This Can't Be

Hinata's POV

"Are these all your things? Are you sure there's nothing left?" Kuya Clyde asked. 

We were now in the garage, loading all my stuff into the car. I heaved a deep sigh. If there were things I left in this house, they're probably my heart and the memories Zeke and I shared during the duration of our married life. It was short, but it's full of memories. Memories that I would surely cherish and would surely get me by on the succeeding days. Even if those memories were one-sided. 

I gave the whole house a once-over. Everywhere I looked, I saw myself waiting- at the door, veranda, living room, kitchen, even in this garage. I was waiting for him to come home. Waiting for him to love me the same way I've loved him. I was hoping, dreaming, wishing- until it drained me, all of me. I got tired of waiting for someone who didn't have any plans to come to me, or even meet me halfway. 

I shook my head and cleared my throat, stomping the emotion that was threatening to resurface in the open. I was done crying, and there's no point crying over spilled milk when I had already made up my mind. 

"That's all I need, kuya. Let's get out of here. Please," I pleaded.

Kuya Clyde nodded, and we got inside the car. I watched the house shrink in the side view mirror as we departed. When it was no longer in view, I shifted my gaze outside the window. I welcomed the silence and the fact that my older brother was giving me space at the moment. He didn't ask me any questions when I knew for sure that he was dying to get some explanations as to why I did what I did. Just like mom and dad, he was very supportive of me. They all were 'cause I am their princess. 

That thought made me more emotional. It only solidified the reason why I was leaving this marriage. I deserved more than what I was tolerating. I deserved to be happy, and Zeke... he deserved it too. I no longer want to trap him in this relationship when all he wanted was to be free from me. It just saddened me that it only lasted for three months. But I guess, that's what life is. You couldn't really get all you wanted. 

So, here I was. Taking what remains of me to a brand new place, outside the country. A hasty choice, I knew, but it was the best thing to do at this time. I believed that my healing journey would be easier if I were far away from the source of my pain. 

"We're here, princess," Kuya announced. "You ready?" he added. 

I was so caught up in my emotions and thoughts that I didn't notice our arrival at the airport. I looked at him and smiled. Then, we got out of the car. As soon as he unloaded my two luggage from the car, I gave him a tight hug. He hugged me even tighter. 

"I don't know what really happened between you and Zeke, but I am always on your side. Take care of yourself and talk to me someday when you're ready to share all of those things. Kuya will listen, remember that. I love you, our princess."

"I love you too, Kuya. Thank you so much for being my one-call-away hero. Take care of yourself, and please keep an eye out for Mom and Dad. I'll call both of them when I get to my place there," I assured him. 

"You should. As per my telepathic power, Mom was already crying a river in our house. Dad might drown from preventing himself from getting crazy. Hahaha."

I laughed and playfully struck him on his shoulder. He was such a pro at making a heavy moment into a light one. We were still laughing at each other when my phone rang. When I checked the ID caller, it was not registered. I ignored it at first, but it was so persistent that I finally answered it. 

"Hello?" I asked. 

"Hi. Is this Hinata Marie Smith?" inquired the caller from the other line. 

A strange chill crept up my spine when I answered him yes. 

"Ma'am, I'm from the local emergency response team. I need you to know that your husband, Zeke Anderson Smith, has been involved in a car accident and we're heading to..."

My breathing grew shallow, and I was gasping for air. I couldn't breathe. Cold sweat trickled down my spine while I repeatedly uttered the word "No." The world around me seemed to dim, the colors draining, the sounds muffled- except for the ringing in my ears and the voice that kept talking on the line. 

This can't be...