The Reaper In White Shirt

Chapter 18

"Che, thank goodness you're fine," Lachita said in relief as she hugged her niece.

Nakahinga na siya ng mabuti nang masiguradong maayos ang kalagayan ng pamangkin.

Cheuse simply smiled and gently patted the back of her aunt. "I'm alright, Aunt. You can rest now. I'm sure you are tired." Then, she looked at the few people who were looking at them with smiles on their faces.

"Hmm? You guys are still here? I thought you were resting now." She asked confusedly.

Some dangerous men were seeking trouble earlier and she's pretty certain that what happened earlier gave them some fright, so she's confused why they are still here.

A frequent middle-aged customer got off his seat and nodded at them. "We waited here until you came back to make sure you're really fine."

Another customer nodded. "That's right."

Soon, the remaining people quickly agreed to the other customer's answers. They explain that they are extremely worried, so when Lachita says that she'll close the pub early, they protest because they also want to make sure that Cheuse will return safely.

Cheuse was touched by their actions. She knows that they were being sincere and really worried about her situation. "Thank you, guys. I really appreciate it." She said softly.

The middle-aged man waved his hand and smiled. "What are you talking about, little girl? It's normal for us to worry. We watched you grow up and we couldn't even make sure of your safety when you were taken away because we don't know anything about the enemies."

"True, true." Another one agreed.

Cheuse smiled and did not talk anymore. Kumalas naman sa pagkakayakap sa kanya si Lachita. She saw tears in her aunt's face and she couldn't help but feel bad. Sana pala talaga tinapos na niya ng maaga ang mga hayop na iyon at hindi na naghintay sa grupo ni Chief Aguilar.

Lachita wiped the tears on her face that flowed out when she saw her niece in one piece. "Che, you should take a rest. I'm sure you're pretty exhausted now."

"Not really," Cheuse whispered. "Those guys can't even make me sweat. "

Lachita's eyes widened as she whispered. "Nonsense"

Cheuse wanted to roll her eyes but her shoulder was gripped hard by her aunt. She looked at her aunt in disbelief and couldn't help but utter, "Ouch"

Lachita pretended to be surprised. She looked at Cheuse in worry and said, "Oh look. Cheche, I think you're injured. You should go home first and check yourself while I close the pub." Then, she looked at her loyal customers with sorry in her eyes. "I'm really sorry guys. I think I need to close the pub. I still need to check up on my niece."

A customer laughed. "It's okay, it's okay."

"It's fine. Didn't we say that we're going home after we make sure that Cheuse will come back safely? No need to say sorry."

"Agreed. Besides, we're already exhausted because of the fight earlier so it's time for us to go home."

Lachita sighed in relief when she heard their words. She herself is exhausted both mentally and physically.

"Then, I'm going in," Cheuse said. She looked at the customers' faces whom she sees every single day and couldn't help but say, "Thank you for worrying about me, guys." She waved at them before going in.

•••

In the living room, Cheuse was sitting on the sofa watching some late-night cartoon show while waiting for Lachita. She leaned back comfortably and put her feet on the center table. She also grabbed some chips from the mini fridge under the side table and ate them immediately because of hunger.