Leonard watch his father beat me up. So cruel that was.

I still hear Leonard's screams whenever he has nightmares.

At that time, I couldn't understand why my father always ignored my cry. I told him how scared I was, but he was closed ears. Until one day, I found the contract, so I confronted him. He had no choice, but to tell me the truth.

The life I had was utterly tormenting that I've always longed to die. But, every time I was at the brink of death, I saw my children's smiles. At least I had to live for my children.

I clench my teeth at the memories.

"Please explain what is going on, mom," Leo breaks the awkward silence when we finally arrive.

I press the password of my safe then take out a file. I place it on the table.

I gulp, swallowing the acrimonious taste of the secret I have always tried to hide. Then, I take a deep breath.

"Whatever you hear and see, please don't hate your grandfather," I begin.

They look at me.

"Promise me."

"Fine. We will try our best to understand it," Mon says.

I hold my breath as I open the file and show them a contract. They stare at the document--- dumbfounded with what they are seeing.

"Founder set you up?!" Leo exclaims in disbelief while Mon punches the table.

"So you knew then that he's cheating on you?" Mon asks as he brushes his hair with his hand in frustration.

"Yeah~ I knew that he has a mistress and they have a son~"

"How about his death?" Leo asks, clearly angry at the situation. He never liked his father. If only he knew.

"Three years ago... your uncle got an anonymous call, informing that your father is alive and well. He called me right away after confirming it~"

"Are you saying that uncle Rob also knows about this? Who else knows? Do my cousins know it as well?" Leo shouts before kicking the sofa in front of him. It flips.

"Only Rob and I--- now you two, know about it... as a matter of fact, he created the rumor that I have dated and eloped with my student to divert the growing speculations about your father. The truth is, I left to check on him myself," I explain. They are speechless.

They vent their anger on the wall and furniture in the room.

"Why did you lie?" Mon asks.

My eyes, already swollen from crying barely look at him.

"You said... you... were fine~ why? Why do you have to go through this pain--- alone," he asks in pain.

How can I explain something that I myself is confused of?

"When your father divorced me, I thought I am already free. Free from his endless humiliation. Free from his iron hands. I thought I'd finally be happy~ I was wrong. I am so wrong," I utter as the dark heart that I once had is trying it's best to beat once more.

"But why did grandpa did this to you? You are his daughter--- his flesh and blood!" Leo yells.

"He has his reasons. As I've told you, don't hate him for what he did. Understand him instead~" I explain.

"Your grandfather did it to save this family~"

"Wha~ How~ Save this family by sacrificing you?"

"If that didn't happen... I wouldn't be having you. Seeing you grow each day makes me realize how lucky I am. If you are the reward after going through that pain, I will gladly sign that contract myself," I say as tears flow from my eyes.

"You know what's hard for me~ I still love your father no matter what!" I say with my frail voice.

"What on earth is wrong with you?!" Leo shouts.

"Are you crazy? After what he did to you? Mom~ this is not the mother I used to know!" Mon adds. I look away.

"He nearly beat you to death!" Leo yells, even holding my shoulders tight.

"Do you remember the story of the hollow tree?" I ask.

"Why do you suddenly ask?" they reply, confused about my question.

"Once there was a hollow tree that stood mighty and proud. All it cared about was its appearance. Its sprawling branches... and its verdant leaves..... without realizing that it's already been infested by pest inside. What would happen if a strong wind blows? It would surely tumble down. In order for it to keep standing proud, it needs support from other trees. Too bad, the one that once supported the hollow tree caused it to choke and rot~"

"Mom... what are you getting at?"

I smile bitterly at my sons as I hold their hands.

"I could see the coming days like a funeral procession--- painfully slow. You must be prepared for the turbulence ahead," I softly say.

"What are you saying?"

"Your grandfather is dying~" I cry painfully as they look at me, stunned.