A Numinous Affair (Salvation Series #1)

Part One

BEGIN by making the sign of the cross... And I did, sabi sa google iyon daw ang unang gawin pagpasok mo sa loob ng kumpisalan.

"Bless me Father for I have sinned—" ano nga ulit 'yung kasunod? Kukunin ko na sana 'yung phone ko sa bulsa nang may magsalita sa kabila.

"When was the last time you confessed?" shit.

I pressed my hands on my chest, umayos ka.

Sinubukan ko siyang silipin sa butas-butas na bintanang namamagitan sa'ming dalawa pero nakatingin siya sa ibang direksyon.

"It's been twenty years..." I don't know. First communion noong grade three ko pa yata huling nagawa ito.

He didn't say anything, perhaps I should continue speaking. It's now or never, Jael.

"Nagmahal ako ng bawal."

Sa dinami-rami ng tao sa mundo at sa dami ng pagkakataon, bakit ba may mga katulad kong nahuhulog sa kung anong mali?

Adultery? Akala ko iyon ang iko-komento niya pero nanatili siyang walang imik. Bahagyang gumalaw ang ulo niya.

"Who?" interestingly, that's what he asked.

"Ikaw." Halos sumabog ang dibdib ko nang bitawan ang isang salitang iyon.

And I know for that moment, there's no turning back.

He told me that before we can win the war, we have to confess our sins so that the devil wouldn't have any strongholds to us.

"While it's early, you better stop that feeling, Jael," sagot niya.

"Is it a sin to love you?"

Biglang nakabibingi ang katahimikan, hindi ko alam kung gaano katagal na walang nagsasalita sa'ming dalawa hanggang sa sinara niya ang bintana.

I guess that's it. Am I forgiven?

Tatayo na sana ako sa pagkakaluhod nang biglang bumukas ang pinto sa gilid ko at nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita siya—tila habol ang hininga. Walang emosyon ang mapupungay niyang mata pero umiigting ang kanyang panga.

"Get behind me, Satan!" he suddenly grabbed my arms and pulled me up.

⋅───⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰───⋅

Trigger Warning and Author's Note

This story contains content that may be disturbing or triggering to some readers. Themes such as violence, sexual, mental health issues, abuse, and trauma may be present. Please proceed with caution and prioritize your well-being while reading.

While this story explores dark and difficult themes, I intend to use these elements to convey a message of light, hope, and healing. The struggles faced by the characters are not meant to glorify pain but to reflect God's love and grace.

I encourage you to read with an open heart as the lessons are meant to inspire trust in God's plan and the strength to overcome life's trials.

Enjoy reading!

-Demi, AnakniRizal

Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Dedication

To the heroes of the medical field, who fight battles seen and unseen with unwavering courage and compassion. And to those who walk by faith, trusting in the light even in the darkest time. This is for you.