I
He was in his room about to sleep already when Wilgreg’s mobile phone suddenly rings. He picked it up with a hazy feeling already. His whole day was tiresome as he tried to review some documents including the financial reports of the Lincuja Shipping Corporation.
The number of the caller is unknown to him as it is not registered in his phone book. “Hello, who’s calling please?” Wilgreg asked as he answered his phone.
“Wilgreg, it’s me, your Dad Damian here.” The voice on the other line seems to be relaxed.
Wilgreg’s spirit has been suddenly awakened. He sat up and with a surprised voice he said, “Damian, I mean Dad, how are you and where are you?”
“Wilgreg, I am fine. One of these days, I will request Atty. Ferrer to accompany you to visit me here. How are you and your Mom, Wilgreg?”
“We are fine. I was just wondering and I really wanted to know why you practically had given me everything that you owned.” Wilgreg got the chance to ask Damian this question that he has been keeping since the time that he signed all of the donated properties to him by his father.
“Because you deserved them all Wilgreg. I missed a lot of good moments with you; I failed as a father when you were still young and even until now. I do not even have the right to claim you as my son. I just hope that little by little I could be able to let you feel that you have a father; that Damian Lincuja is your father.” Damian’s voice now is hoarse and soft.
Wilgreg could not say a word upon hearing Damian’s words. He made a deep breath before finally finding some words to tell Damian Lincuja, “Just let me know when would you want me to visit you; I will come.”
“As soon as you are free my son, just inform Atty. Ferrer. I will be looking forward to seeing you and your Mom if she wants to come also” happiness is evident in Damian Lincuja’s voice.
“I could not guarantee if she will come but I would ask Mom about it. Be safe Dad and see you soon.” Wilgreg felt so light after having that conversation with his father.
For long, he kept in his heart his anger for his father. He never even wanted to hear about his name. His father has made a big scar on his heart starting in his younger years and he does not know if such a scar could still disappear.
II
Damian Lincuja’s tears fell down after his phone conversation with his son. For a long time, his guilt has been haunting him. He never has been a good father to Wilgreg. He was such an asshole. He is hoping that it is not yet too late for him to redeem himself.
When he decided to leave Lucia, he did it to cleanse his soul. He has been living in sins all throughout his life already. It has been months that he was already planning his escape and finally, he was able to do it. At first, he found pity for Lucia if he will just leave her after all throughout those years that they were living together.
His decision to leave Lucia has been strengthened however when he found out Lucia’s intent to kill him through that drug she was giving him plus the fact that she has had a young lover since last year. His guilt disappeared and pushed through with his plans with the help of Atty. Ferrer and Dr. Morales.
So, here he is now in this place where it almost looks and feels like paradise. He bought this place to free his mind from the negativity he had in the city. He felt so relaxed here. He cannot trade for anything else his peacefulness in this place, except of course a life together with his son and Carolina.
Except for Atty. Ferrer and Dr. Morales, everybody knows that he was airlifted to the United States of America for his heart operation. No one would ever think that he is only living in the Philippines; in a place where nature abounds and the sky still looks clear and the air is still free from pollution.
“One of these days, this place will feel more relaxing and complete once my son visited me here and hopefully his Mother too.” Damian Lincuja murmured with a smile on his lips.
Damian got his mobile phone and dialed Atty. Ferrer’s mobile number.
“Hello Damian, how are you there my friend?” Atty. Ferrer immediately asked when he answered Damian’s call.
“I feel relaxed here. My life is simple; free from stress and I love all sea foods here, fruits and vegetables.” Damian’s voice is full of energy even if it is already almost late in the evening.
“That’s good to hear Damian. Mind your high blood, however, avoids too many crabs and shrimps okay.” Atty. Ferrer seriously reminded Damian.
In reply, Damian just laughed. “By the way, I already talked to my son Ed, he promised to visit me. Just in case he will forget, please remind him for me.”
“Of course Damian, I will. But knowing your son’s character, I doubt it if he will forget what he had promised you. You’ve got an excellent son out there Damian. Goodness gracious, you are still and indeed a lucky man!” Atty. Ferrer is teasing now.
Damian laughed so heartily. “Indeed Ed, indeed. I just hope that someday, my son would still forgive me and accepts me fully as his father.”
Atty. Ferrer fell silent but thereafter said, "Damian, your son had shown his strength, his steel hand, cold heart, and his wise mind as he took over all your businesses. He is a man of few words but more actions. He is being feared by all the staff, directors, and even competitors, at this early stage of him being the CEO/President of your two companies. But, one thing I noticed was his kind heart to those in need and his forgiving soul when it is right and reasonable to forgive. Hold on Damian, in time, your son will find you in his kind heart and forgiving soul."