Traizle
One of them knew that we were living here. Are we still safe here? Are we going to see them next time?
What happened to Lyndon might not be the worst thing we might face afterward. What should I do?
Do we have to suffer too much again? Do we have to experience the torment we had before?
We are safe, but we shouldn't be complacent.
"Traizle!"
Leaping from the shock I felt, I glared at Zarsuelo.
"I hugged and almost kissed you, but you never flinched. What are you worrying about? I am getting worried already." He asked, pouting at me.
I shook my head. "None," I answered. "Thank you for helping us again." I said, showing him my gratitude.
"No worries. I also don't want them to get hurt. They are like my younger brothers as well," he replied. "Can't you share it with me? I am willing to listen, and maybe I can help you with that." he added.
It could be about the thoughts I have been having since they came. I am not in my right mind after our talk.
"Thank you, but I don't think I have to tell you about that. It's our family matter, and I don't want to burden you." I responded.
I don't want to share the burden with anyone. Much better if I keep this on my own and don't let them carry the burden with us.
Zarsuelo held my hand. "We might not be family now, but I am still your friend. You can share it with me. I am willing to carry the burden you guys are carrying. I want to share the burden with you." he said, holding my hand tightly.
I don't know if he can read my thoughts, but he just answered what I had said in my mind a while ago. Is he a mind reader?
Hearing it from someone with an oddball personality, I don't feel the seriousness, but I can feel his sincerity.
"Seeing you think deeply got me thinking that your family problem must be so serious that it left you emotionally scarred," Zarsuelo added. "This is the part of you that I didn't know. I want to know everything about you so that I can understand and help you in the way I can."
Why is he acting well now? Although I don't mean he is faking, why does he have to be so good when I or we have a problem?
Is he earnest about that? That he likes me?
No, I should not trust that. It might be one of his tricks.
"There you are again!" Zarsuelo exclaimed. "What do you need? People who can give good pieces of advice? Any experts? I will get one for you, so stop doing that. I hate it." he added.
"You don't have to worry—"
"Why can't I? I am already. I am worried that I am getting mad right now," Zarsuelo said, not letting me finish what I wanted to say. "My Mom and... my ex used to do that. They don't share what's on their mind, as if they are drowning in thinking of whatever they are thinking. I'm not too fond of it. It feels like I am being left out." he shared.
"I am sorry about that," I told him, apologizing. "I just don't want you to carry our burden." I added.
Zarsuelo pats my head. "I am willing to carry it. I won't ask for any compensation or what after, so share it with me." he replied.
I don't have any choice but to share our past with him. I hope he won't find us dirty after.
"The one who beat and bullied Lyndon was from our province. The whole town knows our Mom's secret." I shared, sighing after telling the first part of our past. "Mom doesn't like poor men to be her husband. That is why she gets into many relationships. The last man I knew she was in a relationship with was our dad. Back then, our family wasn't that great. We grew up with them fighting over money and every small thing they could fight over." I added.
We didn't experience having a happy family even once.
"Our parents will turn their hate on us, beat us, and say hateful comments. When Layzen was born, Mom and Dad started to cheat on each other's backs. Then, they separated. Dad went to his new family. Mom stayed for a month before going out without returning." I added.
We thought she would work and be back after her shift. Our mother did not contact us or return home for a week after that until we realized that she wouldn't come back.
"The whole town spread the news that we are now orphans. They said our parents don't like us anymore, resulting in the other kids bullying Lyndon. Before, they even spread the word that Layzen was my real son, even though they didn't know the truth. All of them will spread every day new gossip about us. They started to hate and accuse us if some things went gone." I added.
"I am scared that if that kid told them about us, I don't know what they would do to us. I don't want Layzen to suffer as we did before." I told him.
Zarsuelo embraced me. A comforting embrace I felt after a few years again from someone I had known for months. As always, he can comfort me if I need it in this situation.
"I am proud of you. You still manage to take care of your brothers. Isn't it that great?" Zarsuelo asked, breaking the hug first.
"It is because they are the only family I have. That is why I can't take it when something bad happens to them." I replied, bluntly showing my love for my brothers.
"What is the name of your province?" He asked.
"Dulienca, why?" I asked after telling him our province.
"I will buy the whole Dulienca. They harmed you emotionally, mentally, and physically. I can't let that go." Zarsuelo responded, folding his arms.