Chapter 172: 172
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December 22, 2012 – Saturday 10 PM – East Hamptons, NY – South Hampton Hospital
Tayaw drove non-stop to Kangpan International Airport and booked the first flight available to New York. After just 37 hours since receiving the news about Gonzalo, Tayaw is now in front of the hospital Juliana directed him to. He also barely used any time stopping by his house in Jericho to grab his home theater stuff.
"Hello. How do I get to room I – 503?" Tayaw steps in the hospital lobby and asks the receptionist immediately.
"I-503? That's a suite room in the intensive care unit. Take that elevator over there to the third floor. Then, take the bridge to the next building, from there, take two floors up and the room is in there." The receptionist quickly spews, influenced by Tayaw's hurrying behavior.
"Thanks." Tayaw says and quickly runs away to the elevator's direction.
The receptionist, realizing she just exposed the location of what seems like a high-status patient, waves to the guard immediately. Before the guard can react, Tayaw already disappeared from the lobby, taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Tayaw soon arrives in the intensive care unit and it does not take him long to realize which one is Gonzalo's room, judging by a few men in suits guarding the room's door, in addition to what looks to be nurses on standby sitting on the bench outside the door.
Tayaw also sees a familiar pretty face, waiting for him by the door.
The guards are about to stop him from approaching the room because of the suspicious things that he is carrying, but Juliana stops the guards from doing so.
"Juliana. How is Don Gonzalo?" Tayaw asks Juliana immediately.
Juliana, looking as if she has not slept well for a few days, simply smiles bitterly and embraces Tayaw.
"He's not awake yet." Juliana says.
Tayaw then notices one of the guards who have been listening, almost shake his head before stopping himself.
While he was on his way to New York, Tayaw has hoped that Gonzalo, while being in critical condition, is still conscious. Realizing the contrast between Juliana's optimistic response, and the guard's bitter and disagreeing expression, Tayaw's hopes comes crashing down. The sound of what seems to be a breathing machine he can hear from inside the room is also adding negativity to the already bad news.
"Let's pray he will wake up soon." Tayaw consoles Juliana and pats her back with a hypnotic rhythm.
"Yeah…" Juliana breaks away from the hug.
"Let's go in. Dad and uncle are inside, mom just left to get some sleep." Juliana offers.
This makes Tayaw anxious once again.
"Nah. Maybe later in the evening." Tayaw says, hoping to step into the room while Sylvio is not around.
"It's already late. Why later?" Juliana asks, confused.
"Maybe when they're asleep. I don't want to disturb them." Tayaw shakes his head.
In actuality, he does not want to face Sylvio or Delfina. He made a promise but he fell short.
"No. Come inside. Dad and Uncle already knows you're coming." Juliana grabs Tayaw's arm, while the guard opens the door for them.
She was about to drag Tayaw inside the room, but clueless about Tayaw's strength, she almost topples from the unexpected force fighting her.
"Okay. You're strong. I get it. But please, get the hell in." Juliana says, her patience running thin.
Looking at Juliana, Tayaw braces himself and nods.
Entering the fancy hospital suite that almost looks like a hotel, Tayaw immediately notices the unconscious Gonzalo, lying on a bed encased in a room of glass, with various machines hooked to him. One machine has blood flowing in its tubes, and one machine looks like it is pumping air, assisting Gonzalo's breathing. Inside the glass cage, there is also a nurse wearing what looks like surgical outfit, accompanying and monitoring Gonzalo.
Tayaw looking at Gonzalo's condition, cannot help but feel bad. He has only known Gonzalo for a few months and they had limited interaction, but by making a film based on Gonzalo's life, Tayaw feels like he has become closer to Gonzalo.
"Tayaw, my boy. You're here." Sylvio greets Tayaw.
Tayaw sees Sylvio with Luis Sabbatini, Juliana's father, sitting down, playing cards with each other at the wooden table in the room.
"Don Sylvio, Mr. Sabattini. I'm here to pay respects to Don Gonzalo." Tayaw says.
"Go ahead. Change into a gown like that nurse is wearing, wear a mask, and wear some gloves. Knock on the glass and the nurse can assist you." Sylvio instructs.
After changing, Tayaw is inside the Gonzalo's glass room.
"Call me immediately if the machines start beeping weirdly." The nurse tells him.
"Okay." Tayaw says and with that, the nurse leaves to give Tayaw privacy.
"*sigh* Hello sir. Good evening. It's me, Tayaw…" Tayaw starts talking.
Meanwhile, outside, Juliana, Luis and Sylvio are watching Tayaw's actions.
"That's the kid?" Luis asks.
"Yeah." Sylvio simply nods.
"He has good manners. I get why Uncle Gonzalo set him up with you." Luis tells Juliana.
Juliana only nods, smiling subtly.
"How come you two didn't work out?" Sylvio asks.
"He's too busy and he has a different… philosophy. Long story." Juliana says, not bothering to explain.
"Hmm. Anyways. Juliana, dear. Please go home. You don't look so good. Would you really like your grandpa to see you like that?" Luis finally says. Juliana shakes her head.
"Okay." She obliges with her father's request.
After Juliana left the room, "Ah. As a father, I would love it if her and that kid worked out… Just looking at him, he looks like a good kid … seems smart too." Luis says.
"Heh. Not as good and as smart as you think. I had to clean up his mess in Teungeb a few months ago." Sylvio nit-picks on Tayaw playfully.
"What mess?" Luis asks in curiosity.
"He went on a rampage on some small town thugs… I'll tell you about it later. He looks like he's done speaking with father." Sylvio points at Tayaw who just stood up from his chair and is now about to take off his protective clothes.
After Tayaw 'talked' to Gonzalo, he finally steps out of the glass room, the nurse going back in.
"Tayaw, join us." Sylvio offers and Tayaw obliges.
"Looks like you really rushed here huh. You still have your bags." Sylvio comments on the oddly shaped bags Tayaw entered in the suite with.
"Oh. No, I picked these up on my way here." Tayaw stands up once again and brings his bags for the two men to see.
"These are my stuff in my personal mini-cinema theater. I was hoping to show what I've finished so far to Don Gonzalo but…" Tayaw looks at Gonzalo and then looks away shaking his head.
"It's worse than I thought."
"Yeah. Juliana does not want to accept it yet." Luis shakes his head.
"How bad is it? When is he going to wake up?" Tayaw asks.
"He won't. Every day that passed, the chances drastically fell. Now that his brain is gone, we will need a miracle." Luis says.
"Hm. We're thinking of pulling the plug anytime in the next few days after the preparations for his funeral are ready. He might be suffering in there, so it's better to end it soon. I'm also pretty sure that he must have wanted to just go peacefully and would have hated it that he was brought here." Sylvio says.
"I'm sorry." Tayaw can only say.
"Sorry for what, kid? It's life. Me and my sister are already thankful that he lasted as long as he did." Sylvio says.
"What do you mean, sir?" Tayaw asks, finding more meaning in Sylvio's words.
"Well. He was already sick even before you met him. He just didn't tell us. Knowing him though, I know why he hid it from us." Sylvio says.
"Worried about his family til the end. It's just like him." Luis says.
Seeing as Sylvio seems to be managing well, Tayaw is a bit more relieved.
"Anyway. I just feel sorry, and guilty. I feel like I've failed Don Gonzalo. If only I worked faster, I would have at least shown him a part of my promise." Tayaw says as he sinks deeper in his chair.
"Heh. Think of it this way, I don't think father cared that much about your film anyway. Don't beat yourself up." Sylvio says.
Despite the borderline harsh comment, Tayaw somehow feels a bit consoled by it.
"Well, why don't you show us? The doctor said that it might be possible that father can still hear things around him." Sylvio says, feeling a bit of a pity for Tayaw as he knew, from his 'eyes' around New York, how hard Tayaw worked and researched for the movie.
Tayaw, on the other hand, looking as if he received a recharge from Sylvio's comment, stands up quickly and proceeds to set up the projector, speakers, and the projector screen.
While Tayaw is halfway setting up, he suddenly stops.
"Don't you gentlemen need some sleep? This will be almost two hours long." Tayaw asks, in consideration for the two men's time.
"It's fine kid. Lately we've been sleeping in late and getting up late." Luis says.
"Alright. I'll be done setting up shortly." Tayaw says.
"While I haven't seen your script, I bet my father had not problems with it, right?" Sylvio asks.
"He doesn't. I showed him the script last July. Or was it August? Anyway, he said he liked it." Tayaw explains as he finishes the set-up.
"Alright. This film only covers Don Gonzalo's early life in New York until right before he served in World War 2." Tayaw introduces the film before pressing a button in his laptop.
-----------
Two hours later.
[[[After Giovanni exchanged gun fires with his pursuers, he was able to successfully escape and is now hiding safely in his safehouse.
He is currently writing a letter in poorly lit room; only a weak incandescent bulb, and the candle on Giovanni's table being the sources of light. Giovanni's voice enters, narrating what he is writing.
"Dear friends. Don Antonio Orsini, my biological father has decided to betray my trust and tried to take my life. I am hoping that he will not come after you too…" While the voice of Giovanni is narrating, he is shown walking under the glare of the sun.
Giovanni, with but a rucksack on his back, is seen walking to a huge ship on the docks, his head low, his face covered by his lowered hat.
"My friends, I am leaving New York to a place Antonio would not even think I will go." Giovanni's narration continues as Giovanni stops walking in front of a poster of a mustached man, wearing a general's hat, pointing at whoever is looking as if saying 'Your Country Needs You.'
"One day, when I'm ready, or if I am even alive then, I will come back for you." Giovanni's narration continues as continues walking to the ship.
As Giovanni blends in with the crowd who all seems to have the same destination as him, the screen fades to black. "Until then, farewell." Giovanni's voice concludes. Orchestral music starts playing dramatically and the credits roll.]
Tayaw then turns off the projector and silently waits for feedback. Sylvio and Luis are still sitting silently, making Tayaw anxious.
"Hmm. Heh." Luis chuckles.
"Yeah." Sylvio nods as well.
The two, being childhood friends, know what each other is thinking. Both are impressed by what they just watched.
"Growing up…" Sylvio pours a refill of whiskey in both his and Luis' glass.
"I've listened to father's stories both from him and his men. Now, looking at it this way, is another experience. You've brought his stories back to life." Sylvio says before taking a sip of the amber goodness from his glass.
Tayaw sighs in relief at this.
"Great job kid. Even though you changed the names, and maybe even made up some of the parts, they are still believable as Gonzalo's story." Luis agrees.
He too has heard some of the same stories that Sylvio heard growing up, and he too, like Sylvio, knows who Gonzalo is as a person.
"I'm glad to hear you like it." Tayaw says in gratitude.
"Mm. You don't have to feel bad anymore. You've done great." Luis says consoling the guilty-looking Tayaw.
While Tayaw disagrees, he only smiles, for courtesy.
"How many more movies before you tell father's entire story?" Sylvio asks.
"Two more, Don Sylvio." Tayaw says.
"Two more. Good. Father deserves no less than three for his story be told." Sylvio nods.
"Yes. It would have been a disappointment if you tell his stories in a single film. Uncle's long and rich life being told in one film is honestly quite disrespectful." Luis says.
"Thank you." Tayaw does not know what else to say.
"Alright. Stay in New York for a while for the funeral, will you? My friends and their children are attending. I can't wait to have them watch this." Sylvio smiles.
"Sure thing, Don Sylvio." Tayaw is now relieved at Sylvio's reaction to his film. Unlike what he expected, Sylvio is not disappointed in him.
"The younger generation is forgetting how great of a man uncle really is. Retelling his story like this, I think uncle really will be immortalized." Luis clinks his glass with Sylvio.
"I like the sound of that." Sylvio says as he and Luis down their glass.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
December 22, 2012 – Saturday 10 PM – East Hamptons, NY – South Hampton Hospital
Tayaw drove non-stop to Kangpan International Airport and booked the first flight available to New York. After just 37 hours since receiving the news about Gonzalo, Tayaw is now in front of the hospital Juliana directed him to. He also barely used any time stopping by his house in Jericho to grab his home theater stuff.
"Hello. How do I get to room I – 503?" Tayaw steps in the hospital lobby and asks the receptionist immediately.
"I-503? That's a suite room in the intensive care unit. Take that elevator over there to the third floor. Then, take the bridge to the next building, from there, take two floors up and the room is in there." The receptionist quickly spews, influenced by Tayaw's hurrying behavior.
"Thanks." Tayaw says and quickly runs away to the elevator's direction.
The receptionist, realizing she just exposed the location of what seems like a high-status patient, waves to the guard immediately. Before the guard can react, Tayaw already disappeared from the lobby, taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Tayaw soon arrives in the intensive care unit and it does not take him long to realize which one is Gonzalo's room, judging by a few men in suits guarding the room's door, in addition to what looks to be nurses on standby sitting on the bench outside the door.
Tayaw also sees a familiar pretty face, waiting for him by the door.
The guards are about to stop him from approaching the room because of the suspicious things that he is carrying, but Juliana stops the guards from doing so.
"Juliana. How is Don Gonzalo?" Tayaw asks Juliana immediately.
Juliana, looking as if she has not slept well for a few days, simply smiles bitterly and embraces Tayaw.
"He's not awake yet." Juliana says.
Tayaw then notices one of the guards who have been listening, almost shake his head before stopping himself.
While he was on his way to New York, Tayaw has hoped that Gonzalo, while being in critical condition, is still conscious. Realizing the contrast between Juliana's optimistic response, and the guard's bitter and disagreeing expression, Tayaw's hopes comes crashing down. The sound of what seems to be a breathing machine he can hear from inside the room is also adding negativity to the already bad news.
"Let's pray he will wake up soon." Tayaw consoles Juliana and pats her back with a hypnotic rhythm.
"Yeah…" Juliana breaks away from the hug.
"Let's go in. Dad and uncle are inside, mom just left to get some sleep." Juliana offers.
This makes Tayaw anxious once again.
"Nah. Maybe later in the evening." Tayaw says, hoping to step into the room while Sylvio is not around.
"It's already late. Why later?" Juliana asks, confused.
"Maybe when they're asleep. I don't want to disturb them." Tayaw shakes his head.
In actuality, he does not want to face Sylvio or Delfina. He made a promise but he fell short.
"No. Come inside. Dad and Uncle already knows you're coming." Juliana grabs Tayaw's arm, while the guard opens the door for them.
She was about to drag Tayaw inside the room, but clueless about Tayaw's strength, she almost topples from the unexpected force fighting her.
"Okay. You're strong. I get it. But please, get the hell in." Juliana says, her patience running thin.
Looking at Juliana, Tayaw braces himself and nods.
Entering the fancy hospital suite that almost looks like a hotel, Tayaw immediately notices the unconscious Gonzalo, lying on a bed encased in a room of glass, with various machines hooked to him. One machine has blood flowing in its tubes, and one machine looks like it is pumping air, assisting Gonzalo's breathing. Inside the glass cage, there is also a nurse wearing what looks like surgical outfit, accompanying and monitoring Gonzalo.
Tayaw looking at Gonzalo's condition, cannot help but feel bad. He has only known Gonzalo for a few months and they had limited interaction, but by making a film based on Gonzalo's life, Tayaw feels like he has become closer to Gonzalo.
"Tayaw, my boy. You're here." Sylvio greets Tayaw.
Tayaw sees Sylvio with Luis Sabbatini, Juliana's father, sitting down, playing cards with each other at the wooden table in the room.
"Don Sylvio, Mr. Sabattini. I'm here to pay respects to Don Gonzalo." Tayaw says.
"Go ahead. Change into a gown like that nurse is wearing, wear a mask, and wear some gloves. Knock on the glass and the nurse can assist you." Sylvio instructs.
After changing, Tayaw is inside the Gonzalo's glass room.
"Call me immediately if the machines start beeping weirdly." The nurse tells him.
"Okay." Tayaw says and with that, the nurse leaves to give Tayaw privacy.
"*sigh* Hello sir. Good evening. It's me, Tayaw…" Tayaw starts talking.
Meanwhile, outside, Juliana, Luis and Sylvio are watching Tayaw's actions.
"That's the kid?" Luis asks.
"Yeah." Sylvio simply nods.
"He has good manners. I get why Uncle Gonzalo set him up with you." Luis tells Juliana.
Juliana only nods, smiling subtly.
"How come you two didn't work out?" Sylvio asks.
"He's too busy and he has a different… philosophy. Long story." Juliana says, not bothering to explain.
"Hmm. Anyways. Juliana, dear. Please go home. You don't look so good. Would you really like your grandpa to see you like that?" Luis finally says. Juliana shakes her head.
"Okay." She obliges with her father's request.
After Juliana left the room, "Ah. As a father, I would love it if her and that kid worked out… Just looking at him, he looks like a good kid … seems smart too." Luis says.
"Heh. Not as good and as smart as you think. I had to clean up his mess in Teungeb a few months ago." Sylvio nit-picks on Tayaw playfully.
"What mess?" Luis asks in curiosity.
"He went on a rampage on some small town thugs… I'll tell you about it later. He looks like he's done speaking with father." Sylvio points at Tayaw who just stood up from his chair and is now about to take off his protective clothes.
After Tayaw 'talked' to Gonzalo, he finally steps out of the glass room, the nurse going back in.
"Tayaw, join us." Sylvio offers and Tayaw obliges.
"Looks like you really rushed here huh. You still have your bags." Sylvio comments on the oddly shaped bags Tayaw entered in the suite with.
"Oh. No, I picked these up on my way here." Tayaw stands up once again and brings his bags for the two men to see.
"These are my stuff in my personal mini-cinema theater. I was hoping to show what I've finished so far to Don Gonzalo but…" Tayaw looks at Gonzalo and then looks away shaking his head.
"It's worse than I thought."
"Yeah. Juliana does not want to accept it yet." Luis shakes his head.
"How bad is it? When is he going to wake up?" Tayaw asks.
"He won't. Every day that passed, the chances drastically fell. Now that his brain is gone, we will need a miracle." Luis says.
"Hm. We're thinking of pulling the plug anytime in the next few days after the preparations for his funeral are ready. He might be suffering in there, so it's better to end it soon. I'm also pretty sure that he must have wanted to just go peacefully and would have hated it that he was brought here." Sylvio says.
"I'm sorry." Tayaw can only say.
"Sorry for what, kid? It's life. Me and my sister are already thankful that he lasted as long as he did." Sylvio says.
"What do you mean, sir?" Tayaw asks, finding more meaning in Sylvio's words.
"Well. He was already sick even before you met him. He just didn't tell us. Knowing him though, I know why he hid it from us." Sylvio says.
"Worried about his family til the end. It's just like him." Luis says.
Seeing as Sylvio seems to be managing well, Tayaw is a bit more relieved.
"Anyway. I just feel sorry, and guilty. I feel like I've failed Don Gonzalo. If only I worked faster, I would have at least shown him a part of my promise." Tayaw says as he sinks deeper in his chair.
"Heh. Think of it this way, I don't think father cared that much about your film anyway. Don't beat yourself up." Sylvio says.
Despite the borderline harsh comment, Tayaw somehow feels a bit consoled by it.
"Well, why don't you show us? The doctor said that it might be possible that father can still hear things around him." Sylvio says, feeling a bit of a pity for Tayaw as he knew, from his 'eyes' around New York, how hard Tayaw worked and researched for the movie.
Tayaw, on the other hand, looking as if he received a recharge from Sylvio's comment, stands up quickly and proceeds to set up the projector, speakers, and the projector screen.
While Tayaw is halfway setting up, he suddenly stops.
"Don't you gentlemen need some sleep? This will be almost two hours long." Tayaw asks, in consideration for the two men's time.
"It's fine kid. Lately we've been sleeping in late and getting up late." Luis says.
"Alright. I'll be done setting up shortly." Tayaw says.
"While I haven't seen your script, I bet my father had not problems with it, right?" Sylvio asks.
"He doesn't. I showed him the script last July. Or was it August? Anyway, he said he liked it." Tayaw explains as he finishes the set-up.
"Alright. This film only covers Don Gonzalo's early life in New York until right before he served in World War 2." Tayaw introduces the film before pressing a button in his laptop.
-----------
Two hours later.
[[[After Giovanni exchanged gun fires with his pursuers, he was able to successfully escape and is now hiding safely in his safehouse.
He is currently writing a letter in poorly lit room; only a weak incandescent bulb, and the candle on Giovanni's table being the sources of light. Giovanni's voice enters, narrating what he is writing.
"Dear friends. Don Antonio Orsini, my biological father has decided to betray my trust and tried to take my life. I am hoping that he will not come after you too…" While the voice of Giovanni is narrating, he is shown walking under the glare of the sun.
Giovanni, with but a rucksack on his back, is seen walking to a huge ship on the docks, his head low, his face covered by his lowered hat.
"My friends, I am leaving New York to a place Antonio would not even think I will go." Giovanni's narration continues as Giovanni stops walking in front of a poster of a mustached man, wearing a general's hat, pointing at whoever is looking as if saying 'Your Country Needs You.'
"One day, when I'm ready, or if I am even alive then, I will come back for you." Giovanni's narration continues as continues walking to the ship.
As Giovanni blends in with the crowd who all seems to have the same destination as him, the screen fades to black. "Until then, farewell." Giovanni's voice concludes. Orchestral music starts playing dramatically and the credits roll.]
Tayaw then turns off the projector and silently waits for feedback. Sylvio and Luis are still sitting silently, making Tayaw anxious.
"Hmm. Heh." Luis chuckles.
"Yeah." Sylvio nods as well.
The two, being childhood friends, know what each other is thinking. Both are impressed by what they just watched.
"Growing up…" Sylvio pours a refill of whiskey in both his and Luis' glass.
"I've listened to father's stories both from him and his men. Now, looking at it this way, is another experience. You've brought his stories back to life." Sylvio says before taking a sip of the amber goodness from his glass.
Tayaw sighs in relief at this.
"Great job kid. Even though you changed the names, and maybe even made up some of the parts, they are still believable as Gonzalo's story." Luis agrees.
He too has heard some of the same stories that Sylvio heard growing up, and he too, like Sylvio, knows who Gonzalo is as a person.
"I'm glad to hear you like it." Tayaw says in gratitude.
"Mm. You don't have to feel bad anymore. You've done great." Luis says consoling the guilty-looking Tayaw.
While Tayaw disagrees, he only smiles, for courtesy.
"How many more movies before you tell father's entire story?" Sylvio asks.
"Two more, Don Sylvio." Tayaw says.
"Two more. Good. Father deserves no less than three for his story be told." Sylvio nods.
"Yes. It would have been a disappointment if you tell his stories in a single film. Uncle's long and rich life being told in one film is honestly quite disrespectful." Luis says.
"Thank you." Tayaw does not know what else to say.
"Alright. Stay in New York for a while for the funeral, will you? My friends and their children are attending. I can't wait to have them watch this." Sylvio smiles.
"Sure thing, Don Sylvio." Tayaw is now relieved at Sylvio's reaction to his film. Unlike what he expected, Sylvio is not disappointed in him.
"The younger generation is forgetting how great of a man uncle really is. Retelling his story like this, I think uncle really will be immortalized." Luis clinks his glass with Sylvio.
"I like the sound of that." Sylvio says as he and Luis down their glass.
December 22, 2012 Saturday 10 PM East Hamptons, NY South Hampton Hospital Tayaw drove non-stop to Kangpan International Airport and booked the first flight available to New York. After just 37 hours since receiving the news about Gonzalo, Tayaw is now in front of the hospital Juliana directed him to. He also barely used any time stopping by his house in Jericho to grab his home theater stuff. "Hello. How do I get to room I 503?" Tayaw steps in the hospital lobby and asks the receptionist immediately. "I-503? That's a suite room in the intensive care unit. Take that elevator over there to the third floor. Then, take the bridge to the next building, from there, take two floors up and the room is in there." The receptionist quickly spews, influenced by Tayaw's hurrying behavior. "Thanks." Tayaw says and quickly runs away to the elevator's direction. The receptionist, realizing she just exposed the location of what seems like a high-status patient, waves to the guard immediately. Before the guard can react, Tayaw already disappeared from the lobby, taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Tayaw soon arrives in the intensive care unit and it does not take him long to realize which one is Gonzalo's room, judging by a few men in suits guarding the room's door, in addition to what looks to be nurses on standby sitting on the bench outside the door. Tayaw also sees a familiar pretty face, waiting for him by the door. The guards are about to stop him from approaching the room because of the suspicious things that he is carrying, but Juliana stops the guards from doing so. "Juliana. How is Don Gonzalo?" Tayaw asks Juliana immediately. Juliana, looking as if she has not slept well for a few days, simply smiles bitterly and embraces Tayaw. "He's not awake yet." Juliana says. Tayaw then notices one of the guards who have been listening, almost shake his head before stopping himself. While he was on his way to New York, Tayaw has hoped that Gonzalo, while being in critical condition, is still conscious. Realizing the contrast between Juliana's optimistic response, and the guard's bitter and disagreeing expression, Tayaw's hopes comes crashing down. The sound of what seems to be a breathing machine he can hear from inside the room is also adding negativity to the already bad news. "Let's pray he will wake up soon." Tayaw consoles Juliana and pats her back with a hypnotic rhythm. "Yeah" Juliana breaks away from the hug. "Let's go in. Dad and uncle are inside, mom just left to get some sleep." Juliana offers. This makes Tayaw anxious once again. "Nah. Maybe later in the evening." Tayaw says, hoping to step into the room while Sylvio is not around. "It's already late. Why later?" Juliana asks, confused. "Maybe when they're asleep. I don't want to disturb them." Tayaw shakes his head. In actuality, he does not want to face Sylvio or Delfina. He made a promise but he fell short. "No. Come inside. Dad and Uncle already knows you're coming." Juliana grabs Tayaw's arm, while the guard opens the door for them. She was about to drag Tayaw inside the room, but clueless about Tayaw's strength, she almost topples from the unexpected force fighting her. "Okay. You're strong. I get it. But please, get the hell in." Juliana says, her patience running thin. Looking at Juliana, Tayaw braces himself and nods. Entering the fancy hospital suite that almost looks like a hotel, Tayaw immediately notices the unconscious Gonzalo, lying on a bed encased in a room of glass, with various machines hooked to him. One machine has blood flowing in its tubes, and one machine looks like it is pumping air, assisting Gonzalo's breathing. Inside the glass cage, there is also a nurse wearing what looks like surgical outfit, accompanying and monitoring Gonzalo. Tayaw looking at Gonzalo's condition, cannot help but feel bad. He has only known Gonzalo for a few months and they had limited interaction, but by making a film based on Gonzalo's life, Tayaw feels like he has become closer to Gonzalo. "Tayaw, my boy. You're here." Sylvio greets Tayaw. Tayaw sees Sylvio with Luis Sabbatini, Juliana's father, sitting down, playing cards with each other at the wooden table in the room. "Don Sylvio, Mr. Sabattini. I'm here to pay respects to Don Gonzalo." Tayaw says. "Go ahead. Change into a gown like that nurse is wearing, wear a mask, and wear some gloves. Knock on the glass and the nurse can assist you." Sylvio instructs. After changing, Tayaw is inside the Gonzalo's glass room. "Call me immediately if the machines start beeping weirdly." The nurse tells him. "Okay." Tayaw says and with that, the nurse leaves to give Tayaw privacy. "*sigh* Hello sir. Good evening. It's me, Tayaw" Tayaw starts talking. Meanwhile, outside, Juliana, Luis and Sylvio are watching Tayaw's actions. "That's the kid?" Luis asks. "Yeah." Sylvio simply nods. "He has good manners. I get why Uncle Gonzalo set him up with you." Luis tells Juliana. Juliana only nods, smiling subtly. "How come you two didn't work out?" Sylvio asks. "He's too busy and he has a different philosophy. Long story." Juliana says, not bothering to explain. "Hmm. Anyways. Juliana, dear. Please go home. You don't look so good. Would you really like your grandpa to see you like that?" Luis finally says. Juliana shakes her head. "Okay." She obliges with her father's request. After Juliana left the room, "Ah. As a father, I would love it if her and that kid worked out Just looking at him, he looks like a good kid seems smart too." Luis says. "Heh. Not as good and as smart as you think. I had to clean up his mess in Teungeb a few months ago." Sylvio nit-picks on Tayaw playfully. "What mess?" Luis asks in curiosity. "He went on a rampage on some small town thugs I'll tell you about it later. He looks like he's done speaking with father." Sylvio points at Tayaw who just stood up from his chair and is now about to take off his protective clothes. After Tayaw 'talked' to Gonzalo, he finally steps out of the glass room, the nurse going back in. "Tayaw, join us." Sylvio offers and Tayaw obliges. "Looks like you really rushed here huh. You still have your bags." Sylvio comments on the oddly shaped bags Tayaw entered in the suite with. "Oh. No, I picked these up on my way here." Tayaw stands up once again and brings his bags for the two men to see. "These are my stuff in my personal mini-cinema theater. I was hoping to show what I've finished so far to Don Gonzalo but" Tayaw looks at Gonzalo and then looks away shaking his head. "It's worse than I thought." "Yeah. Juliana does not want to accept it yet." Luis shakes his head. "How bad is it? When is he going to wake up?" Tayaw asks. "He won't. Every day that passed, the chances drastically fell. Now that his brain is gone, we will need a miracle." Luis says. "Hm. We're thinking of pulling the plug anytime in the next few days after the preparations for his funeral are ready. He might be suffering in there, so it's better to end it soon. I'm also pretty sure that he must have wanted to just go peacefully and would have hated it that he was brought here." Sylvio says. "I'm sorry." Tayaw can only say. "Sorry for what, kid? It's life. Me and my sister are already thankful that he lasted as long as he did." Sylvio says. "What do you mean, sir?" Tayaw asks, finding more meaning in Sylvio's words. "Well. He was already sick even before you met him. He just didn't tell us. Knowing him though, I know why he hid it from us." Sylvio says. "Worried about his family til the end. It's just like him." Luis says. Seeing as Sylvio seems to be managing well, Tayaw is a bit more relieved. "Anyway. I just feel sorry, and guilty. I feel like I've failed Don Gonzalo. If only I worked faster, I would have at least shown him a part of my promise." Tayaw says as he sinks deeper in his chair. "Heh. Think of it this way, I don't think father cared that much about your film anyway. Don't beat yourself up." Sylvio says. Despite the borderline harsh comment, Tayaw somehow feels a bit consoled by it. "Well, why don't you show us? The doctor said that it might be possible that father can still hear things around him." Sylvio says, feeling a bit of a pity for Tayaw as he knew, from his 'eyes' around New York, how hard Tayaw worked and researched for the movie. Tayaw, on the other hand, looking as if he received a recharge from Sylvio's comment, stands up quickly and proceeds to set up the projector, speakers, and the projector screen. While Tayaw is halfway setting up, he suddenly stops. "Don't you gentlemen need some sleep? This will be almost two hours long." Tayaw asks, in consideration for the two men's time. "It's fine kid. Lately we've been sleeping in late and getting up late." Luis says. "Alright. I'll be done setting up shortly." Tayaw says. "While I haven't seen your script, I bet my father had not problems with it, right?" Sylvio asks. "He doesn't. I showed him the script last July. Or was it August? Anyway, he said he liked it." Tayaw explains as he finishes the set-up. "Alright. This film only covers Don Gonzalo's early life in New York until right before he served in World War 2." Tayaw introduces the film before pressing a button in his laptop. ----------- Two hours later. After Giovanni exchanged gun fires with his pursuers, he was able to successfully escape and is now hiding safely in his safehouse. He is currently writing a letter in poorly lit room; only a weak incandescent bulb, and the candle on Giovanni's table being the sources of light. Giovanni's voice enters, narrating what he is writing. "Dear friends. Don Antonio Orsini, my biological father has decided to betray my trust and tried to take my life. I am hoping that he will not come after you too" While the voice of Giovanni is narrating, he is shown walking under the glare of the sun. Giovanni, with but a rucksack on his back, is seen walking to a huge ship on the docks, his head low, his face covered by his lowered hat. "My friends, I am leaving New York to a place Antonio would not even think I will go." Giovanni's narration continues as Giovanni stops walking in front of a poster of a mustached man, wearing a general's hat, pointing at whoever is looking as if saying 'Your Country Needs You.' "One day, when I'm ready, or if I am even alive then, I will come back for you." Giovanni's narration continues as continues walking to the ship. As Giovanni blends in with the crowd who all seems to have the same destination as him, the screen fades to black. "Until then, farewell." Giovanni's voice concludes. Orchestral music starts playing dramatically and the credits roll. Tayaw then turns off the projector and silently waits for feedback. Sylvio and Luis are still sitting silently, making Tayaw anxious. "Hmm. Heh." Luis chuckles. "Yeah." Sylvio nods as well. The two, being childhood friends, know what each other is thinking. Both are impressed by what they just watched. "Growing up" Sylvio pours a refill of whiskey in both his and Luis' glass. "I've listened to father's stories both from him and his men. Now, looking at it this way, is another experience. You've brought his stories back to life." Sylvio says before taking a sip of the amber goodness from his glass. Tayaw sighs in relief at this. "Great job kid. Even though you changed the names, and maybe even made up some of the parts, they are still believable as Gonzalo's story." Luis agrees. He too has heard some of the same stories that Sylvio heard growing up, and he too, like Sylvio, knows who Gonzalo is as a person. "I'm glad to hear you like it." Tayaw says in gratitude. "Mm. You don't have to feel bad anymore. You've done great." Luis says consoling the guilty-looking Tayaw. While Tayaw disagrees, he only smiles, for courtesy. "How many more movies before you tell father's entire story?" Sylvio asks. "Two more, Don Sylvio." Tayaw says. "Two more. Good. Father deserves no less than three for his story be told." Sylvio nods. "Yes. It would have been a disappointment if you tell his stories in a single film. Uncle's long and rich life being told in one film is honestly quite disrespectful." Luis says. "Thank you." Tayaw does not know what else to say. "Alright. Stay in New York for a while for the funeral, will you? My friends and their children are attending. I can't wait to have them watch this." Sylvio smiles. "Sure thing, Don Sylvio." Tayaw is now relieved at Sylvio's reaction to his film. Unlike what he expected, Sylvio is not disappointed in him. "The younger generation is forgetting how great of a man uncle really is. Retelling his story like this, I think uncle really will be immortalized." Luis clinks his glass with Sylvio. "I like the sound of that." Sylvio says as he and Luis down their glass.
