Four

Revenge's Downfall

Nathan's Point of View

"When we brought her here, we discovered that she was… raped." Tumigil ito sa pagsasalita at hininaan ang boses. "We also discovered that the attacker was not just limited to one or two persons. She was covered with her blood and her body was full of bruises. She was also traumatized as you can see."

Napabuntong hininga ito bago pinagpatuloy ang pagsasalita. "She was diagnosed with situational severe depression1. We have already tried different types of treatment to cure her depression but the patient is not responding to any of it. Aside from that, she was also seen to have the sypmtoms of PTSD or the Post – Traumatic Stress Disorder. That is one of the most pressing issue right now. I don't want to admit it but it can be worse than what is based on the current situation. Patient Maria is not responding to any treatment we tried on her. I'm afraid she's already fallen deep in her scars." Mahabang paliwanag ng doctor.

"Also, ever since that day, she was terrified to all of the people who will come come close to her although eventually, she accepted Nurse Cynthia and Nurse Olive, as well as me. But that's just it. All we know is that she knows a certain 'Nathaniel'. Pero hindi namin alam kung saan ka namin pwedeng mahanap or lead kung saan ka namin pwedeng hanapin. Hindi namin alam kung anong apelido mo o kung sino ba talaga si Patient Maria." Patuloy pa ng doctor.

Sunod sunod ang naging paglunok ko kahit masakit na ang lalamunan ko. I clenched my fist hard enough that my palm bled already. Matindi ang pagpipigil ko sa sarili kong umiyak, sumigaw at magwala.

"Nagreport kami sa mga pulis, pero dumaan ang mga araw, walang balita na may naghahanap sa kanya o nagpablotter man lang para makita siya."

A lone tear escaped from my eye while an anguish sob left my lips. What have I done? What have I done?! I hated her for three years without even knowing her side. I hated her without even checking in on her!

I felt my whole body shaking, but I still managed to come closer to her and pull her in a tight hug muttering string of apologies to her ear.

"Lian. Oh my god. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry. Lian, I'm sorry!" Hindi ko na napigilan, napahagulgol na ako ng tuluyan. What have I done?

Narinig ko ang pagsinghap ng mga kasama namin sa silid at bago ko pa maisip kung bakit ay napapitlag ako ng biglang may naramdaman akong mga kamay na pumulupot sa bewang ko. I cried harder that I have cried before. I cried like I have never cried before.

"I'm sorry, Nathaniel."

Lalong humigpit ang yakap ko sa kanya.

"No. No, Lian. I'm sorry.I should be the one to say sorry. I… should be the one." My voice cracked and my crying intensified.

How the hell would I explain everything I have done to her family for a revenge that is not suppose mine to take? Oh my god.

My heart painfully ached for her and a bitter feeling started to arouse inside of me.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I will do everything to help you better. I promise. I swear." Nananangis kong pangako sa kaniya.

I will do everything in my power to know who plotted against you, Lian. And I will make sure you get better.

So that you can hate me.

So that you can take revenge and get even with me, Lian.