The Lost Orb [PFS #1, The Bearer]

34 "Moments Of Crisis"

SASKIA'S POV

FOR HOW many months, I tried to settle my mind by focusing solely on positive things. The new environment. The new life here. Everything. I shoved aside all the thoughts that threaten to cloud my mind, all because I didn't want to be consumed by the guilt and grief that haunt me every night.

Withdrawal is the only way for me.

When I thought I was finally okay . . . then this happened. Here I am again. Shaken to the core to hear what was happening.

It's the same thing again, before.

My heart felt out of sync, I could feel my fingers constantly fiddling. My thoughts were a scattered mess, and it resisted me from thinking clearly.

It's all coming back to me.

But I have to endure it. I promised once to myself . . . I have to go through it.

'We still have time. Ngunit sigurado akong kukulangin tayo. Gusto kong ipangako niyong . . . walang masasaktan sa inyo.'

Ms. Florian spoke those words to us before we stepped out of the class hall. Mabilis kaming tumakbo papunta sa dorm building ng A-Class upang pumunta sa lobby na exclusive lamang sa 'min. The girls' and boys' chambers were also there, where we could change into our mission uniforms. I fastened the last button on my garb, then took our cloak from the coat rack.

"Saskia. Come with me!"

Nagmamadaling imbita sa 'kin ni Allisa. Sinimulan na nitong lumabas sa silid.

"Bakit?" I headed out, too.

"Let's check it."

"Saan kayo pupunta?" Eunice distressed.

"Sa taas!" Allisa yelled as soon as we were out of the chamber's reach.

I followed her quickly. We hurried up the stairs as the heavy thud of our boots echoed loudly. We dashed up to reach the top floor as quickly as possible.

"Where are the binoculars? Binoculars . . ."

"There." I ran through an aisle to go to a group of binoculars. The stoned walls of the structure grew colder as the surroundings were gobbled by the ringing sound of the bell. The corridor stretching upward now had dulled colors, as the sky was not so benevolent enough to light the way there.

Malapit sa terrace ang mga iyon, at nakapatong sa mga stand. Kumuha agad ako ng isa at in-adjust ang layong kaya nitong maabot. Tumingin ako sa dakong southeast, dahil katapat lang ng front ng dorm building namin ang direksyon nito.

Nakita ko ang lugar kung saan ang border ng Zavied, ngunit hindi masyadong naaabot ng tanaw nito ang kinaroroonan ng mga iyon. Tanging maliliit na itim na hugis tao lamang ang naaaninag ng aking mga mata, at patuloy silang kumikilos nang mabilis.