Shadow Trails (ONC 2021)

Part Four

"This is going to be a problem" their dad after they explained what happened through the computer screen. Their parents were currently in a hotel in Makati, the business center of the metro. Like all representatives, they had been summoned for the annual council meeting.

"I don't understand why they're making a big deal out of this" Yano said.

"It's only natural they would be stubborn about it" their mom said through the shared screen with their dad, "the covenant was made so that they do not harm those who wander in the forest. It is the covenant that protected the children who got lost in the forest last year and it is the covenant that protects the church that was built right at the doorstep of their domain. The orphanage is bound to the covenant but they are not bound to the council."

"They said something similar too." Sassa said, "But isn't it dangerous to keep a tiyanak?"

"It is dangerous to the unsuspecting." Her mother said, "And you did say they had no other ward living in the orphanage" Sassa nodded. Her mother continued, "but I believe Manang Sarah and Manang Popi should be more than capable of handling one tiyanak." She turns to her husband who was beside her, "If we vouch for them, the council would allow them to keep the tiyanak, won't they?"

Their dad didn't reply right away which trouble Sassa but Yano cut in, "They kept on talking about omens, does that really mean anything?"

"It does to them." their dad replied, "Omens have been reported over the years but the council doesn't take it seriously. The council's priority would be to look for who left it in the baby box. For now, I don't see what else we could do."

"We can ask for the security camera footage at the church" Sassa said. "Though I doubt they'll let two teenagers go through their security cameras"

"This is where the sensor comes in" Yano began proudly before he stopping himself.

But that already caught their father's attention, "Let us see. You said you were working on a new design."

Yano looked to Sassa for help but she shrugged. He was beyond saving. Yano sighed and premised his reveal with "Don't get mad". He lifted the eye statue for the camera and for a moment Sassa could not tell whether it was the screen or her parents' faces that were frozen. Then the lecture came.

Sassa slowly pull out of the screen as their parents focused on Yano. She drew out her phone from her pocket and heart leapt. There was a message.

See u tonight?

She read quickly, her face burning. She peeked wondering if anyone noticed her. But she was already out of frame and her brother was too focused on defending his work that he didn't notice her grinning like a fool. Sassa rubbed her cheeks and groaned. She had been anxious for this message since yesterday. Now that it came, she wanted to reply but was wondering if replying now would make it seem like she was too eager. But then again to delay too long might cancel the meeting. She decided to type a quick reply.

Just then she heard her name. Her head snapped up and they were looking at her.

"What?" she asked.

"You'll be helping me go through the files, right?" Yano looked hopeful that a quick report would restore the faith in his sensor.

"I actually have something to do tonight" Sassa said.

Yano opened his mouth to complain but their parents saw that this was a teaching moment. Their dad gave him a deadline for tomorrow noon, declaring that he'll be presenting the report to the council.