Stuck In Between (Published Under IMMAC PPH)

Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

I have been running for a while now, but despite being tired and out of breath, stopping isn't a choice that comes to mind. I can't risk myself by stopping, baka malapa ako!

My heart was beating so fast out of tiredness and fear, at halos mapatigil ako nang makitang may sumasalubong sa akin, my breath almost stopped when I saw that it was another wolf—a big one. It has a really black fur, and eyes as golden and bright as the sun.

It slowly made his way towards me, forcing me to fully stop my tracks. Iniisip ko kung ano ang mas tamang gawin, if I go back, I would meet the pack of angry wolves, head on. But if I continue this path, I would be able to face this big wolf, who's alone.

"What have I put myself into..."

Kabado ako habang nakatayo lang doon. Minamadali ang sarili sa pag-iisip. Kaya ganoon na lamang ang takot ko nang mapansin na aatake na ang nag-iisang wolf. I closed my eyes, afraid to see the wolves as I screamed out of fear as I heard growls. I opened my eyes, expecting pain, but there wasn't.

Doon ko lamang napansin na wala na sa harap ko ang lobo. I continuously blinked out of relief, still hearing the growls while I was looking for the big wolf. I looked back, checking if the pack was still there and I froze on my spot when I saw what's happening. The big wolf was in front of the pack of wolves. He's growling at them and the wolves cried like pups, as if surrendering themselves to him.

Unti-unting nag-atrasan ang mga lobo habang umaabante ang malaking lobo. The latter slowly looked at me, his eyes shows something I cannot take.

Shit! I should've run earlier while I still can! No, Zin! Calm yourself! You must calm yourself!

"Uh, you're a good dog, r-right?" I nervously said. I raised my arm and put it in front of me, trying to show him that I can protect myself. Kalma, Zinnia. Panicking won't do any good.

Halos maiyak naman ako sa pwesto nang nagsimula ulit siyang lumapit sa akin, I want to run but my body won't cooperate, its like I am stuck and frozen on the spot. My heartbeat fastens as the distance between us becomes shorter, napapikit na lamang sa takot. Is this the end of me?

After a defeaning silence, I decided to peak a little to see if I am safe only to see the big wolf there, standing in front of me while its tongue was out, breathing normally. Lumapit ulit siya kaya napabalik ako sa pagpikit, trembling a little in fear.

Suddenly, I felt a tug on my uniform. Nervousness flowed through my veins as I felt the wolf's breathe near my side. He's going to gobble me up!

Maya-maya pa'y naramdaman ko ang pagkabasa ng kamay ko. I opened my eyes and looked down; I saw the wolf there, licking my hand. Napakurap kurap ako sa nakita, hindi man lang makagalaw nang iniaro niya ang kaniyang ulo sa kamay ko, it's like he's asking me to pat him.

Slowly, I raised my hand and put it above his head softly, waiting for his reaction and when he moved his head, I slowly caressed him. He purred and chased my hand. Napangiti naman ako at itinuloy ang paghaplos sa kanya. I think I judged him too lightly. Maybe he only wanted to protect me earlier from the pack.

"You're really a good boy," saad ko at ngumiti.

Dahan-dahan akong umupo sa sahig at tumayo siya roon, hinihintay na makaupo ako ng maayos bago siya muling lumapit sa akin.

"Thank you for protecting me." I said sincerely. Imagine if he didn't come to my rescue, I would've been dead right now.

He stared at me and I smiled at him. He barked softly before he put his head back on my thigh. I continued caressing his head, not knowing that darkness had taken over my vision.