Lia Fail

I arrived at Pareng Jong's house with a broken body.

It must have been the shower after some dumb bell press. Dumb me.

As usual, I turn to Daddy, father of Isis and Jong, for his healing touch. Everyone calls him Daddy. Everyone gets healed with his magic hilot.

"Your ninong is here," Jong tells Lia Fail, his youngest. Both Lennon and Lia Fail come to me for blessing.

Before she returns to the room, I called Lia Fail. "I have something for you," then I handed her the Novellino red wine.

She received it. Jong laughed. He was quick to help Lia hold the bottle which is quite big for her age.

"That's for her debut," I added.

Some more laughter.

After the hilot, Lia joined me and Jong. She climbed unto Jong's lap. We continued talking. I was savoring the soothing menthol on my back.

Lia whispers to Jong. "Thank you daw (sa red wine), Ninong," Jong echoes.

I smiled.

I asked about Daddy's ointment and he was quick to offer me one. Lia went for it and personally handed me the Thai cream in a small box.

"Thank you," I said.

She climbed back to Jong's lap. Later, she asked Jong to sleep.

I said I'll go now. Jong offered me a ride back. "I'm ok. I can go on my own," I replied.

Ignored. He stood up and carried Lia towards Daddy. She was disturbed. She held on more tightly to Jong.

Lia Fail wailed. "Ayaw ko na ki Tatay Jong! Ayaw ko na ki Tatay Jong!"

I'm not sure if Pareng Jong is now used to it or he just knows how to handle things like these. After mumbling words of reassurance, he entrusted Lia Fail to Daddy, started his motorcycle and drove me back to BPRE.

Lia was still crying.

I left Pareng Jong's house with a broken heart.

23

I'm back.