How To Tame A Demon

Chapter 64

64 : Behind

Paglabas ko ng kotse ay agad kong naramdaman ang malamig na simoy ng hangin mula sa dalampasigan. Tumama ang liwanag ng araw sa aking mga mata at halos mapapikit ako sa tindi nito. I glanced around, my gaze sweeping over the stretch of sand and sea before us. Narito na kami, sa beach.

I heard the soft thud of the car doors closing behind me, signaling that the others were also getting out. Everyone seemed eager to start the day, but I stood still, my head spinning a little. Mula pa kanina ay parang umiikot na ang paligid ko, probably because of the long ride.

I watched them head towards the resort entrance, pulling their bags behind them while chatting animatedly. Samantalang ako ay tumigil lang muna at tahimik na inisip kung kakayanin ko pa bang makisabay.

As we moved forward, I caught a glimpse of the beach on our right side. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was like a distant lullaby, pulling me into a trance. Napakaraming tao sa paligid—mga bata, matatanda, mga magulang, at ilang turista na naglalakad din patungo sa loob ng resort. It was a popular place, kaya hindi na nakakapagtakang ganito karami ang tao.

Habang papasok kami sa entrance ay napansin kong may mga naghihintay pa ring nakapila.

It took a while for us to get inside, and when it was finally our turn, Travis simply showed something to the lady at the front desk. I didn't catch what it was, but after a quick scan, we were let in.

I followed them quietly as we walked toward the rows of cottages by the beach. Each step I took on the soft sand made me feel a little lighter, the fresh breeze helping ease the dizziness I was feeling earlier. Masarap sa pakiramdam, parang unti-unting bumabalik ang lakas ko.

The cottages were arranged neatly, a good distance from the water but close enough to hear the waves. Simple ang mga ito, pero may pagka-rustic charm. Travis led the way, pointing to one particular cottage that stood out from the rest—may second floor ito, unlike the other cottages.

Impressive, I thought as we made our way inside. The walls were made of thick wood, solid and sturdy, but there was something about it that still felt traditional, almost like a modern take on a kubo. Simple lang ang loob—isang maaliwalas na sala na may wooden furniture.

We headed upstairs where five small rooms were waiting for us. Saktong lima, katulad namin. Travis took the first room to the right, near the bathroom, while the others picked theirs one by one. Ako? I took the room across from Andrei. Wala namang kaso sa akin kung saan ako mapupunta.

Pagpasok sa kwarto, I didn't even bother unpacking my bag. Pagod na pagod ako, so I just tossed my things onto the floor and collapsed on the bed. The moment my head hit the soft pillow, I felt my exhaustion catch up with me. Nagsimulang umikot ulit ang paningin ko, pero sa pagkakataong ito, nakatulong ang malamig na hangin mula sa bintana.

The room was cool and quiet, the perfect place to rest. Before I knew it, sleep took over, and I drifted off, my body giving in to the fatigue.

***

I woke up to the gentle tap of someone's fingers on my face.

"Gising na, bebe." April's voice was soft, pero sapat na iyon para hilain ako mula sa mahimbing kong pagkakatulog. I blinked my eyes open, the dim light of the room making me realize it was already evening.

"Hmm... what time is it?" I yawned, stretching my body as I sat up on the bed. April was standing by the door, wearing a black rash guard, her hair damp and a towel slung over her shoulder.

"Eight na, Avery. Nakatulog ka nang matagal," she said with a playful smirk, stepping back as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes.

"Everyone's downstairs, waiting for you. Lalo na yung dalawa ro'n."