The afternoon sky was dimming when Suzanne arrived at Jace’s condo.
Tahimik ang buong hallway, at bago pa siya makakatok ay narinig niya ang mahina ngunit playful na tawa ni Elijah mula sa loob.
For a moment, napangiti siya.
Ang Kuya niya, ibang-iba na.
She knocked softly.
Jace opened the door, Elijah in one arm.
Napatingin agad ito sa kapatid at halata ang pag-aalala sa mukha.
“Suz?” he asked gently.
“Kuya…”
Suzanne’s voice trembled.
“Can we talk?”
Jace stepped aside, letting her in.
Jenny was at the couch, cradling Elijah’s toys, but she offered Suzanne a small, respectful smile.
Suzanne returned it, genuinely this time.
They all sat.
Tahimik.
Mahigpit ang hangin.
Then Suzanne breathed in.
“Kuya, I came because Mom wanted me to talk to you.”
Jace’s jaw tightened.
Eli
