“We fought again. We had this misunderstanding about one of the properties that our parents left us. It was too debatable, yet he still pushed through. I wasn't able to handle it. He was a pain! After all that our family has been through, he still can't get over some things that are meant to be done. Yes, it does have a sentimental value. And of course! Our parents had striven so hard in that property. But we cannot make use of it anymore. Some things are meant to be given up, and he cannot understand it.”

When I first heard the first line, I thought that this was just one of their usual arguments that Enyah is in need of comforting. But as I listen to her blabbing of what has happened just moments ago, I then got the picture that this was a family thing. All I need to do was listen because this doesn't have to do with me.

“We have ample properties to take care of. Some that needs urgent attention, some that are doing well, some that needs to be discarded – or if not, donate to a more stable organization that can manage it within their expertise, and a lot more. What he was getting mad about is the property that I mentioned for donation. He was pointing out a lot of fuzzy things. He was making it a huge deal. I know what he means, that our parents worked so hard for it and made so much sacrifices for this property. But what should be the fuzz all about?

“He was mad at me for making a decision of donating it to a more knowledgeable organization. He wasn't thinking of it as something that could benefit our family. Instead, he was being selfish in a way that he wants to handle so many things – which I know that he couldn't handle anymore. And if it was gone to waste, who will he blame here? ME? My Gawd! I have been keeping this things all together, but how can I make all the possible and proper solutions in the world! I have cancer for Pete's sake! Yet, I am doing this thing for us! For our family, for our reputation, for him and his own family, and for me! Which of course is quite impossible because I know that life is short.. in a bit literal way.”

“I'm frustrated and stressed out. It's bad for me, I know it's bad for me. But I cannot let him do this alone. With all his engineering stuffs everywhere, and his own properties, and his time for you. …”

“Hold on there. His. Time. For. Me? Well, I really didn't ask him to do that, but he did. I was not needy or clingy in any way, or not even Arnold's busy schedule which somehow affect me – wasn't anything that I have asked him to do. He was not compelled to do this stuffs. I didn't ask him to pay so much attention to me, but again, he did. If only I knew that you were going through a lot, I would have told him or asked him to mind his own business first and deal with me if he still have some time.

“Actually, it was a surprise to see your brother appear in my doorstep for the past four months. Yes, it was already four months. We have been going out, and he was spending most of his time in this house. He has already shared some things about his life, but we're still dating and celebrating friendship at its best. But he never mentioned anything about what you've just called me for.

“I myself was shocked to hear that you are going through stressful stuffs and I feel guilty about doing happy things together with your brother. Without even realizing that both of you have a huge family business crisis. If I had only known better, then I would have learned where I stand.”