The Story Of Us

Chapter 8

"Sir, what are we doing here in the field? Aren't we supposed to continue learning about knots?" Kena asked beside me.

That was also my question. Since my discussions with the a.k.a investigators earlier lasted for almost half an hour, we ate our lunch late and I could still feel my food in my tummy. Okay, perhaps I was just overreacting because my lunch was just a sandwich, it was not a heavy meal, who was I kidding?

"I know you guys are wondering, why the knot tying platoon has to continue practicing their skills under the sun. Well, the main reason, is that the other platoons questioning our work earlier. They said it wasn't fair since were the only platoon that was out of the failed in the morning."

Time to time, I shifted my weight to my other foot frequently, hoping that I won't get tired easily. The sun was directly hovering on us, the light was blinding our eyes as we look up to our platoon leader.

"But it was an order from sir Yap, right sir?" someone asked from the front of the square.

"Yes, it is an order from sir Yap, however he isn't back yet, I think he forgot to tell the corporate commander earlier. Shall we start?"

That must be the reason why I didn't see him. Everyone then agreed.

I totally understand now why my friends were making our work earlier a big deal, it was definitely hot. I roamed my gaze and it seemed like all the platoons were practicing under the angry sun. Sir Comamau was right, they must have thought that we were receiving special treatment.

***

3 hours had passed and we were still practicing under the sun. I was happy that sir Comamau didn't ask me yet in the front and do the tying, it was impossible for me to focus on the task when I was starting to get dizzy. I was thirsty. I was dreading to drink water however I noticed some of my classmates weren't even complaining. I know I can do this, just one more hour and I could leave from this place. I licked my lips, I felt it was breaking. Our platoon leader were calling us one by one to do the task in the front, I hide my small body to people in front of me. Few minutes had passed and I could feel my feet numbed from the long hours of standing. My eyes were slowly drooping and I was losing my balance as well, I pinched my arm to keep me from falling. I need to stay focus, if I fainted today, I know there will be no next Saturday.

"Are you alright?" I was in astonishment when my ears recognized that voice. It was Gorio, he was back.

I didn't reply and took the lump in my throat, it was rough though because it was dry. I heard ruffles from my back until his silhouette draped me from the sun.

"Your lips is dry. You want to go home now?"

I slowly shifted my head on my side, my face darkened when the humid air greeted me instead. I must be hallucinating. My head produced a static sound, it was loud and drumming inside my temples. I squinted my eyes, I held my head before my view turned black. This was a good timing, Gorio wasn't here.

***

I slowly opened my eyes, the white ceiling greeted me.

"Thank God, you're alright!" Gale hugged my body tightly.

I furrowed. "W-what happened?"

I roamed my gaze as sat up on the bed. I was in the infirmary. Some students were lying on the white bed as well, and they look pale. The white flower scent engulfed my nostrils.

Gale and Maica, who I did not notice earlier, stared at each other.

"W-what am I doing here?" I asked again when they sent me concerned look.