BOOK 3 -- XYRENE: THE GIRL WHO TOLD THE TRUTH

THE LAST CHAPTER: Her Eyes Speaks the Truth

“Just in, Taguig City’s Mayor Carlos de la Corte has been exposed by several groups of people about the crimes he has committed before becoming Mayor of Taguig.”

“Mayor Carlos de la Corte is now being investigated for all the…”

“On January 15, 2050, in Shang-Ri La Tower, thousands of people were running out of the tower after hearing multiple gunshots…”

Big black and white vans from different television broadcasts are parked in front of the famous tower with cameramen and news reporters surrounding the entrance and the scene where the incident happened.

The news of the mayor’s arrest broke out on the internet. It was written all over the news and newspapers, perhaps in blogs too which left everyone in shock. Not only that, but the news itself spread to Xyrene’s own campus. Everyone couldn’t believe she was killed by the Mayor just because she exposed him. Even Professor Arnel couldn’t believe it. 

A couple of weeks passed, eventually, Xyrene’s parents heard the devastating news about their daughter’s death. Both immediately came to the city where their daughter’s dream of becoming a journalist started, but it soon ended without her being able to accomplish those dreams. 

Rafael accompanied her parents as they enter the place where the soul returns whence it came as their bodies belong once more to mother earth. 

Xyrene’s mother kneels down and gently places the beautiful basket full of white lilies. “How are you na anak?” She spoke in front of the gravestone that has sunk into the soft soil. “I still remember when you were little, telling na you will become an amazing journalist, and you will be taking us to Europe once you finally became one.” Droplets of tears starts forming in the corner of her eyes. Trickling down onto her face one by one. 

Xyrene’s father kneels down with her mother and comforted her with a hug. His heart broke seeing the love of his life cry and his precious daughter gone in front of them. Their mourning came as a sad song. It was a slow and soft lullaby that foreshadowed a period of mending to come, a route that must be taken one step at a time. 

Seeing them pained Rafael too. She left at an early age and had so many opportunities to come for her. “She was one of the bravest people I’ve ever met,” Rafael said. Both parents looked up at him who’s standing as the cool breeze blew on his face. He had a sad smile plastered on his face. “She told me she wanted to leave a beautiful footprint and for the future generations to have a better life,” he continued.

The father stood up from his knees and gave Rafael a good pat on the shoulder. “You know, I was worried for her when she to moved to Taguig. But seeing you who’s been with her for some time now makes me feel relief that she met a good person like you, Rafael,” Her father said.

“Xyrene had the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen in my entire life.” Rafael spoke out of the blue, and he looked over at Xyrene’s father who showed him a small smile. "They spoke the truth, and I'm glad to see that."

Xyrene’s father chuckles at him. "You're right." he says. And he looked over at his daughters grave once again before he pulled his wife close to his side. "My daughter definitely wanted to make a change, and she did. She may have left without knowing rher she did, but at least we are one of those people who witnessed it all."

"Tara." says Xyrene’s mother as she pulled her husband. "Let's go back and have a meal. At least to acknowledge Xyrene’s great work. Sama ka na rin, Rafael." 

Rafael smiled, and he let's her take him by hand. "Sige po, sasamahan ko na po kayo." And he followed them to their van. A feeling of relief and peace filling himself as he leaned back on the seat.

"Everything is peaceful now, Xyrene. Thank you."

THE END