"Sobrang sarap po ng ginawa niyo, Ninong. Nanghihina po ang magkabilang hita ko sa sarap. Parang nasa langit ako, Ninong..." bulong ni Hazelle habang nakahiga sa kama, hinihipan pa ang mga pawis sa kanyang noo.
Ninong laughed at Hazelle's quick response, her goddaughter who had become special to her heart. “Get some rest, Hazelle. It'll be back tomorrow. I'll eat it again,” he said softly, while stroking Hazelle's hair. “Your body smells so good, so clean. You're a pleasure to be with all night. But, promise, don't be a pansy all the time, okay? I don't want to be hungry all the time for me.”
“Yes, Ninong. I really don't want to be a pansy anymore,” Hazelle replied, shy but with a hint of joy in her voice. “You're so delicious, Ninong. I feel like I'm fainting from the deliciousness,” she giggled.
As Ninong squeezed Hazelle's shoulders, he reached out to hug her tightly, not just because of the warmth of the night but also because of the depth of their understanding. “You know, Hazelle, I want you to always be happy. Not just today, but every day,” said Ninong.
Hazelle smiled, as if all her tiredness and problems had disappeared in the embrace of the person she had trusted for so long. “Thank you, Godfather. I know you are here for me. Always,” she said, filled with gratitude.
Behind those simple words, there is a story of trust, love, and secrets shared between the two. They are not just godfather and goddaughter—their bond is deeper, a bond filled with joy and understanding.
Habang unti-unting nilalabanan ng gabi ang kanilang mga pag-uusap, naramdaman ni Ninong na ito ang pinakamagandang aginaldo na maibibigay niya kay Hazelle—ang oras, pagmamahal, at pag-aalaga na hindi kailanman mababayaran ng pera.
“Go to sleep, Hazelle. I want to sleep next to you tonight,” Ninong said as he gently hugged her to the edge of the bed. “I know it's hard sometimes, but I'm just here.”
Hazelle lies down, staring at the ceiling as she thinks about Ninong's words. Despite all the storms in life, she has one person she can count on—a ninong who is not just a caregiver, but a friend and a refuge.
