A/N: To avoid any confusion, this will start with an alternating point of view of Karina and Winter then it'll switch to a general one.

 

 

 

Limbo. The place in between and in my case, I'm either alive or worse, dead. I definitely wanted the first one.

 

Everything around me looks familiar yet unfamiliar. It was like the merging of the past and the present.

 

I see our old house in Seoul, well from what I remember then on the other side is our house in Zambales.

 

I see flashes of my mom, dad, my siblings, even my step mom and my friends Ningning and Yeji and that should make me happy right?

 

But why do I feel like something is missing?

 

I tried to trace back on how I came to this place but I got nothing.

 

I have no idea how long I've been here or how long I should stay here.

 

I feel it in my gut that this is not where I'm supposed to be.

 

Something is really wrong.

 

I just can't pinpoint what it is and that is what . Is there someone out there? Please, I need some answers.

 

I tried walking around but it's as if I'm not making any progress until I heard someone talking.

 

"Jimin-ah"

 

I turned around and fear started creeping in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I watched as the decorations inside the hospital changed from the regular one to a bright one.

 

A clear sign that Christmas is coming. It should be a festive atmosphere but I couldn't bring myself to enjoy it.

 

I love the holidays cause my own birthday falls on one. But just thinking about it now makes me sad.

 

Everyday since my recital, I've been fighting my own mind of staying strong and just breaking down.

 

Every time I look at her, I remind myself that she too is fighting inside and maybe even more. It's the thought of not being able to do anything to help her that's making it difficult for me to stay strong.

 

I hate not being able to do anything other than wait until she wakes up. And I don't know when that'll happen.

 

"Minjeong, is there anything you wanted to buy for Karina? We'll buy it na lang" my mom asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

 

"No my. I... I'll do it myself po" I responded. I have a different gift in mind din kasi and that was supposed to be done somewhere else.

 

It's been three weeks now but Karina is still not waking up. The doctor told me I shouldn't be alarmed kasi iba iba naman talaga ang healing process ng tao and I understand that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Why are you still here Jimin-ah?" the person in front of me asked. Another appeared beside the first one.

 

"It's time for you to go now, Karina," the other said.

 

What?

 

The two people held my hands and they walked me towards a door. Right before they opened it, I stopped.

 

"Wait... I... I have a lot of questions."

 

"I know you do. But now all we can say is that it's time for you to go. The longer you stay here, the harder it is to leave. And as much as we want you with us, it's not yet time"

 

"But..."

 

"No more buts Jimin -ah, through that door, you'll find what you're looking for"

 

I was about to protest when the first person gave me a look. An encouraging one. A memorable one. It was the last look my mother gave me right before she passed. After telling me that I should find the happiness I deserve.

 

And seeing them together now makes me just want to stay. I've longed for this moment. But that's what it is right now. A moment with them. Now that I have them together with me, they wanted me to leave.

 

"Someone is waiting for you behind that door. Someone who you should be with. When that door closes, there would be some things that may have changed but it'll get better in time"

 

I didn't have the chance to say anything else before they opened it. And the last thing I saw were them smiling as they watched me go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When my parents left that night, as usual, naiwan ako sa room. Nanay Linda and Tatay Mark were here as well kanina. Since Karina was transferred, either lunch or dinner sila nagpupunta para naman din daw may nakakausap akong iba. And siyempre para macheck na din kung may progress sa kalagayan niya. Unfortunately, even after three weeks, wala pa din.

 

Each night I talk to Karina and would sometimes sing her a few songs. Hoping in that way ay magising siya. But it doesn't help as well. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko.

 

I have been meaning to sing her the ones I did nung recital. But everytime I try to start it, hindi ko naman matuloy. When I do, it reminds me of that day and the what ifs comes back to me. So instead I do other songs.

 

They say that the patient can still hear you when you talk to them so kahit minsan paulit ulit na mga sinasabi ko kay Karina, as long as I talk to her about anything, it could help.

 

"Jagiya... Gising ka na please... Namimiss ko na makita ang mga mata mo... Namimiss ko na marinig ang boses mo... Namimiss ko na ang date nights natin... Namimiss ko na ng i-hug and i-kiss ka... So tonight, I wanna sing you a different song... I hope you'll like it"

 

This life has twists and turns

But it's the sweetest mystery

When you're with me

We say a thousand words

But no one else is listening

I will be

 

Every night and every day

No matter what may come our way

We're in this thing together

The dark turns to light

We both come alive, tonight

I'm talking 'bout forever

 

Never gonna let you go

Giving you my heart and soul

I'll be right here with you for life

Oh, baby, all I wanna do

Is spend my every second with you

So look in my eyes

I'll be by your side

 

 

 

 

 

I hear someone singing and it sounds so familiar, as if I've been listening to the voice for a long time. I can tell the person's a girl and the way she says every word feels deep. I wonder who she's singing the song to.

 

I just listened until she finished it and I wanted to applaud her. But I can't seem to move from the spot where I am now.

 

After several attempts, I was finally able to and the next thing I knew I was looking at the most beautiful person I've ever seen. Her face is so angelic yet traces of sleepless nights are evident.

 

 

 

 

 

As Winter finished the song, she placed her guitar down and just held Karina's hand. There would be nights when she would feel some small movements of her fingers and it got her hopes up that that night would be when she would wake up.

 

Just like tonight, she felt those movements which then were followed by the thing she'd been waiting for.

 

Karina slowly opened her eyes and adjusted to the light. Once she did, she saw Winter's face and a smile automatically formed on her lips.

 

"J...jagiya"her voice was hoarse, so Winter immediately got a cup of water for her. She also lifted the bed a little so Karina could see her properly.

Winter's eyes watered while looking at her fiance. She really had been waiting for this moment.

"Jagiya, I missed you" she said as she carefully hugged Karina.

It took a couple of minutes before she let go of the hug and even after that, she was just staring at her fiancé. She couldn't explain the happiness she feels right now.

"H...how long h...have I been here?" Karina asked.

"Three weeks jagiya," Winter simply answered.

Shock was on Karina's face when she heard it. It felt like it had just been a couple of days. She looked around the room and her eyes landed on her leg that was raised and in a cast. Memories of how it happened dawned on her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was the day of Winter's recital. She had just left the condo to pick up Nanay Linda and Tatay Mark from Zambales. She volunteered to do it since Winter had an emergency rehearsal the day before, so they couldn't go together. While on the road, she had been updating her whereabouts and when she got to the intersection, she was stuck in traffic.

 

She messaged Winter that she was already near the house and just as she was about to place her phone down, the truck in front hit her.

 

Everything happened so fast that it didn't register to her right away what was going on. It wasn't until she felt the airbag open and the first metal piercing her chest that she felt the gravity of the situation.

 

In a not so funny way, a particular scene came to her mind. They had just done a marathon of this movie franchise a few days ago and it was happening to her now.

 

Another metal bar pierced her and was followed by another. It went through and through. She couldn't move. She couldn't speak.

 

Even in her current state, her thoughts went to Winter. How she would miss her recital today. The one she'd been preparing for. The one she knows she dedicated to her. Will she still be able to see her? Will she still get to be with her? Will they still be able to make all their plans together? She still wants to marry Winter and have a family with her.

 

She feels her blood flowing out of her and her chest starting to tighten. Her breaths were shallow as her tears fell.

 

"I don't want to die yet. Please. Please let me make it out of here" were the words she kept repeating to herself.

 

She heard someone talking to her but she couldn't keep her eyes open and she feared that anytime now, she would take her last breath. She wanted to keep fighting but her body was betraying her.

 

 

 

 

 

"Jagiya?"

 

She was pulled out of her thoughts when she felt Winter slightly tapping her arm. She didn't realise she was already crying. Crying because she can't believe she survived what happened. She wasn't even sad that her leg was in that state because what matters to her is that she is alive and she's with Winter right now.

 

"W...why are you crying? May masakit ba? Should I call for a nurse?" nagpapanic na pagtatanong ni Winter.

 

Napangiti na lang ulit siya kahit may mga tumutulong luha pa din sa mata niya.

 

"I love you," she said.

 

Natigilan si Winter sa pagpapanic niya.

 

"And I love you more, Jagiya"

 

Dahan dahang pinunasan ni Winter ang mga luha niya bago siya lumapit at hinalikan ito sa labi. Masaya namang tinanggap ni Karina at sumabay siya sa paggalaw ng kanyang mga labi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

An hour later, may kumatok sa pintuan at pumasok ang isang doktor at nurse for their rounds.

 

"Miss Yu! Gising na po pala kayo" gulat na sabi nung doctor.

 

Hinayaan nilang icheck ang mga machines na nakahook kay Karina and confirmed that everything is normal naman. They were told as well that Dr. Im would be there in the morning to talk about Karina's therapy.

 

When they left, Winter got Karina caught up with what happened since she was brought to the hospital.

 

"Nasa condo pala sila Nanay at Tatay. Andito din sila kanina. They bring me lunch or dinner para may kasabay daw ako. Namimiss ka na din nila jagiya" sabi ni Winter.

 

"I'll see them tomorrow naman. Jagiya?"

 

"Hmm?"

 

"I'm sorry I missed your recital and I'm sorry about Ruby"

 

Napahigpit ng konti ang kapit ni Winter sa kamay ni Karina. Siya na nga itong naaksidente pero siya pa yung nagsosorry.

 

"Y...you don't have to apologise for that jagiya. I can do it all over again for you and the car can easily be replaced, but your life cannot. What you need to focus on now, ay ang magpagaling"

 

"Still... I know how hard you prepared for it"

 

"And I can do all the performances again. Kahit bukas na bukas din, if you want. Jagiya... I'm so happy to see you awake. So happy to be looking at your eyes again and you looking back at me. I won't ever let you out of my sight again"

 

"I'm so happy as well, Jagiya. Gustung gusto ko na kayang gumising pero ayaw pa ng katawan ko"

 

"Normal naman daw yun. I was told several times na if the body needs more time to rest, hindi pa talaga gigising yung patients. But I'm glad that you are now. I bet everyone would be happy to see you Jagi. Our family and friends have been visiting as well. Even Lolo Art was here the other day."

 

Nagkwento na si Winter ng iba pang ganap for the past three weeks until antukin na sila pareho. And that night, they slept beside each other. Karina's wounds had healed na din so it was only her leg na lang talaga ang problem. Winter adjusted herself to the space available sa tabi ni Karina and they both had good dreams about each other.

 

 

 

 

 

"Ehem"

 

Winter was the first to wake up nung marinig niya yung sound. Pagmulat niya, bumungad sa kanya ang kanyang Tita Roxy. Tatayo na sana siya at hindi naman kasi advisable na tumabi sa pasyente matulog pero pinigilan siya nito.

 

"It's fine, Minjeong. Ako lang naman ito" sabi ng tita niya.

 

Nagising na din si Karina at binati ang tita ni Winter.

 

"How are you feeling, Karina?"

 

"I feel good po... better actually, considering"

 

Tumango tango ang doctor. "I just wanted to check up on you"

 

The doctor discussed with her that the cast would have to stay for a few more weeks until the leg is healed and only then will she be able to start her therapy. Even before that happens, once she has regained her strength, pwede naman daw siyang mag.wheelchair or crutches kung kaya niya pero huwag din daw pilitin. Karina understood everything naman. After that, lumabas na din ng room ang doctor. Babalik na lang daw siya later since pupunta din ang mommy ni Winter.

 

"I guess it's my turn to assist you everywhere jagiya" sabi ni Winter. Pareho nilang naalala nung time na siya yung injured.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch time came at sakto ang dating ng mommy ni Karina na sinundo na din sina Nanay Linda at Tatay Mark sa condo para sabay sabay silang magtanghalian. Mangiyak ngiyak ang magasawa ng makita nilang gising na si Karina.

 

"Salamat sa diyos at gising na ikaw Karina" sabi ni Nanay Linda.

 

Lumapit na sila sa kama at marahang yumakap sa kanya. Ganun din naman ang ginawa ni Tatay Mark at ang mommy nga ni Winter.

 

Inayos naman ni Winter ang mga dala nilang pagkaen at pumwesto na sila sa movable table malapit kay Karina. Since kasama din nila ang tita ni Winter, she explained ulit kung ano ang mangyayare.

 

Naibalita na rin niya ang update sa mga friends nila kaya naman pagdating ng gabi ay sila naman ang bumisita.

"Sis! Nakakaloka ka naman. Grabehan sa beauty rest ah" biro ni Ningning. Tumawa naman ang tropa.

 

"Hindi naman ganun ginawa ni Karina. Loko ka talaga" sabi naman ni Yeji.

 

"Ayeeee. Pinagtatanggol ang ex" dagdag pa ni Ningning.

 

"Oh my gosh. Shut up ka na lang kaya muna love?" sabi naman ni Giselle.

 

Nanlaki naman ang mata ng sinabihan habang pigil tawa naman ang iba.

 

"Excuse me??" gulat na sabi ni Ningning.

 

"Op op. Kalma lang. There's no need to get worked up on that."

 

Nag-cross na lang ng arms si Ningning at pasimple na lang siyang sinusuyo ng girlfriend niya.

 

"Ryujin" sabi naman ni Karina at tumingin ang tinawag. "Thank you pala ha. Winter told me what you did. Kayo din Ning and Gi. Thank you"

 

"No worries Karina. Tayo pala ang match talaga eh" sabi naman ni Ryujin with matching kindat at finger gun pa.

 

"Ah so kami ni Yeji ang match?" sagot naman ni Winter sabay akbay sa ex girlfriend ng fiancé niya na girlfriend ng bestfriend niya.

 

Sumakay naman sa trip si Yeji at yumakap din kay Winter. Tamang asar lang din nito.

 

"Hi babe" dagdag nito.

 

Eh asar talo si Ryujin kaya nagmake face na lang siya.

 

Nagkwentuhan lang ang tropa sa mga ganap sa kani-kanilang life hanggang kailangan na nila umuwi at tapos na ang visiting hours.

 

When they all left, like what Winter usually does, kinantahan niya si Karina hanggang sa makatulog na ito.

 

 

 

 

 

"What's going to be the payment plan?... I see, yeah we could do that... If you could email me the details so we can already send the money... Thank you again"

 

Karina was just listening to Winter who was on the phone when she woke up. It seemed like some serious business by the sound of her fiancé's voice. She just waited until it was done before she greeted her.

 

"Good morning Jagi. What was that about?"

 

Winter was a little startled when Karina spoke. She was expecting her to still be sleeping.

 

"Oh. You're awake na pala. Good morning Jagi. Uhm... May pinafollow up lang si dad sa akin."

 

Tumango na lang si Karina. Inayos na ni Winter ang special breakfast na inarrange ng pinsan niya na ipadeliver sa kanila every morning. Covered na din kasi ang lunch at dinner ng either mommy ni Winter or luto ni Nanay Linda.

 

"Let's eat na po" sabi ni Winter bago niya sinimulang himayin ang waffles tapos sinubuan si Karina.

 

"How was your sleep, jagi?"

 

"Ayos naman po. Medyo uncomfortable lang kasi nangangalay na yung leg ko"

 

"Oh. Sige, we'll let Tita know about that para magawan ng paraan"

 

"D'you think we could try na mag.wheel chair na ako?"

 

"They have to lower your leg first jagi. Baka pagalitan ako kung ako kakalikot nung pulley tsaka hindi ko abot yan eh"

 

Natawa naman si Karina sa itsura ni Winter. Para ding on cue na pagkatapos nilang kumaen ay may kumatok na sa pinto at ang tita nga ni Winter ang pumasok.

 

"Hi Tita. Did you have breakfast na?" tanong ni Winter.

 

"I did sa bahay. Good mood ang Ate Nayeon mo at nagluto"

 

"Whoa. That's new. Ano kayang meron?"

 

"I honestly don't know. Late na nga umuwi kagabi kasi lumabas with her friends"

 

Nagkatinginan sina Winter at Karina. Mukhang same lang sila ng iniisip.

 

Her aunt checked Karina's monitors and all is well naman daw. They also asked about her leg and were told that it still needed to remain elevated for another week and then they'd check her progress after that. Hindi nga naman kasi talaga comportable na palagi ka lang nakahiga. Buti na lang at minamake sure din ni Winter na hindi magka-bed sore si Karina. Siya na din kasi ang nagpupunas ng katawan nito. Another special request to her tita.

 

 

 

 

 

One week before Christmas. Naisipan na mag-mini party sa loob ng hospital room ni Karina ang mga friends nila. May mga kanya-kanya kasing mga lakad sa pasko kaya ngayon lang din nila plinanong mag-exchange gift.

 

Siyempre may bunutan na nangyari. There was also no point na itago ni Karina kung sino nabunot niya since si Winter naman ang pwedeng lumabas at bumili nito kaya pinagusapan na lang nila kung anong pwedeng iregalo sa friends nila.

 

Nasa mall si Winter na ka-video call si Karina. Tamang ikot lang sa isang store ng pinapahanap.

 

"Ganito ba jagi?" sabi ni Winter habang pinapakita sa video yung hawak niyang item.

 

"May ibang colors ba niyan?" kita sa video ang paghahanap ni Winter sa shelf.

 

"Puro pastel colors lang meron sila eh. Mas bet ba niya yung ganun?"

 

"Yeah. She prefers nga ng mga ganun. I think that's fine na"

 

"Sure? Kasi, I can check other stores naman"

 

"No, that's okay na po. May iba ka pa bang bibilhin?"

 

"Wala na naman jagi. I'll just pay for this, then balik na po ako jan"

 

"Okay po. Magiingat po ikaw. I love you"

 

"I will po. I love you more"

 

Binaba na nga nila ang tawag at dumiretso na sa counter si Winter. After makuha ang binili ay dumaan pa siya sa isang store to buy something else, bago siya bumalik ng hospital.

 

Ayaw na din niya magtagal sa labas at hindi na nga siya sanay na hindi kasama si Karina kapag may bibilhin. She prefers din na she gets her opinion about the items she buys... well except yung last shopping nila.

 

Pagpasok niya ng room, nakita niya ang isang pinsan ni Karina na si Kuya Bambam at isa pang lalaki na hindi niya kilala. Binaba niya muna ang nga dala niya at tsaka lumapit sa bed.

 

"Yo Winter!" bati nito at nakipag.fist bump pa. "Just heard what happened kaya dumalaw na kami. This is Jackson pala. My boyfriend"

 

Tumayo naman yung isang lalaki at nakipag-shake hands sa kanya.

 

"May dala pala kaming pasalubong from our vacation. We had just got back from Thailand kasi when I read the message from Lolo Art about Karina's accident. Dumiretso na kami dito from the airport" kuwento ng Kuya Bambam.

 

"Kamusta naman po ang trip niyo?"

 

"It was fun. You guys should visit there. There are a lot of things you can do and places to visit" dagdag nito.

 

"Next time po siguro. May pending trip na din po kasi kami eh"

 

"Ah really? Where to?"

 

Nagkatinginan ulit silang dalawa at napangiti.

 

"We'll be visiting Seoul kuya. Winter got us tickets and for me to visit my old home na din" sagot naman ni Karina.

 

"Nice. So you better heal fast couz. Marami din magandang puntahan dun. Baka pwedeng magpasabuy na din pag pumunta kayo. May PC pa ako ng bias ko na hindi ko pa nakukuha eh"

 

"You can order those online, hun. Gusto mo din ba ng standee?" sabi naman nung boyfriend niya.

 

Parang kiti kiti naman si Bambam nung sinabi yun ni Jackson. "You'll buy it for me?"

 

"Oo naman. Send mo sa akin which one you are referring to and I'll buy it"

 

Both Karina and Winter just smiled at the exchange they were seeing in front of them. Minsan lang din kasi makita ni Karina ang pinsan niya na kiligin at maging clingy sa boyfriend nito. When they left, inayos na nila ang kanilang mga regalo.

 

Karina made a list of the gifts to buy and for whom and Winter did all the buying during the week prior to Christmas. Clear naman lahat ng instructions nito so the other didn’t have a hard time looking for the items. May specific brands and sizes nadin kaya mabilis lang talaga nabibili o nahahanap ni Winter. Pagbalik niya ng hospital, Karina helps with wrapping them. They were down to the last two items and para ito sa parents ni Winter.

 

“D’you think magugustuhan nila tita yung binili mo?” tanong ni Karina.

 

Tinigil ni Winter ang pagcucut niya ng wrapper at binaba ang scissors bago sumagot kay Karina. “I kinda feel bad for what we thought about mommy’s gift. I mean, unless dad knows as well, then we don’t have a problem. But if he doesn’t have any idea, then that’s an issue?”

 

“Bili na lang tayo back up gift?”

 

Napaisip si Winter. She looked back sa unang beses na na-mention ang past ng mommy niya and her dad was comforting his wife. Then yung gathering sa bahay nila, after niya mag-eavesdrop sa usapan ng mommy and Tita niya, again, her dad was just comforting her mom. So if the past, meaning Karina’s mom, is brought up, I think her dad already knows about it, as she never heard him say anything about it.

 

“I don’t think there’s a need for it jagi. Magugustuhan yun ni mommy, for sure”

 

Nagtuloy lang sila sa pagwrwrap until it’s time for dinner. Sakto din naman ang dating nila Nanay Linda nung matapos ng maitago lahat ni Winter ang mga regalo nila.

 

 

 

 

 

Three days before Christmas at party na nga nila with their friends. The food was, of course, ordered from her cousin’s restaurant and, since the room was big enough for them, they set up a photo booth on one side, the food and drinks were on one side and the gifts were on another side.

 

Good thing na pwede na mag-wheel chair si Karina kaya naman, bago nagdatingan ang mga friends nila ay nagpatulong na si Winter sa mga staff para mailipat si Karina. When she was settled, they tried to go around the room, para malaman nila, ang feeling with movement even with her leg raised.

 

“Hindi naman awkward jagi?”

 

“Not really. Siguro kasi smooth yung floor so I would prolly feel it kung hindi na patag ang dadaanan”

 

Winter took a mental note of it.

 

After ng ilang turns, may kumatok na sa pinto at pumasok na sila Ryujin at Yeji.

 

“Yo!” bati ni Winter sabay fist bump sa kaibigan. Si Yeji naman ay nag side hug kay Karina. Binaba na din nila ang mga dala nilang regalo sa table at umupo na sa isang side ng long table na nakaayos sa gitna ng room.

 

Sunod namang dumating sina Ningning at Giselle na kasabay sina Yuna at Lia. Dumating din sina Chaeryeong at Chaeyeon.

 

Hindi lang naman exclusive na Christmas Party para sa tropa nila yung araw na iyon. They can invite other people din pero since bawal maginuman sa ospital, nag-decline ang ininvite ni Winter na neighbor nilang si CL, no go din ang mga kasama niya sa recital na sina Soyeon at Yuqi since they also have other plans. Kaya naman naisip niyang kontakin ang new friends nila from Zambales. Sabi ni Xiaoting ay they’ll check pa daw pero possible na makadaan sila.

 

After mag picture ng iba using the photo booth, kumuha na din sila ng food.

 

“Ayusin mo yang pagpicture mo Ryujin ah” pabirong banta ni Winter habang pumepwesto sila ni Karina.

 

“I got you bro! Kahit ako na kunin niyong photographer sa kasal niyo” pagmamayabang naman nito. After ng ilang shots, ipinakita na niya ang results ng kanilang photoshoot.

 

The engaged couple both looked impressed sa mga shots nila and they also took note of what their friend said. That’s one item on the list to be checked out.

 

 

 

 

 

Nakakakuha na ng food ang lahat at magsisimula na sana silang kumaen nang may kumatok sa pintuan. May sumilip na bata na hindi naman nakilala nung pinakamalapit sa pinto na si Yuna.

 

“Sino ka?”

 

“Who are you?” sagot nito with matching taas ng kilay at pout.

 

“I asked first” sagot naman ni Yuna na nagtaas na din ng kilay.

 

“Is Winter unnie here?”

 

Wala pang ibang nakakapansin sa interaction nung dalawa at busy nga sa na food nila ang iba.

 

“Oo. Sino ka ba?” tanong ulit ni Yuna.

 

“Friends kami ni Winter at Karina unnie. Eh ikaw sino ka ba? Bakit ayaw mo ako papasukin?” sagot naman nung bata. Itsurang malapit na umiyak.

 

“Aba ayos kang bata ka ah. Winter! Kilala mo ba ito?”

 

Napatingin naman agad ang tinawag sa direksyon ng pintuan. Napangiti ito ng malawak at tumayo na sa kinuupuan. Agad agad din pumasok ng kwarto ang bata at muntik pa nga mauntog sa pinto si Yuna.

 

“Youngeun!” masayang bati ni Winter at tumalon na ang bata na sakto namang nasalo nito.

 

May kumatok ulit sa pintuan at may dalawa pang pumasok sa kwarto na medyo hingal ang mga itsura.

 

 

“Hi Winter. Pasensya ka na kung na-late kami ng dating. May Christmas Party din kasi sa school si Youngeun kanina. Pinilit na nga lang namin na umattend kasi mas gusto niyang dumiretso na agad dito” pag-explain ni Yujin.

 

“Don’t worry. We just started din naman. Upo na kayo” Winter led them to the available space sa tabi ni Karina. Tama lang din talaga ang extra chairs na nirequest nila.

 

Once nakakuha nadin ng food ang pamilya, Winter introduced them to their other friends.

 

“Guys, this is the Shen Family. Xiaoting, Yujin and their cute daughter Youngeun. We met them in Zambales”

 

“Cute nga, maldita naman” side comment ni Yuna. Tanging sina Lia at Chaeryeong lang ang nakarinig. Pero nagkatinginan sina Yuna at Youngeun na tinaasan ulit siya ng kilay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Christmas Day, some of their relatives came, well those who can. Some of Winter's relatives went overseas, din kasi kaya ang nakapunta lang aside from her parents ay sina Ate Irene, Ate Wendy, Ate Yeri, Tita Roxy, Tito Casey and Ate Nayeon and Ate Jeongyeon. Then on Karina's side, aside from Nanay Linda and Tatay Mark, nakapunta din si Lolo Art, Kuya Bambam, Kuya Jackson, Ten and Ate Lisa and Ate Rosé.

 

"Is your passport up to date Karina?" tanong ni Mommy Taeyeon. Tumango naman ang kausap. "Okay good. I know Minjeong has already made plans for the two of you to go to Seoul. Will you be waiting until the cast is removed?"

 

"Uhm. Yun po ang advise ni Doc Im"

 

Tumango si Mommy Taeyeon at tinawag ang kapatid. "Sis! Pwede na naman bumiyahe si Karina kahit naka cast pa ang leg niya di ba?"

 

"Yeah. I mean, may medical assistance naman na provided."

 

"Exactly. I don't know why Minjeong chose to buy plane tickets when she could have contacted her uncle to fly us there."

 

Sakto naman ang dating ni Winter galing sa cr.

 

"Minjeong, we're set to fly to Seoul in two days. So I canceled your flight."

 

Napanganga naman ang kausap. "What the? My naman eh. I know what you're thinking. Kaya nga I didn't contact Uncle Marcus eh"

 

"Yeah I know. That's why I did. Why waste money on buying tickets anak, when you have an uncle who's a pilot and has his own plane?"

 

Wala ng nagawa si Winter kundi umiling. Iniwan silang dalawa ni Karina nang dumating na ang delivery ng food at sinimulan ng ayusin ito.

 

"What's wrong jagi?" tanong ni Karina. Para kasing nalugi ang itsura ni Winter.

 

"Kaya nga hindi ko tinawagan si uncle kasi gusto ko maexperience yung normal flight with just us traveling eh tapos hindi padin nakalagpas kay mommy"

 

#richkidproblems

 

Natawa na lang si Karina sa pagsulk ni Winter. Eh di siya na ang hindi pa nakakasakay sa regular plane.

 

Tinawag na silang lahat to gather once naayos na ang mga pagkaen at pumaikot na sila sa table.

 

Winter pushed Karina's chair closer na din.

 

"Merry Christmas everyone!" masayang bati ni Mommy Taeyeon sa lahat. "Let us enjoy this feast before us and may we have more blessings to come in the New Year."

 

Nagbatian na din ang iba at nagsimula na silang kumuha ng mga pagkaen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Pahiram lang saglit kay Winter ha" sabi ni Ate Wendy kay Karina.

 

Lumabas sila ng room at naupo sa waiting area. May inabot na envelope si Ate Wendy at binuksan naman agad ni Winter.

 

Nanlaki ang mata niya sa mga nakita niyang photos and documents.

 

"All set na daw sabi ni architect. Sinend sa akin kasi nung isang araw pa daw niya sinend sayo kaso hindi ka naman daw nagrereply"

 

Winter checked her email and true enough, naka-urgent tagging pa nga ang email ni architect sa kanya.

 

"Oh my gosh. I can't wait to see it."

 

"Huwag mo na lang sabihin sa pinsan mo na ako ang kumontak sa kanya ha. Alam mo naman iyon"

 

Nagthumbs up na lang si Winter at bumalik na sila sa loob. Sakto naman na nagbibigayan na ng regalo.

 

"We didn't find the time to buy gifts before coming here kaya eto na lang muna" sabi ni Ate Lisa kay Karina pagkaabot ng isang envelope.

 

Binuksan niya ito at nanlaki din ang kanyang mata. Isang 5d4n trip for two sa Maldives.

 

"The dates can be changed whenever you feel like going. I already sent you the link as well for you to do that" dagdag naman ni Ate Rosé.

 

"Thank you ates" sabi ni Karina bago nagside hug sa dalawa.

 

Sunod naman na nagabot ng regalo si Kuya Bambam at Kuya Jackson.

 

"Dinamay na namin si Ten jan. Hindi kasi sila magkasundo ng ate niya sa ireregalo. Pagkabukas niya nito ay couple watch para sa kanila ni Winter.

 

Nagpasalamat ulit si Karina sa mga pinsan niya.

 

Kay Winter naman ay niregaluhan siya ng bagong music equipment ng Ate Irene at Ate Wendy niya. Naideliver na din daw ito sa kanilang condo. Nakatanggap din sila ni Karina ng bagong laptop since Karina will be going back to school and Winter will be working for her cousin-in-law's company.

 

Inabot din ng dalawang oras ang pagbibigayan nila ng regalo at ng isa isa ng nagalisan ang mga bisita at naiwan na lang ulit silang dalawa sa room at nilabas na ni Winter ang regalo niya kay Karina.

 

"Ano ito jagi?" curious na tanong ni Karina.

 

"Open it na lang po" nakangiti namang sagot ni Winter.

 

So Karina did just that. And when she opened it, her jaw dropped.

 

"B...bakit mo binili ito?" teary eyed na tanong ni Karina.

 

"I saw your mom wearing something like that when I looked her up. Then had it customized to have what's inside"

 

Dahan dahang binuksan ni Karina ang locket at sa loob nito ay may pictures ng dad, mom, Winter and her.

 

"It's the closest to a family picture we'll ever get with them, Jagiya. I think I chose decent pictures din naman ata"

 

Karina stretched her arms at yumakap na agad si Winter.

 

"How do you make me fall in love with you even more, Jagiya?"

 

Winter's response was a deep and sensual kiss. Something they haven't been able to do in a while. They both know it won't lead to something but they both know they want it.

 

"I didn't even get you anything" dagdag ni Karina pagkakalas nila sa yakap.

 

"Just you still being here with me is more than enough."

 

 

 

 

 

They're on their way to the hangar now where her uncle's plane is parked. When they arrived, the crew assisted them with their luggage while Winter carried Karina to the waiting wheel chair.

 

May sumalubong sa kanilang lalaki at niyakap ang magulang ni Winter at nakipag.fist bump ito sa kanya. Binati din niya ang kanyang kapatid na si Tito Casey.

 

"Yo Winter. Is this the fiance I heard? Captain Marcus Kim at your service" pagpapakilala nung lalaki kay Karina.

 

"Karina Yu po"

 

Tinignan siya nito ng mga ten seconds bago tumingin sa magasawa. Mommy Taeyeon understood the look right away at tumango na lang siya.

 

After nun, sumakay na sila sa eroplano.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome on board Triquattra Flight 75. This is Captain Marcus Kim speaking and I have some information about our flight. Our flight time today will be 4 hours and 10 mins and our estimated time of arrival in Seoul is 1400 local time. The temperature at our destination is now 4 degrees Celsius. We wish you a pleasant flight and we hope to see you again soon. On behalf of all our crew, thank you for choosing our company as your airline today" pagannounce ng kanilang piloto.

 

Napailing na lang ang ibang adults at si Winter. Hindi naman kasi ginagawa ng tito niya yun pag sila ang sakay. Pero since may bagong pasahero, nagpaka formal kuno ito.

 

Exactly 2 PM KST, they arrived at Incheon International Airport. The crew assisted them pababa sa hangar at kinuha na din ang kanilang mga luggage. Humampas sa kanila ang malamig na temperature kaya naman Winter made sure that Karina is well covered.

 

May nakaabang ding dalawang sasakyan na gagamitin nila papunta bahay ng Tito Casey niya.

 

The house was an hour away from the airport pero masayang nag-sight seeing sina Winter at Karina.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Their room was on the first floor since hindi pa pwedeng maglakad si Karina. Wheelchair accessible din naman ang bahay since her uncle had to be on a wheel chair a few years back. Come to think of it, it is also because of a car accident.

 

After settling down, they went out of the room ulit for their late lunch.

 

Samu't saring pagkaen ang nakahain sa table. Lima lang naman silang kakaen talaga pero the caretakers outdid themselves sa pagprepare ng late lunch nila.

 

"Is JB joining us tonight?" tanong ni Bernard kay Casey.

 

"He said he would drop by. He's busy din kasi with his team."

 

"Are you planning to go out later Minjeong?" tanong naman ni Mommy Taeyeon.

 

"We'll rest for today my. We'll just go out tomorrow morning"

 

Tumango ang kanyang ina at nagtuloy na sila sa pagkaen.

 

When they were done, her parents retreated to their room while Tito Casey went out of the house. He has some business to take care daw kasi.

"Do you want to take a nap ba muna jagi?" tanong ni Winter sa kanyang fiancé nang makita niyang humihikab hikab ito.

 

Umiling naman si Karina. "Later na lang siguro. I'm just so full"

 

"Yeah me too. I forgot how they prepare food here. It's been a while na din kasi"

 

Nakwento din ni Winter na dito sila normally nagsstay when they go to South Korea. Binenta na kasi daw ng parents niya ang kanilang bahay since hindi naman sila madalas nagpupunta. Si Tito Casey lang din daw ang every month bumibiyahe since he also has his business here.

 

Night came and hindi na namalayan ni Karina na nakatulog siya kung hindi pa siya ginising ni Winter. Dumating na nga din kasi ang pinsan niyang anak ni Tito Casey.

 

Winter helped Karina get on her wheel chair and slowly pushed her out of the room.

 

"Tita this is for you" sabi ni Kuya JB pagkaabot ng isang paperbag.

 

"Omo! This just got released yesterday and I was about to buy it tomorrow. Alam na alam mo talaga ang style ko ah" sagot naman ni Mommy Taeyeon.

 

Agad niyang nilabas ang Prada bag at flinex. Bagay na bagay naman talaga sa kanya.

 

Nagabot din ang pinsan niya ng isa pamg paperbag sa daddy niya at isa naman itong pocket watch. He gave his dad a similar item at lumapit na nga ito sa kanilang dalawa ni Karina.

 

"Honestly, I wasn't sure what to get you and your fiancé. So eto na lang"

 

Nagabot ulit siya ng isa pang paperbag at pagkakita pa lang ni Winter sa brand ay naexcite siya. Nilabas niya ang dalawang coat at sinukat agad ang isa. Saktong sakto lang sa kanya.

 

"Your fashion sense never fails oppa" sabi ni Winter sabay yakap sa pinsan.

 

Si Karina naman ay kanina pa tinitignan ang isa sa mga kasama ng pinsan ni Winter. He looks so familiar kasi pero ayaw din naman niyang magassume. So she just waited until ipakilala na lang sila.

 

"Sorry for the short notice, pala dad. My team and I had just finished shooting somewhere near kaya sinama ko na sila. These are Chan, Felix and Hyunjin"

 

Sabay sabay tumayo ang tatlong binanggit at nagbow sa kanila.

 

"Kuya Hyunjin?" mahinang sabi ni Karina pero narinig pa din nila.

 

Tinignan agad siya ng iba. And the guy he mentioned just nodding, confirmed na the same person nga ang iniisip niya.

 

"You know him Jagi?" asked Winter.

 

"He's Yeji's brother" simpleng sagod ni Karina.

 

"Oh cool! Small world indeed"

 

They proceeded to have dinner after all the introductions and it was another feast they had. Sa garden na sila nagset up and legit na samgyupsal ang kanilang handa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Jagiya! Saan mo ba ako dadalhin? Injured pa ako remember?" tanong ni Karina ng maramdaman niyang bumitaw saglit ang nagtutulak sa kaniya. Nilagyan kasi siya ng blind fold ni Winter pagsakay pa lang nila ng sasakyan. At kahit nung nakababa na sila eh hindi pa din ito tinanggal.

 

"Wait lang jagiya!" narinig niyang sagot nito. By the sound of it, may unting distansya na ito sa kanya.

 

Inusog niya ng kaunti ang gulong ng wheelchair pero natigil agad ito ng maramdaman niyang tumama ito sa something. Sobrang tempted na siyang tanggalin ang piring sa mata niya pero ayaw naman niyang masira din ang 'surprise' ng kanyang fiancé, so she waited na lang na bumalik ito.

 

May narinig siyang ilang kaluskos at kalabog kaya nagpanic na ito.

"Jagiyaaaaaaa. Natatakot na ako. Nasaan ba kasi tayo?"

 

"You'll know in a few. Wait lang talaga jagiya"

 

She could not have known kung saan sila dumaan kaya wala din talaga siyang magagawa kundi antayin na makabalik si Winter sa tabi niya.

 

Ilang minuto ang lumipas, tumahimik ang paligid. At naramdaman na niya ang mga kamay na nagtatanggal na ng blindfold sa mata niya.

 

After adjusting sa lighting, she blinked several times para lang makasiguro siya sa nakikita niya.

 

"Welcome home jagiya" sabi ni Winter na may malaking ngiti sa mukha.

 

Bumungad kay Karina ang isang courtyard.

 

She looked around and it brought her back to a memory where she used to run around it while waiting for her mom to come home. It looked a little different from her memory but something about it felt familiar.

 

"W...where are we?" utal niyang sabi. She already has an idea pero gusto niya lang makasigurado.

 

Sinimulan ng itulak ni Winter ang wheelchair hanggang makarating sila sa gitnang part. From their pwesto, makikita na ang buong lugar. Yung dining area sa right side, tapos yung common area sa left side, may dalawang rooms sa harap nila and malapit dun sa main door ang kitchen.

 

And if her hunch is right, this was her childhood home.

 

"Is t....this -?" hindi na niya matuloy ang sasabihin niya dahil naluluha na din siya and with Winter just nodding, na solidify na ang idea niya sa utak na dito nga sila nakatira ng mommy niya dati.

 

Medyo nagiba lang ng itsura at mas naging modern ang look compared sa traditional looking hanok.

 

"Jagiya. This is ours now." sabi ni Winter.

 

"What?"

 

"This house is ours now. It's under both our names. This... is my Christmas gift to you, Jagiya"

 

Shock. Surprised. Stunned. Flabbergasted. Lahat na ng synonym ng gulat ang naramdaman ni Karina sa sinabi ni Winter.

 

The original plan was to just visit her childhood home. Hindi naman dumapo sa isipan niya na sa pagpunta nila sa Seoul eh may big news na ibibigay sa kanya.

 

She got teary eyed. Winter didn't have to do this. Okay na okay lang sa kanya yung bumisita sila. Trip to memory lane kumbaga. But this... this is really something.

 

"Jagi... I... don't know what to say" Karina said habang pinupunasan ang sariling mga luha.

 

"Danyowatsseumnida?"

 

Napangiti na lang talaga si Karina.

 

Karina remembers hearing her mom saying those words when she came home from work and, despite her sleepy state, she would run out of their room to greet her.

 

This was her first home. The place where she had her first memories. The place where she spent her only time with her mom.

 

Coming back here with the original intention of just visiting was what Karina had been thinking. Like, she knows na she'll feel sad kasi that was the first and last place na nakasama niya ang mommy niya.

 

But now she gets to build new memories of this home.

 

Their home, as Winter said.

 

She still can't get over the fact that her fiancé bought the house.

 

"Did... did you like my gift, Jagiya?"

 

"Are you seriously asking me that question? Who would not love a gift like this Jagi? You bought us a house! In Seoul!"

 

Lumawak naman ang ngiti ni Winter. "I thought kasi na why not? I mean, although we were both raised in another country, we're actually both born here. So we can settle some roots na rin"

 

That was news to Karina. Siguro nga may mga bagay na hindi pa talaga siya alam sa mapapangasawa niya pero hindi siya nababahala. Dahil alam niyang sigurado naman sila sa isa't isa. They have a lifetime to get to know more about each other.

 

Umikot sila sa bahay. Well, technically, within the courtyard, since you can see everything from there. Winter told Karina the renovations na pinagawa nila sa architect na ex ng pinsan niyang naka based sa Seoul. Na siya ring sakto ang dating when they finished the 'tour'.

 

"Minjeong! Sorry na-late ako ng dating. Hinatid ko pa kasi sa bahay yung anak ko. Ayaw din kasi ipasama ni misis" bati ng isang hinihingal na oso.

 

"Ayos lang Architect Kang. Halos kakadating lang din naman namin" sagot naman ni Winter. "Si Karina po pala, fiancé ko. Jagi, this is Ate Irene's ex-girlfriend, Architect Kang Seulgi."

 

Nakipagkamay ang dalawa at lalong lumiit ang mata ng architect habang tinitignan niya si Karina.

 

"Omo! Kamukha mo yung paborito kong theater actress! Si Tiffany Young!"

 

Natatawang pinanuod ng dalawa ng osong manghangang manghanga.

 

"She's my mom po" simpleng sagot ni Karina.

 

Napatakip ng bibig si Seulgi sa balitang narinig.

 

"Jinjja?" Gulat na sabi ng architect.

 

"Yes po"

 

Once nakarecover sa slight shock yung isa, they went around the house for a second time, but this time, with an explanation of what was renovated and added.

 

And by added meaning, the backyard na extension of the original lot.

 

The space was always there but it has been empty since Karina can remember. There was just grass and nothing else.

 

"When we came here to inspect the area, there was nothing here but dead grass, so Winter instructed us to make it a lively home once again. She did have some input about the design, hence the zen garden you see now. On this side, if you notice, it's a new building on the lot" lumakad sila papasok nito at sumunod lang silang dalawa hanggang makaakyat sa pinakataas using the small freight elevator.

 

"The location of the house is high enough to be able to have a good view of the stars. The telescope was hand made as well by yours truly, as I do share the same love of just looking at the sky. It gives me the calming sense when things are crazy"

 

Masyado ng naooverwhelm si Karina sa nangyayare. First, Winter buys them a house, and not just any house, but her first home. Second, the garden which is now full of life. And lastly, the small viewing tower is equipped with a telescope. The list just goes on if she's going to mention it one by one.

 

If anyone asks if she even thought about these things happening a few years ago, she would have said never. Fate really laid a hand that day when she met Winter and she could never, for the life of her, well, second life, imagine where she would be if she hadn't taken that chance.