Axiel Jay Danipog

“Your Last Everything”

I slowly, opened my eyes and saw the sky. The sky was gloomy and the clouds were
grey. It looked that rain was coming. I looked around and realized I was at a cemetery,
laying in the grass. That's when I found myself sleeping here again. It was my all day
routine to stay here peacefully for a while.

Resting, crying, kneeling, and praying. For the past year I have been coming here
regularly.

Ever since I lost everything, this is what I consider my home.

I sat up and smiled sadly, not taking my gaze away from the woman who had brought
colour to my life. The girl that I love.

As a tear streamed down my cheek, I brushed my fingertips over her grave.

Kelzy Natividad

Born: April 7, 1995

Death: September 13, 2020

My heart sank when I saw another grave just next to hers. I clenched my fist as my
heart ached again.

Cleo Marie Nativiad

Born: September 13, 2020

Death: September 13, 2020

My baby.

I sat and hugged my knees, crying uncontrollably. It hurts to see their grave every day
because it remind me that they no longer exist in this world. .however, I always find
myself here. Maybe, despite how painful it is, I have the feeling that I am not alone,
that they are here.
Kelzy and I were enemies since then. Although our moms are friends, we do not get
along. I'm not sure why, but seeing her face every day makes my blood boil with
anger; I couldn't stand next to her because she irritates me. She was so annoying.

She is very naughty, and she gets all she wants. She was also clumsy that everytime
she tried to help me she always messed up. I used to yell at her all the time because it
was all she did. She didn't do anything right.

I'm even more irritated with her because whenever I said anything negative about her,
she always smiled back. I never seen her upset since she was always smiling at me. I
noticed mom talking with Kelzy's mother. She said that they had decided to leave
their home and live abroad to run their business.

I wouldn't have cared about that, it would have been better so I wouldn't have to see
Kelzy's face. By the end of the night, Kelzy was trembling and hugging me tightly.

"P-please.. Jacob help me, oh. I-I don't want to leave here.. please, take me
somewhere.. far away where Mama can't find me," she sobbed as she hugged me. "I
don't want.. I don't want to please.. I don't want to manage our business! That's not my
dream! I want to be a designer!"

For a moment, I was surprised. It was impossible for me to believe. This is the first
time that I saw her crying in front of me and I can't help to comfort her. I wasn't in the
proper state of mind that night, so the only thing I could do was leave her alone.

I couldn't believe what I'd done.

"Hey, Jacob! Do you think I forgot what you said last night?" Her eyes
widened. "Green flag? You said something... Stop crying, Kendra, I will do
everything I can, fix all your stuff, and we'll meet tonight," I even raised my voice and
tightened my jaw. "Shut up, or I'll call your mother and tell her where you are right
now," I warn.

She quickly zipped her mouth. I rolled my eyes when she looked at me.

That's when my life began to shift. We live under the same roof despite the fact that
we are not in a relationship. I know I can leave her here and let her do whatever she
wants, but a part of me refuses to leave her alone.

I came up with this thing and it's my responsibility if something bad happens to her.

No one knew where Kelzy and I were, and so we both managed to hide. I consider
just telling her mother where she is because I know she is worried, but I can't. Maybe
because I don't want to see her cry again.
She may annoy me on everyday, but I never see her cry.

My parents were aware that I was in Cebu for a month with my friends. My parents
won't really know I'm with Kelzy right now since they know I hate her. They are not
the type of parents that looking for me or who need regular updates. They let me do
anything I want because...I am important to them.

As the day goes, I can tell that Kelzy has been working on her dream for quite some
time. She enjoys making clothes. When I walked into her room, I noticed some of her
portfolio. It was breathtakingly gorgeous and amazing. I couldn't believe she had such
a gift.

After a year, she was able to open a boutique where she sold garments she had
designed herself. All of her sacrifices paid off since her name became well-known
around the world. She even dressed celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie,
Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Watson, Zendaya, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Ariana
Grande, and others.

I witnessed all her hardship. I witnessed her achieve her own dream.

elzy deserves it all, she deserves everything. I was happy for her. I was working at the
office when Kelzy arrived in front of me. I was busy signing paperwork when she
asked me to accompany her. I follow her. When I walked at my company's cafeteria,
my eyes widened.

All my staff were there looking at me with wide smiles on their lips. I gulped when I
saw that my mom and dad were here, as well as Kelzy's parents . Some of my friends
were here as well, and they were shouting as if I had won the lottery.

I raised my eyebrows as I glanced at Kelzy. "What's going on, Kelzy? Why are they
all here?" I asked, confused.

She did not respond to my. Instead s he knelt in front of me and grabbed a small box.
I have no idea what happening. My body suddenly froze. I couldn't say anything!
"Jacob Natividad, will you marry me?" she said smiling as everyone cheered. I
swallowed again and again.

What are you doing, Kelzy? Are you insane? " I flushed.

"Yes" she said with a playful smile. " I know this proposal should be done by a man.
But can we change that tradition? "if you don't have feelings for me, I'm sad to say
that I've loved you for a long time Jacob and no one can stop me from doing this," she
said.
My heart beats faster as if the world suddenly stopped rotating and the only thing my
eyes could see was her. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at me.

"That's it! Don't be choosy, bud," Lance said loudly, one of my friends.

"Dude, just say yes! You're making us wait, and we know you want it too," Prince
said, one of my best buddies.

Everyone was watching us started to laugh.

I gave them a death glare.

"Jacob, I know you don't like me because you said I always annoy you, but please
give me a chance; I'll do whatever you want to make you like me, and this is my first
move; will you marry me?"

I took a deep breath and focused my attention to her.

"I can't guarantee that I can reciprocate your feelings," I said, scratching the back of
my head. "Y-yes, I'm going to marry you," I murmured. People didn't seem to notice
because they all groaned at the same time.

"We can't hear you!" they said together.

"W-what? Do I need to repeat what I've just said?" my face flushed.

"Yes!"

I bit my lower lip in embarrassment. "I said yes! I will marry you Kelzy! Don't expect
a lot of things about me. I didn't know how to love someone, all I can do is to assure
you that you are the only woman fo -"

She instantly stood up and grabbed my neck tie to kiss me before I could finish what I
was about to say. Her lips were pressing against me. She kissed my lips tenderly and
passionately. The whole crowd started cheering for us. They are happy to see this type
of proposal, which Kelzy had planned from the start.

Kelzy's parents came up to me smiling, and so did my parents. They are happy for us.

"Take care of my princess Jacob, don't hurt her," Kelzy's father said.

"Never," I said, smiling.

Mom and Kelzy's mother both burst out laughing as they spoke with funny
expressions.

"The plan worked, sissy!" mum exclaims proudly.

Kelzy's mother nodded happily, and they hugged as if they had received a prize.

"I told you, this is our children's last chance to stay together! I'm so happy for them!"
she wiped her eyes dramatically, even though there were no tears in her eyes.

My eyes dilated. "What are you talking about mom?"

She stared at me and touched my cheek. "We planned this, son, because we want you
two to stay together!" she said excitedly.

"We made it known that they were moving to another country to manage their
business, but it was never true; Kelzy knew this as well, and because she had liked
you since then... she agreed to our plan with her mother."

"That's right, Jacob, we knew where you lived from the start. My daughter informs me
whether you two are making progress, and I can't believe you actually believed we
didn't know HAHAHA!" he laughed, hitting my arm.

"What?!"

Mama took my hand again and laid her head on my arm, as if she was caressing her.

"Give it to us, son; we like you two; you are our treasure," she said sincerely. "That's
why we want you to be together; we don't want to share our wealth with others!"

Kelzy's mother laughed loudly again. "Yes! You don't know it, but we're almost crazy
about you! I can't believe that in the five months you've been living together under the
same roof, there hasn't been a shooting!" Her voice sounded disappointed. "When are
there going to be a fireworks? Don't forget to inform us, and call us first before you
make a child okay?"

Every time they talk, my head hurts badly. I can't believe it; they have the same sense
of humour and vibe. Now I see why they are best friends. I rubbed my temple because
I couldn't stand this conversation any more.

After we got marriage, we became a couple for almost 5 years. We build our own
house, and I always show her how much I love her. For some odd reason, I woke one
day and immediately looking for her. I always wanted to see her, and every time a guy
approached her, I became irritated.
I didn't realize I was in love with her and couldn't live without her in my life.

But the day came when our love was tested. Kelzy became pregnant four times during
our five years together, but she was always had a miscarriage. I often notice her
crying in the middle of the night. She had a hard time accepting it. It's difficult for me
as well, but I can't blame her.

“I'm sorry love..."

"It's hard for me to do this, but maybe I should let you go. There are many other
women who can give you a child. It's okay with me, my love," she caressed my face
slowly as tears streamed down her cheeks.

I shook my head while holding his hand on my cheek. "No, you're the woman I love,
and I'll love you for the rest of my life," I said, tears welling up in my eyes. "What if
we can't have children? We can adopt. Don't say that again, will you? Do you think I
can find someone to replace you in my heart? I will never love anyone but you.

She burst into tears as she hugged me. I put a gentle kiss on her forehead. I'm not
going to leave her; you're all I need.

Until one day, we were all surprised to know that Kelzy was pregnant again and we
were going to have a baby. This time, the baby is a girl, and she is healthy. I was
happy to hear that we were expecting a baby. That day, I almost thanked all the gods.
Kendra was happy and excited to see our child. She was more careful about her
pregnancy now.

We prepared everything and soon bought everything Kelzy would need during her
pregnancy. I also took a nine-month vacation from my work to spend more time with
Kelzy. My parents managed our firm for a while.

"Love, here is our baby's room, isn't it beautiful?" she asked, scanning the room.

I smiled and hugged her from behind. "Yeah, but her clothes are better; you made
them all"

"
She chuckled, "Of course! That's our baby, everything should be beautiful. What are
we going to name our baby?" he held her stomach and caressed it gently.

"Can I name her?" She nodded.

I smiled sweetly as I pulled away from Kelzy's embrace and then turned her to face
me. I held her hands placed on her tummy.

I will name her Cleo Marie Natividad," I smiled genuinely. She smiled and held my
hands. "Promise me that you will love her more than me."

"What? More than you? It's hard, Kelzy," I muttered. She smacked my shoulder and
glared at me, saying, "Promise!"

"No, because my love for both of you is equal; I love you both, I love you and I love
our daughter as well." I was ready to be called a father, a parent. But the world was
cruel, and it took Kelzy away from me.

Kelzy woke me up in the morning. She said that she wanted to go for a walk in the
park to get some exercise. She asked me to join her, but I refused because I had been
up all night looking after her.

She also craves in the middle of the night and I can't find it everywhere. Where can I
find fresh cow's milk in the middle of the night? She was quite weird.

That morning, I refused to accompany her, which turned to be my worst mistake.

"Love, I can't go with you because I'm still tired, I need more sleep... I'm sorry," I said,
my eyes closed. "You can walk around the kitchen if you like, but don't go outside."

"But, love, I want to walked under the sun; they say it's healthy for the baby, so come
on, come with me please?" She begged even more, but I refused.

I groaned and covered my face with the blanket "No, I just need to rest, love; please
understand; I'm tired.

I heard her heavy sigh, and I knew she was upset , but what can I do? My body is tired,
and my eyes want to rest. I don't have the energy to go for a walk right now, and I just
want to sleep.

I felt her move from her seat of our bed.

"Okay, I'll be by myself. Don't worry, my love. Baby and I are going to be out for a
while. I love you so much Jacob."

I had no idea that would be the last time I would see her. If only I had known...I wish
I would have left with her.

I was still sleeping when someone loudly banged on the door. Very strong a knock as
if my house's door was about to be destroyed
"Jacob!" Jacob! Jacob! Open the door!

I got out of bed, wiping my eyes.

He yawned, "Just a second!" " I yelled as I stepped to the door and opened it.

When I answered the door, Prince swiftly grabbed my t-shirt, almost strangling my
neck.

"K-Kelzy, your wife... was rushed to the hospital. Kelzy is running for her life now,
your wife had an accident! " he says.

I didn't understand anything, but knowing that my wife was in the hospital, I rushed to
the garage and jumped into my car. My hands trembled as I drove my car, my heart is
beating fast with fear. I tried everything I could to relax. She's okay, I know my wife
is okay.

When I got at the hospital, I walked straight to the room and asked about my wife.

"Your wife is in the ICU, sir"

I didn't reply him but hurriedly searched for that room. When I got to the ICU, I saw
my wife laying on a bed, surrounded by medical equipment. Inside, I could hear
doctors and nurses talking.

After a while, the doctor came, and I greeted him quickly.

I took a deep breath in. "Doc, how's my wife?"

"I want you to know that we failed" he whispered.

"What do you mean?" I said, frowning"

"There was a bleed in your wife's brain, she's in a coma. We believe the bleeding in
your wife's brain was caused by the impact of the accident." My chest tightened as
tears streamed down my cheeks, and suddenly the nurse quickly exited the room,
with a horrified expression on her face.

"Doc! "Doc the patient," she said, alarmed.

The doctor quickly went back inside and checked Kelzy's condition. Almost all of
them were worried and discussing something I couldn't catch. I couldn't wait anymore
and went inside.
"Kendra... can you hear me? I'm here, I'm coming with you." the nurses blocked me
and forced me out. "What's going on? Please tell me, what's going on?" I begged,
desperation flowing from my voice.

My wife's condition is still being examined by the doctor. He then turned to face me.

He took a deep breath. "Your wife's EEG shows no response... I frowned as I forcibly
pulled the nurse's hands from her grip.

"W-what? What does it mean? "

He bent down, "Your wife... she's brain dead. I'm sorry"

After hearing those words, my world completely collapsed. His voice echoed
throughout the room and was the only thing that could be heard.

I dropped to the floor, unable to accept what I had heard. I dropped to the floor in a
ragged as pain came out in a wave of uncontrollable tears. I cried loudly while
covering my face.

Kelzy's parents arrived suddenly, as did my parents.

"Where is my daughter? How is she, Doc?" he said, his voice trembling. "A- how is
my daughter?" Kelzy's mother asked.

Mom and dad came to see me, but I wasn't interested with what was going on. My life
has been blasted into darkness.

"Your daughter is in coma and it was impossible for her to survive this." the doctor
said. "The machine will continue to provide oxygen for her and sustain her..however
to be honest, your daughter is dead"

Kelzy's mother covered her lips and began weeping while shaking her head. Even
mum couldn't hold back her tears and burst into them. I swiftly sprang up and seized
the doctor's coat, clenching my fist.

"She's not dead! Kelzy's not dead! You're wrong!" tears streamed down my cheeks.
"Repeat, fix it! If you think I don't have money to pay for this hospital, you're wrong!
I have a lot of money... no matter how much I can pay for it!" I shouted loudly.
"Please, please, please save my wife, I can't live without her...do everything you can, I
can't lose her," I cried.
"We can't do anything about your wife, there is no chance for her...but we can do
something with your baby."

I let go of the doctor's collar.

"Your child is still alive. The foetal heartbeat in her is present and within normal
limits. But because of your husband's situation, you have to make a decision. If we
stop the mechanical ventilation,"

"Pull the plug?" Kelzy's father questioned.

The doctor nodded, "Yes... but if you do that, the baby will also die....or keep the life
support to make the pregnancy longer. You can rest assure that we can save the life of
your unborn child inside of your wife till the health delivery."

When I heard what he said, it crushed my heart.

"We need to know if you want us to proceed before we perform the procedure in four
weeks."

Kendra's mother took my hand in hers as she approached me. More tears flowed down
her cheeks as she added, "Jacob, I know it's hard for you, but we need to choose the
baby, your daughter, and keep your daughter on life support."

I'm unable to speak. My eyes filled with tears, and my lips trembled.

"I-I need time to think. Give me a break, I can't accept this."

I turned away and left the room. My shoulders slumped, as if heaven and earth had
knocked me down. I feel like I'm floating.

I still can't believe what happened to my wife and son. I was shocked and didn't know
what to do.

I stopped walking when I noticed a hospital chapel . When I looked down, I realised I
was just standing on my feet. I was in such a rush earlier that I couldn't wear slippers.

I entered and knelt down slowly as I reached the altar. I was never able to talk to the
Lord whenever I had a problem. He might find me stupid for doing this right now.

Please, God, help me... Please help me. I don't want to lose both my wife or my child.
I don't know what to do anymore. Can you give Kelzy back? I can't accept that she is
gone. She's dead, according to the doctor, and there's nothing they can do about it. But
I know you can do everything; just bring my wife back...
My tears started to fall.

I cannot bear to lose my wife and let my child grow up without a mother figure. It was
too hard for me to watch her grow up without her mother. How will I be able to raise
my daughter? His mother's death was all my fault. It's really hard; I can't choose my
child because I can't be her father. I have no right to be his father because I am
responsible for her mother's death.

The pain was unbearable; it felt like my heart had been stabbed a hundred times. A
solemn tear streamed down my cheek. I wiped my face but my tears fell again. I cried
for several hours in front of the Lord, but still the weight of my heart did not go away.

I forced myself to get up, using all of my strength. I turned my eyes to the Lord.

"I-I'm sorry, but I've made up my decision... Kelzy, please accept my apologies for
doing this," I cried as I walked back to the ICU. When I came to the ICU, I went
straight inside the room, where I saw the doctors, nurses, and Kelzy's parents. When
Mom and Kelzy's mother saw me, they both stood up.

I looked at the doctor, "I-I've made my decision...I want this to be over.

I want you to take off the life support." Kelzy's mom covered her mouth out of
disbelief. Dad came up behind me and grabbed my shoulder.

"If you do that, your baby will die."

My lips slightly parted. "I know, but I can't take this anymore, the pain is too much
for me to handle. I need this to be over...I don't care about my baby, I just wan-"

"Can you hear yourself, Jacob?" mom said angrily.

I didn't say anything. This is the first time she yelled at me. I didn't expect my mother
to act this way.

"We're talking about your child here, Jacob! How can you say that to your own
daughter?!" To your daughter with Kelzy" her voice trembled. "Do you think your
wife would be happy when she finds out about this?"

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

I sniffed to keep from crying again.

"You know what Kelzy went through! Now you're going to say you don't care about a
baby she's wished for so long?" he sobbed. "N- you saw your wife how happy he was
when she found out she was pregnant and you were going to have a child... Don't be
selfish son wake up, it's your own flesh and blood, your baby."

When I heard what my mother said, I lost control of myself and tears streamed down
my cheeks. I'm devastated and shattered. What could I possibly say to my own child?
Because I was not in the right state of mind, I also hurt my daughter. I took a step
closer to Kelzy and then held her hand.

I knelt in front of her. "Kelzy... p-forgive me my love, it was never my intention to

hurt my own child, I j-just can't think properly," I cried. "I'm sorry, I'm very sorry; it's
my fault...I wish I could have joined you, I wish I could have protected you."

"Baby, I know you're listening, please baby, can you forgive daddy?" I said, touching
my wife's stomach. I'm sorry for saying that to you, but I do care about you, baby.
Don't be mad at your father, hmm? "I love you so much, my baby," I said softly as
tears streamed down my cheeks.

Kelzy's mother and father sobbed quietly. My heart is in such pain.

B-baby... I want you to be strong because this is not the life I had imagined for you.
I'm sorry, but your father is weak... Your mother gives me strength, and the thought of
her not being on my side... I also lose my life." I wiped my tears and tried my best to
smile. "But now... You're here, sweetie, and I want to see you, so be strong. I'll be
here waiting for you, baby, and I can't wait to hold you. "...I love you..."

"I chose my baby, I want to continue the life support to extend the pregnancy. Are
you really sure you can keep my baby alive?" I almost choked on my words:

The doctor and nurses both nodded strongly.

I gasped when I felt someone hugging from my back. When I glanced, I saw Kelzy's
mother. She was crying so hard as she buried her face in my back.

"Thank you son, thank you very much."

I spend the most of my time at the hospital. I didn't leave Kelzy because I wanted to
be the one to look after her. My parents and Kelzy's parents only came once because
they both had work to do.

Kelzy's mother managed the store, and she said that she would only do it temporarily.
However, she soon decided to close the shop.
She claimed that she had no idea how to manage such business. Another problem is
that she has no idea how to make clothes. It's hard, but she has no choice. Kelzy's
condition was reported in the media, and other celebrities expressed their sympathies.

It was the hottest topic all over the world. Some of those there prayed for my
daughter's health. Somehow the weight I was carrying was lessen. My
friends visit me sometimes. They are also sad about what happened to Kelzy.

I sometimes lose hope, but every time I think about my daughter, I try to stay strong. I
must be strong for her. My child deserves the world. She is deserving of all of the
love and happiness in the world.

Kelzy had been preparing for surgery for two months. We were all worried about the
procedure, but we knew it would go successfully.

Kendra was ready to be transferred to the surgical room when the nurses came.
Kelzy's and my parents went to the hospital chapel to pray. While me and my
friends stand outside the surgery room. My heart is racing and I'm anxious.

I couldn't stop moving. I'm nervous, even though I know that everything will be fine. I
was shaking uncontrollably and my hands were cold and sweaty.

"Dude, you need to calm down; everything will be fine and your baby will be born
safely," Lance reassured me.

I washed my face.

"Yeah, I know,"

We came to mind as a nurse rushed out. She's pushing a trolley. I looked at the top
and bottom of the page because there was nothing written there. It looked like a
surgical basin with many needle holders outside. Because the basins was covered, I
couldn't see what was inside.

There is a little box inside. A towel was also covering the box. It was similar to a box
where used tools in operations were placed.

I caught a glance of her face and saw that she was terrified. Her hands began to quiver
with anxiety. Prince immediately intervened to stop me from trying to stop her.

"Nurse! What's going on?! Nurse!" I yelled, but she didn't respond. I looked at Prince
and forcefully grabbed my hand. I just want to ask her! " I yelled at his face.
"He's in a hurry, Jacob, what if she needs to get something? You know what? You
have to calm down," he said.

I had just pulled out my hair while punching the wall hard. After a few seconds, the
nurse returned, pushing the trolley. But this time, there was nothing in there.

The cart was filled with blood bags. When I saw it, I frowned. What was going on?
Why do they need so much blood? Is my wife out of blood?

I couldn't take it any anymore and blocked the nurse once again; she seemed terrified
when our eyes met.

"What is going on?! Why is there so much blood?"

"P-please sir, I need to take it to the doctor, let me go..." she said, looking away.

"Answer me first!" I yelled angrily.

Her body froze for a split second, and she couldn't move. She was gobsmacked.

Prince suddenly grabbed me and bowed slightly to the nurse, implying to leave. When
the nurse left, Prince turned his eyes on me.

"What are you doing?! What if they need that blood? They aren't going to murder
your child, but you," he said, pointing to my face.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm. There's no point in being negative and
aggressive, everything will be fine. I'm sure that my child will be fine. I'll be able to
see and touch her in a few hours, so I should be patient here.

I sat calmly in my chair and waited. My friends reassured me that everything would
be fine. Another hour passed, and I prayed again for nearly an hour. I will not get tired
of praying to the Lord because I know he will save my child.

Kelzy's parents came, followed by my mum and dad. They quickly came to me and
took my hand in theirs, relieving the stress I was feeling. When the operating room
door opened, we all stood up.

Their shoulders slumped as they all looked down.

Their faces were covered in masks, and their sorrow was visible.

Kelzy's mother couldn't help but ask, "D-Doc, how is my grand daughter? Are we
going to see her?"
"The operation was not successful, we tried our best, we're deeply sorry
When he said those words, there was a lump in his throat, and my body was froze in
an instant, and I couldn't speak. I lost strength in my body, as if it had been suddenly
taken away.

"What do you mean?" mom asked.

"We delivered the baby safely, and while the operation went smoothly, the baby did
not cry. The baby was given CPR but showed no signs of being alive.”

I tightened my hands and gritted my jaw. I couldn't stop myself from punching him in
the face. They were all taken aback when they saw the doctor fell on the floor. My
friend were going to stop me when I gave them an angry look, and they didn't.

"You told us everything would be alright! You're just kidding right?" I chuckled
naively, "I know this is a lie, tell me my baby is alive, waiting for me." My voice
trembled as tears welled up in my eyes.

The nurses helped the doctor to stand up.

"Mr. Natividad, your baby isn't responding like I said. We do everything we can to
save your child. I'm so sorry for your loss. Please let us know if there's anything we
can do." he remarked before turning away.

My chest felt so heavy that I sat on the floor, feeling weak. I couldn't but notice
Kelzy's mother's crying. Mom cried as she reached me. She held me and buried my
face in her shoulders as I burst into tears.

"M-Mom, my baby left me; does she not want me to be her daddy? Is it because of
what I said? Is my baby still angry at me, Mom?" I swear it hurts.

"Ssshhh...don't say that son, your daughter loves you, she's not mad at you," he shook
his head.

"If she loves me, why did she leave me? S-maybe my wife still hates me, and that's
why she won't let me see my daughter," I sobbed. "I will never forgive myself... Mom,
I can't take the pain any more."

Mom caressed my back slowly as she cried quietly.

"My wife is gone, my baby is gone... they left me; I didn't even touch my daughter, I
didn't hear her scream, I didn't even tell her how much I love her," I sobbed.
My body, mind, and soul are all in pain. I acted like a child who was crying to his
mother. I can't accept the truth that my wife and child are no longer with me. Why?
What have I done to experience this? I just want to start a family. Is it too much to ask
for me, to be a good father and husband?

Even though it was difficult for me, I was able to enter the operating room. When I
went inside, I saw my child's lifeless body. She is little yet beautiful, like an angel
from heaven. Another tear fell down my cheeks when I realized she was placed next
to her mother.

I reached her slowly and carried her while caressing her face.

"Hi Cleo, my baby. You are so beautiful, you are like a small version of your mom.
Thank you for staying with us even even for a for a while. Thank you because even
for a short time, you made us feel how to be a parent." my voice cracked. "S-thank
you for bringing light into our lives for such a little time; thank you for making us
entirely happy for such a short time; and thank you, my daughter, for giving us the
opportunity to be your parents."

My eyes welled up with tears.

"I'll never forget you Cleo, my sunshine. You did wonderful, you may rest now. I love
you so much baby," I said as I moved her away from her mother and placed her next
to the woman I love.

"My love, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for what I've done. I regret not going with you that
morning. Please forgive me..." I cried. "Thank you because, even if I'm rude to you,
I'm still the man you chose to marry. Thank you so much for always loving me, thank
you for being the wife I've always wanted, thank you for always taking care of me, I
love you so much Kelzy. Those years and time spent with you is the best and I will
treasure it for the rest of my life. I love you, until we meet again love."

I took her oxygen and kissed her softly. As soon as our lips touched, the doctor turned
off the mechanical ventilation and heard a loud monitor sound indicating that my
wife's heart had stopped breathing

I closed my eyes as tears streamed down my cheeks once again. Everything that
happened to me is still fresh in my mind.

The tragedy happened four years ago, but still the pain remains. I'm still struggling to
accept all that has happened. It seems like it was only yesterday. Guilt, sadness,
darkness, and misery are swallowing me. It is still painful.
I lost everything. My wife, my child, the company, and, most importantly, I lose
myself. I've spent the last four years mourning. I don't really care about my life; all
I've done is to mourn every day.

I miss my wife and our baby. I know I'll never have again.

I can't and don't want to move forward. The truth is that I can't let go. I can't forgive
myself, or forget everything, which is why I can't move on.

For four years, the police were not able to track down the person behind Kelzy's
accident. They said that there was no CCTV footage in the incident so it was difficult
for them to identify the culprit. Besides that, they claimed that no one witnessed the
incident making Kendra's case even more difficult to solve.

Tears streamed down my cheeks. Suddenly there was a strong wind and the cold
breeze hit my skin. When I felt someone touch my cheeks, I gently opened my eyes.
A little girl stood in front of me. She was wearing a pink tulle dress and a fairy
headband on her head.

She has a Barbie backpack too.

She stared me in the eyes as she lifted her head and wiped the tears from my cheeks
with her little thumb.

"Don't cry," she softly said.

I lifted my brows, wondering who this little girl and what she was doing alone in this
place.

"Why are you here? Where's your parents? Are you lost? "

She didn't respond, instead sat on my lap, and I gasped as she took my hand and held
it tightly.

"You are my daddy..."

"I'm not your daddy, little girl; where are your parents? I'm sure they're looking for
you."

She shook her head and pouted cutely. "They leave me here."

"What?"
Suddenly she cried loudly. As I looked around, I felt worried. I'm lucky there aren't
many people at the cemetery right now.

might think I'm making this kid cry.

"Shh, don't cry, we'll find them," I said as I wiped her cheek. "Stop crying, you'll see
them again."

She nodded. I took him off my lap and got up. I was ready to take her hand in mine,
but she wouldn't allow me.

"Why?" I said, raising my eyebrows.

"Cawwy."

"What do you mean? I don't understand you."

"Cawwy!!"

I rubbed my forehead because this little girl is making me headache. I don't

understand what she's saying.

"Didn't you hear me say cawwy me?" she said, crossing her arms over her chest as if
she were the boss here.

"Hey little girl, don't act like a superior here...I am here to help you find your parents,
but if you keep acting like that, I may not be able to help you."

"Cawwy! Cawwy!Cawwy! Cawwy!" She said, stomping in front of me.

My head hurt as I continued to stare at her. She just screamed and screamed. This
little girl irritates me! Because I was irritated, I pick her up, causing her to stop.

"What do you want?" I inquired, a little nervously.

"This is it"

"Huh?"

"Cawwy, Cawwy me," he says.

That's when I recognized what she was saying. Cawwy is carry, she wants me to carry
her. What the hell? This little girl has a defective speech. How old is she?!
"How old are you?" I asked as i walked.

Instead of answering me, she raised her four fingers in front of me, and I stop. My
daughter would be four years old today if she had lived. I glanced at her face; when
she is serious, her expression is sweet. She had a bright face, two dimples when she
smiled, and a small nose. She's too adorable to leave here.

I'm not sure, but if my instinct is correct, whatever the reason, it's not the appropriate
thing to do. A parent has no right to be considered a parent if they cannot protect their
child.

She frowned and looked as if she wanted to sleep.

When she gently put her head on my shoulder, it caught my attention. "Sleep first,
daddy, I love you..."

When she calls me daddy, my heart beats faster. I'm not sure, but I think I'm happy to
be called daddy even if she's not my child. As tears welled up in my eyes, and smiled.

Is this how it feels to be a father? It feels like my heart is going to explode because of
too much happiness.

My eyes widened when I saw her drawing of a family. Her father and mother are
standing beside of her, and she is in the center, holding their hands. I couldn't stop
smiling since her drawing looked like a stick man.

I put the paper back in her bag and went to the driver's seat as I started driving. Her
parents are most likely looking for her and concerned about her. Maybe her parents
went to the cemetery and didn't realize their child was no longer with them.

I did not hesitate to take her to the police station and told the police everything. They
told me that they would look after the child and look for her parents. She was resting
sweetly on my shoulder until she suddenly woke up as I was ready to give her over to
the cops.

"Daddy hungry..." she rubbed her eyes, her belly rumbled, stating that she is hungry.

I swallowed, "Look little girl, you will see your parents so you have to go with the
police. They will help you to find your parents and when you meet them...I'm sure
you can eat delicious food."

Tears streamed down her cheeks the moment she heard what I said. While her face
was buried in my neck, she immediately hugged me. Her loud cries caught the cops
off guard, and they panicked.
"I-I don't want to, daddy... I love you, so don't leave me," she cried. "I love you,
Daddy."

My lips parted and tried my best to calm her down. She cried for more than 30
minutes, so I did nothing but to take her home to my place.

The police talked to her and asked some questions about her. They also told me that
they will call me when someone searches for this child. I brought her to my house,
and when she entered, I could see the joy on her face.

I took her hand and led her to a room I hadn't opened in a long time. I haven't opened
it in a long time since every time I see it, it makes me sad.

I gulped when we reached the door. Kelzy and I designed everything in this room. If
our kid had lived, this would have been her bedroom. I was brought back to reality
when I noticed her trying to reach for the doorknob but failed. She looked up at me. "I
can't reach it, daddy.

I chuckled and shook my head as I opened the door and she entered first, scanning the
room with her eyes shining and a huge smile on her innocent face.

"It's nice here, is this my room? " she asks.

I gave her a nod.

I walked inside and sat on the bed, but when I looked around the room, I was
overwhelmed with emotion. My lips trembled as tears welled up in my eyes. I just felt
a small hand on my cheek, wiping my tears away. I looked at her and saw he was
standing next to me.

"Daddy, you are like a baby?" I chuckled, "Really? I remember you crying like a baby
earlier."

"Hmph! Daddy you are just dreaming!"

I laughed. This little girl is cute when she's mad or having a tantrum. Instead of being
annoyed with her, you will laugh.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Cleo"

My eyes grew bigger. Is her name Cleo? Just like my daughter name.
"Oh, that's wrong, it's Cleona...she smiled cutely.

"Cleona, what"

She raised her eyebrows and jumped out of bed. Now she was in front of me with a
surprise look on her face.

"You didn't listen to the cops earlier? I told them everything earlier, why don't you
know?" she said cheerfully.

My mouth dropped open. This kid is incredible! How can I take care of her when she
behaves like this? She's only been here for a few hours.

I scratched my head. "Is your name Cleo Ugly?"

"Cleona Vergara!" her two little hands clenched.

I instantly burst out laughing.A s if he'd forgotten all the pain he'd been holding for a
while. This is the first time this has happened.

Months passed by and I became a father for real. In the meantime, I was the one who
looked after her. She didn't want anyone to take care of her while I waited for the cops
to call, so I did it for a while.

Mom and dad also found out about her so from time to time they also come to the
house to see her. It was obvious that they had a good time with Cleona. They also said
she's a blessing that came into my life in the blink of an eye. Maybe this is God's way
of bringing light back into my life.

As time went by, I slowly forgot all the pain I went through. I'm not sure why, but
seeing her every day completes my world. She is slowly creating a place in my heart
for some reason.

She always brightened my day. She brought brightness into my life. She wants to be
with me at all times. She would like to sleep in my room than hers every night. She
insisted on reading about fairy tales because she believe its true. "Daddy, read the
story now," she said as she climbed into my bed and handed me her fairy tale books,
smiling and opening them. Sh e sat down next to me and used my shoulder as a pillow.

"The Little Mermaid"

I laughed "Let's get started.

"Hey!"

I started telling her the story of The Little Mermaid, and she seemed to enjoy the story.
She is always curious about everything, and when she doesn't understand things, she
keeps asking me, and I always end up laughing because she sometimes doesn't believe
what I say.

"They had their own child, they named her Melody, and they lived happily ever
after," I muttered as I closed the book.

She tilts her head, "Why does Melody have a mother and I don't?

Suddenly I gasped and tightened my grip on the book I was holding. I gulped
repeatedly and my heart ached as she looked into my eyes, waiting for my response.

"Y-you know I'm not your real dad, Cleona" I said softly.

"No, you are my real father...I remember you crying loudly when I was in my
mother's tummy," he frowned.

My heart is beating fast.

"You know, Dad, I'm so happy that I was able to stay."

"What do you mean?"

She smiled widely "I kept coming to Mommy's tummy because she was sick"

I don't understand what she was saying. I just looked at her and tried to read her mind.

"Mommy said she had 4 babies in heaven but only it was me dad. I always come back
because I want to be your baby." For some unknown reason, tears formed in my eyes,
I don't know but I have a feeling that she was talking about Kelzy who had lost one of
our four babies

"H-How did you do that?" I couldn't stop myself from asking.

I will do everything. I am willing to sacrifice myself, my life, and even the world.
Cleona may not be my real child but deep inside my heart, she's my one and only little
girl.

Time passed by and I thanked God that there was still no news of her real parents. I
know I'm being selfish but what else can I do? I just don't want to be away from her.
She also started studying. She is now in first grade and doing well in school.

My phone suddenly rang, I took it out of my pocket.

Unknown number calling....

My forehead furrowed as I shook my head.

"Hello?" he said.

"Yes? Who is this?" I questioned as I made my way down the stairs to my car.

It was 3 p.m., and I needed to pick up Cleona from school at 4 p.m.

On the other end of the line, I heard her sigh deeply.

"I'm Karen, can we meet today? I just have something important to say." She said
weakly but clearly.

I raised my eyebrows, "I don't know you, sorry I have to go."

"Wait! Please, it's very important about... its about Cleona."

I stopped walking. The moment she said Cleona's name my heart beats faster. "How
did you know her"

"I raised my voice.

She sighed, "Please I really need to talk to you, it's really important . I'll text you the
address, and we'll meet there. Please only you...Don't bring someone.

What she said heightened my anxiety. I exhale heavily and agree with her. She hung
up and texted me the address seconds later.

447 Bagong Lipunan St. Caa Las Piñas City

I hung up the phone and quickly got into my car. I drove quickly to the address she
gave me. When I arrived, I didn't hesitate to enter the house.

I found her sitting at an old table, and when she saw me, she immediately stood up
and bowed slightly.

"Are you Karen?" I'll ask.

She nodded and smiled awkwardly. She asked me to sit in the chair, which I did. I
looked at my wrist watch to see what time it was.

"You have 40 minutes to say what you want to say to me. Go ahead."

She bit her lower lips as she looked away. "I took care of Cleona for four years."

"Are you her real mother?" I asked and I stood up. "If you're doing this to take her
away from me, I won't let you; I don't care if you're the real mother; I'll never give her
to you," I said loudly. "Can you please hear me out? I'm not going to take him away
from you, so calm down, okay?" she said. "I'm here in front of you now to apologize
and tell you the truth," she paused, "Cleona is your real daughter, she is your child."

"W-What are you talking about? I had a child, but my child died 4 years ago.
Cleona is now my child, even though I'm not her biological father."

"Cleona is not my child, and I am not her mother," she said, bowing. "I thought she
was my daughter, but I was wrong; My family started noticing things about her but
ignored them; I couldn't even feel any attachment to her, but I kept convincing myself
that he was my daughter."

"If you're not her real mother, what are you doing here? Why are you talking to me
and saying pointless things?" I said.

"You don't make any sense, what do you need?" I said, seeing her palm clenched.

"You don't make any sense, what do you need?" I said, seeing her palm clenched. "I'm
here to tell you everything I know, so will you please listen to me first?" she insisted.
"Time is running out, and I need to warn you before something bad happens... please
listen first."

I calmed myself down again.

She took a deep breath. "September 13, 2020 is the day I give birth to my first child;
my husband works at that hospital, so I delivered my baby there," she said, tears
welling up in her eyes. "My pregnancy was difficult because my body was weak, and
the doctor warned me that my condition would be dangerous because I or my baby
could die."

I took a swallow.

"I begged the Lord to let my baby live because I can't bear living without my
daughter," she smiled as she wiped her tears."I told my husband to do everything
possible to save our baby and I warned him that if my child died, I would kill
myself..."

"When I woke up, I saw my baby beside me, smiling like an angel, she's really
beautiful, and I never got tired of thanking the Lord for allowing us to be a parent."

I looked away.

"I named her Cleona Vergara, we raised her. I love her so much, and we gave her
everything she wanted, but as time passed, I noticed a change in my husband. Every
time he sees Cleona, he is always angry, yelling and swearing at the child.

"I don't understand him, which is why I didn't let Cleona get close to him until he put
his hand on Cleona," tears began to fall again on her cheeks. "He slapped her."

My jaw clenched in anger, and both of my hands clenched tightly.

"I couldn't stand his behaviour any longer, so I kept Cleona away from him; I'm afraid
something bad would happen if I didn't take Cleona away from him; Cleona and I
temporarily lived here in this house; raising her was difficult for me because...I don't
have enough money to support him."

"B-But it's only been a few months since we left my husband, and I just found out that
my sister died," she sobbed.

I can't understand why her sister died.

"I couldn't go to her because I was afraid that my husband would see me and force me
to come back to him." she started crying. "Right after that, someone approached me,
introduced himself as my sister's best friend, and handed me an envelope. She
warned me not to show up at my husband's house because he would kill both of us if
we did."

My jaw dropped. When I heard what she said, I stood in shock.

"W-Why did he say that?! W-going what's on?" I pulled out my hair. "I don't
understand, why would your husband do that to you? What did you do?" I yelled, then
slammed my fist into the table, startling her.

Her hands began to tremble in fear as her lips parted. She suddenly took something
from her pocket and handed it to me, her hand trembling.

"What is this?" I asked confused

"Y-the that's envelope I received from my sister; he wrote it before she died; you can
find out everything there," she gulped.

I took a deep breath before opening it. I discovered a photo of my wife and when I
opened the envelope. On the back, my name and address are listed. Then, I took a
paper from inside the envelope that looked like a letter from his brother.

To: Mr. Jacob Natividad,

I hope you read this letter you. I'm not sure where to begin, but I'll do my best to make
you understand what I'm saying. I know you remember me because you once saw me.I
was one of the nurses. I'm the nurse you met in the emergency room and the one
you blocked.

For a short moment, I closed my eyes and tried to remember that day. Then I
remembered her, the nurse I kept on questioning.

I committed a serious crime against you because I was one of the reasons you
suffered for so long. We lied to you at the time... We finished the operation
successfully, and there were no complications. We were about to inform you when we
received bad news. We learned that my sister's surgery had been completed. But,
sadly, my sister's baby died. Her husband could not accept it because my sister had
threatened her husband that if their baby died, she would commit suicide.

That pushed my sister's husband to make a decision that I still regret. My sister's
husband is in charge of your husband and daughter's operation. He was your
husband's doctor so he decided to switch the two children, I disagree with him, I don't
want to do that because I know my fate when I do that. But he threatened me and the
other nurses there. He threatened to fire and kill us. We did nothing but obey his
orders.

I took your child to my sister, and the doctor informed her that it was her child. As for
you, you are not the parent of the infant you saw next to your wife. My sister is the
mother of that child.

Please forgive me; I didn't know what to do at the time. It's not my choice; it's just
that I don't have any other choices. I know you had a difficult time because you
thought you had lost two important persons in your life. You suffered for so many
years and mourned the baby who was not yours. We all deserve your forgiveness, not
just me. I don't expect you to forgive me, but please...don't be mad to my sister
because she's innocent by the time you read this.

I love my sister very much and I'm ready to do everything just to make her happy. Just
pour out your anger on me, and I'll accept it. I will never get tired of begging for your
forgiveness, and I know that even my life will not be enough to repay you. Take care
of your baby; I know you'll want to see and touch her all the time. I want you to keep
her away from my sister's husband because I know you can protect her when you're
with her.

This passed few days I received a lot of death threats. I know its my sister’s husband
that’s why I don’t want to die without telling you the truth. That’s why I wrote this
letter. Do everything you can, to make him pay for everything he did to you and your
family.

Nurse Kaye

After reading the letter, I don’t know what should I feel. Tears poured down my face
as my whole my body became weak. I feel down my knees and suddenly remember
something Cleona said.

“You are my daddy”

“Daddy I’m going to sleep, I love you.”

“No you are my real daddy. I remember you crying when I was in mommy’s tummy”

I covered my face as I started to cry. My heart shattered into million pieces. My

whole body become numb. How could I not recognize my own daughter?

Cleona is Cleo, my daughter.

For the second time I failed at being a father. I don’t know if I can face her again.

“What did I do to all of you to deserve this” I screamed loudly.

“I don’t deserve this! My daughter didn’t deserve this!” I screamed

Karen kneel down and beg for forgiveness “ Please forgive me, I’m sorry..” she cried

I clenched my fist. Punching the wall causing my fist to bleed. I don’t feel anything
anymore. It feels like my body become numb.

I gathered all my strength to stood up. Turned my back at her.

“I will make sure to pay you for everything you did. You’ll regret for picking me as
your enemy.”I said bravely
I got out of the house and cried into my car. As my tears flowed once more, I drove
quickly. I wiped away my tears, but they kept falling down my cheeks. When I
arrived at school, I noticed that many students had already left with their parents.

I dashed out of my car and into Cleo's classroom. Then I noticed her waiting for me.

I immediately hugged her and picked her up while crying.

"I love you, baby," I sobbed.

"I love you, too, daddy," she said, puzzled. "Daddy, why are you crying?"

"Daddy is just happy finally you're with me," I explained.

She just nodded and hugged me tightly.

This is the happiest day of my life.