Perlas ng Silanganan

Kabanata 5 : Bisita

Dahan-dahan kong ibinaba ang mga pagkaing dala ko. I have to alert Dad and Tita Mommy.

Sinubukan kong magtago sa dilim para makalagpas sa salas at makapunta sa office ni Dad. I managed to conceal my presence until I heard someone's voice.

"Find them."

I haven't recognized the man's voice since he seems to wear a device for voice changer. I heard some footsteps papunta sa itaas while some seemed to roam around here on the ground floor.

"Heneral Luna, huh?"

Tinanaw ko mula sa pwesto ko kung anong nangyayari sa salas. Naaalala kong naiwan ko nga palang buhay ang TV at ang pelikulang pinapanood ko ang tinutukoy nito. Naramdaman ko namang may paparating kaya sinibukan kong manatili sa dilim. Mabuti na lang at hindi ko nabuksan ang ilaw kanina.

One of them entered the dining area so I readied myself. He started looking around, with its gun being pointed at the direction where he looks. I carefully pushed the door but the moment the doorknob clicked, the gunman met my eyesight.

"Hi."

I quickly kicked the robber's gun to disarm him. His weapon fell and it caused a noise but thankfully, I locked the door and at least, the noise was contained.

The man lunged at me but I immediately span, and while doing so, I was able to grab his left arm. I positioned my left foot forward and bent my right knee, pulling the guy over my right shoulder and slamming him on the floor.

Tumayo ako at humakbang palikod but the man did not respond thereafter. I checked his pulse and I heaved a sigh upon feeling it. I guessed he just lost his consciousness.

I tried fishing for information but...to no avail. I eagerly wanted to inform my parents but I cannot easily do that. I don't even know what they are targeting in our house. If only I could wander without being noticed –

Napalingon ako sa magnanakaw na hanggang ngayon ay wala pa ring malay.

This isn't a bad idea, after all.

****

Lumabas ako mula sa dining area at agad tinutok ang baril na hawak ko, tulad ng kung paano ito ginawa ng magnanakaw kanina. I found his outfit uncomfortable but remembering how I left the thief with only his undergarments made me realize how my situation is much better than him. Besides, my goal for now is to reach Dad and Tita Mommy as well as my phone to call for help.

Hindi ko alam kung maayos pa ba ang kalagayan ng magnanakaw na nakalaban ko kanina but to be sure that he will not cause any trouble pag nagising siya, itinali ko na lang ang mga kamay nito at nilagyan ng duct tape ang kanyang bibig. Mabuti na lang at halos magkasingtangkad lang kami kaya nagkasya ang suot niya sa akin.

I went back to reality and proceeded to my plan. I acted naturally at dumaan sa salas pero mukang nakuha na ng mga magnanakaw ang cellphone ko dahil wala na iyon doon.