I was on pins and needles when I saw how badly bruised the man's arm was— I could feel the pain in my flesh just by looking at the discoloration of his tissue injury. I couldn't raise my head to look at him thinking about the only person whom I know has that contusion right now. Napatulala ako habang atubili niyang dinadampot ang sombrero at bota. I don't want to see him, not today.
"Hindi ka nagre-reply sa texts ko, Calixta. Kaya pala. Busy ka pala ngayong araw," he greeted in a seemingly sardonic tone.
Hindi ko nagustuhan ang pagkakasabi niya kaya naglaho na parang bula ang mga pag-aalala ko at kunot noo akong nag-angat sa kanya ng tingin. He stood in front of me, towering my 165 cm height with his eyes squinting and his slender hands carrying my shop items on both arms.
"Wala akong d
