His Life Without Her (14)

Shortly after we had a heart to heart talk with Mr. Law, Dan came to us looking grumpy. Mr. Law laughed at him knowing that he has hung over from last night's rice wine. Truthfully, I had to say we really drunk much. If it wasn't because I pride myself of having a strong alcohol tolerance, I would have been knocked out easily. The only instance I blacked out was during that Christmas camping with my colleagues. Looking back, I had a strong suspicion that my drink back then must have been altered as well.

"Now tell me, how would a mother-in-law love a son-in-law like that?" Mr. Law taunted Dan probably recalling Dan's remark yesterday about the wine.

Dan smiled embarrassedly and scratched his shoulder helplessly.

"That wine is tricky! My head feels heavy!" Dan complained.

"Why, how did you drink? Didn't you put it in your stomach? " Mr. Law continued to ridicule Dan who just smiled helplessly.

"Since you are awake, why don't you take your breakfast first. Others are still sleeping. They will eat later. There's no school today so probably, they'll get up late." Mrs. Law came out from the kitchen to call us for breakfast. She's so hospitable and a very good mother. I can also see how she serves Mr. Law lovingly and listens to him when he is talking. My mind is running advanced already picturing myself with Fem. I can't help but smile and get excited again seeing this affection in front of me. I want to experience being cared and loved by my love also. Of course, as a response to the love that I only reserved for her! This is what a happy family is like. Peaceful and loving!

Back then, my father did things by himself. He kept himself busy at work leaving us to our grandma. Perhaps to keep himself occupied and get past my mom's memory, he delved into challenging achievementsin his career. I have no memory of my mother though. They said she died shortly after she gave birth to me. Later on, my grandpa found out that it was a doctor's malpractice that led to her demise. My father sued the hospital and demanded that the doctor who handled the c-section delivery be disbarred and blacklisted. If not because of grandma's loving care, I could not have experienced the care of a true mother.

"Eat more so you'll have energy to hike. Eat whatever you can eat here. This is our culture: you should eat everything set before you or you'll never be welcomed again" Mrs Law placed at the center a plateful of fried rice, boiled farm eggs and stir fried fresh green peas. At the side was a tray of riped bananas, guavas,and papayas.

"Thank you Aunty! I wish I will really be your son-in-law. Please let me be !" I said jokingly knowing that Mr. Law might taunt me also like what he did to Dan.

We ate a hearty breakfast then got our back packs ready to leave. I wrote down my phone number on my name card and gave it to Mr. Law.

"Uncle, this is my name card and contact number if anything happens. Please call me anytime." I handed him the rectangular card with my hand written phone number.

I went inside the kitchen to thank Mrs. Law who was busy packing something.

"Aunty, thank you so much for everything. You made me love your daughter more. Thank you for raising such a fine lady like her. " I said with all sincerity.

"Don't thank me. Isn't it just my responsibility to raise my kids well?" She said smiling whole she was focused on what she was doing.

"Here, please take this as a present to your elders. It's the same kind of rice wine last night. Though it might be stronger. This was supposed to be opened during Fem's graduation celebration but we never had the chance to open. So I'm sure its quite a bit strong than the one last night. Please be careful not to hit on hard, the jar might break!" Mrs. Law handed us two bags. One was a jar like the one last night and the other contained assorted fruits.

"Aunty, you don't have to do this. This is too much! Accomodating us is already a big thing. Here, please take this as a gesture of thanks. It's not much but I sincerely thank you. Use it however it may best serve the family." I handed her a white envelope.

"No, we aren't accepting any payment for anything. I cannot accept this." Mrs. Law's face turned grim.

"Please Aunty, my heart aches not to be able to help when I know I could do something. I am not trying to pay anything. I just want to help in your household expenses." I said as I handed her the envelope which she reluctantly accepted.

"Ok, God bless you son. Regards to your elders. Just one more thing about my daughter. She may seem to be angry and distant when she is upset, but it's her style. Deep inside, she is as fragile as a delicate piece of work. If you see her again, please remember this. She is a sensible sweet daughter. Only she's inherited her father's temperament. That makes her as her." Mrs Law almost said in whisper.

I smiled and nodded in delight. "I'm so glad to have come and met you Aunty. I feel so honored to have known your daughter. I will treasure her in my heart and will respect whatever her choice may be."

Mr. And Mrs. Law sent the two us when the sun was already reaching the yard. It was quarter to eight already. With our own back pack and a hand bag each on our hands, we said thanks once again then happily went on our way.