“Real men don’t need protection, anak. They’re the ones who protect. And that’s what I’m doing, I will protect you too and our family.”
Bahagyang ginulo ni papa ang buhok ko.
“But real men sometimes need it, too. And when that happens, protect him too, Athena.”
Nilahad ni papa ang kanyang hinliliit, napahagikgik ako. Mula bata hanggang ngayon, sa tuwing may hinihiling na pabor si papa sakin ay ginagawa niya ito. Pinulupot ko ang sariling hinililiit doon.
“Promise,” nakangiti kong sabi.
Papa’s words came rushing in my mind after I’ve felt the cold rain running through my skin. Nakakapaso ang lamig nito, tila nakakapangsugat ang bawat patak nito.
I’ve always wanted to protect him, to protect them. I’ve always wanted to fight alongside them. But why am I standin
