...

vani was asleep for most of her shift. it was my first night on evening shift after a long time, it was just the two of us on a slow sunday evening. we've sit doing nothing for an hour or more before a call actually comes in.she said she'll be heading back to bicol again soon. her mom was brought back again to the hospital and was confined to the ICU.

***

one day when i arrived at their house in naga, her dad was sewing covers for the cushions used on her mom's chair. on that last day i was at their house in naga, her dad showed me a wireless electronic alarm, sort of similar to a doorbell; the ringing part could be placed anywhere there was a nearby power socket, the ringer will be placed next to his wife. that was so his wife could easily get his attention even if he's outside their house, doing something.

***

i woke up this evening with a text message saying vani's mother has passed away a few hours ago. it's a day after mother's day. i've only met her mom for a few days, talked to her a few times while i was in naga. i wish i've known her longer.