Chapter 45: 24 Hours

“I entered different battles I never knew I could get in from carrying my children, to hearing their first cries, to witnessing their first steps, until they turned their back against me.”

Asteria was staring at her husband, yet I know she was talking to me.

“It was not my plan to marry, yet I craved for luxury that was out of my reach, so I did.”

Napalingon ako kay Asteon na katabi ko ngunit wala akong nabasang reaksyon sa mukha niya. He was just staring at his mother with a stoic face.

Nilingon kami ni Asteria. “It wasn't in my plan to love.” Bawat salita niya ay binigkas nang may diin na tila sigurado ito sa kaniyang mga sinasabi. “I didn't know how to, yet after carrying two souls, I learned.”

Muling ibinalik ng babae ang kaniyang mga mata sa lalaking humihinga na lamang gamit ang mga makina.

“Being a mother is a never-ending march. You'll get tripped, yet you would not afford to fall for a wound that your children might get. Your fall is their harm.”

I wanted to leave, but th