THE OWNER

Chapter 1

"There is no reason for the verge of hell if you have a silver lining." That is the thing I keep in mind right now as I am cozy seated at the right side of one of the passenger seats while teary-eyed staring outside the window of the bus to see the mundane view of the city. On my way, I am wearing my casual-out-of-hard-work-outfit with my high waist pants and a plain white shirt topped with a dark blue collared vest which I earned from the previous part-time job that makes me so comfy in dealing with today's good season of May.

The vehicle I am commuting to is filled in with a cold atmosphere as the air conditions are zestful in breathing a fresh and chilling humidity inside. When it controls its speed and exerts its velocity, I have nothing to do but to nestle on my seat and lean my forehead on the glass window to reverberate the repercussions I am
being with my mother. I am shivering to hold at my right hand the pouch which is half emptied and the jewelry which is my mother's sole inheritance to me. The treasure that is not only titled as the most precious for her but also carried the history of our family. That valuable possession is the flattened heart-shaped golden antique necklace that surrounds with the specks of pure faceted diamonds
where it seems like ages ago as it is on its way to losing charm and glamour with an embroidered inscribed of the digits “24181929” on its back phase. Honestly, I don't even know what the numbers are all about. However, it is vivid and crystal clear to me that the very treasure is of so much value not only for the sake of our family's history but for the memories of my mother as well.

My mousey chocolate-brown hair hangs in one side as I am staring outside the window and turning my sight to the vast proof of the development of the city where every premise, establishment, and the edifice is superiorly and massively standing. When the bus stops for a moment to unload passengers, I promptly fish my SMART phone
from my pouch, open my private blog, and type:

(In the city, there is a bus. Inside the bus, there is a young girl named Nath Hamilton. She's staring now in the window and wondering if she's going to make a wise decision. It is a matter between the blood's story and personal necessity. Hoping that she will find the right verdict.)

As the bus stops at my destination, I put my SMART phone back on my pouch, turn to leave, and go to my main aim. I trail the aisle of the bus while carrying my pouch and necklace, and step out of the door. Now, I am facing this one of the city's most secured and prosaic places-- the "National Pawnshop."

Out of necessity, I am going to pawn the inheritance I get from my mother. I am going to deposit this precious, memorable, and priceless necklace for me to live well-- to gain payment for my tuition fee, my mother's house loan which is entitled to me, and liabilities for her hospitalization. I am drowned in debt as my mother passed away. Thus, it turns out that the legacy I get from her is not only the necklace I am toting right now but also the dreadful debts I am accountable to pay the soonest possible time.

When I am approaching the premise, I am still shivering and holding tightly the necklace and pouch at my right hand. I can't help but think about the relevance of this inheritance which protrudes the number of generations it has passed on from our venerated folks. So, I shake off the thought and replace it with the notion that it's just temporary. I can claim it back once I get a stable job. Hence, I thank my silver lining for giving me peace of mind and courage to continue my made-up mindset.

Ironically, as I've become nearer and nearer to the reflective and well-polished glass edifice, my unstoppable quivering almost injures my body and mind. The hesitation defies me again as I notice my reflection in the spectacular front door. My silver lining almost ceases its power as I am taking the trail. The line, "Just be positive and everything is going to be alright" has unconquered my second thought about my choice. This time, I have a wary sensation about my decision. I am in between.

The matter between necessity and sentiment is clashing and contradicting each other. Even if I am dubious, I still decide to come in as the security guard opens the glass door with the sign "Come-in, We're Open" dangling on the handle as he sees me arriving. He gives way for me and motions at the door side while grinning like a puppy and greets, "Good morning, Ma'am! Welcome to the National Pawnshop."