Set the Bar

Prologue

"Heightened nanaman neto ang level ng check point dahil sa gun ban."

"Ang dami rin kasing mga motoristang matitigas talaga ang ulo tuwing eleksyon."

I heard my office mates conversation as I packed up my files. It was a long day and the weight of the day's legal battles still lingered, heavy on my shoulders. Napatingin ako sa bintana ng opisina.

"Tsk... Mukhang uulan pa..." I heaved a sigh as I watched the sky outside the office window slowly become somber gray, the air thick with the promise of impending rain. Another day of relentless paperwork, client demands, and intense negotiations had taken its toll, leaving me drained.

"Attorney! Pauwi ka na?" Sheila, a paralegal asked me upon hearing my remarks. Agad akong napabaling sakanya.

"Yeah... gusto mong sumabay na?" I asked her while securing my things and making sure I left nothing important in my table.

"Ayyy! Hindi po Attorney, out of your way po ako." She laughed awkwardly. "Ingat po kayo pauwi, parang uulan pa naman." Then she waved at me.

I just shrugged at her and waved them good bye before going out of the office.

As I stepped out onto the street, I heard the faint rumble of thunder in the distance sending shiver down my spine.

Nakakatakot parin ang kulog.

The city, usually bustling with its frenetic energy, seemed to hold its breath, anticipating the impending rain. The clouds loomed ominously overhead, casting darkness over the towering buildings.

I pulled my coat tighter around me, preparing for the inevitable downpour. Buti nalang at nagdala ako ng payong. The first few drops of rain kissed the pavement, kaya't agad ko rin namang binuksan ang payong. The scent of rain pouring on the concrete pavement filled the air.

Just before I went out of the building, my phone beeped for a notification.

From: Titus

I'm done with my shift, please grab me some coffee I'm literally drained. Thanks buddy!

That man. He would even surpass Frankenstein if he would audition for a Zombie role.  Dodging puddles and maneuvering through the bustling crowds, I made my way to the café just beside the office.The warm glow of the café's interior was so inviting, no wonder kung bakit ang daming tao dito lagi.

Entering the cozy space, I was greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle murmur of the customers engaged in conversations. The barista flashed a welcoming smile as I ordered the coffee for Titus.

I settled into a corner table, my mind still racing with legal clauses and pending cases, as I wait for my order. My fingers absentmindedly traced the bridge of my nose to ease the tension that had settled within.

Through the café window, I watched as the rain intensified, transforming the cityscape into a blurred watercolor painting. I was about to be lost in contemplation ng maya maya pa narinig ko na ang pangalan kong tawagin dahil gawa na ang order kong kape. 

As the rain began to taper, I reluctantly gathered the orders from the counter, and left the cafe and headed directly to the parking.

It was only a 15 minute drive to Metrohealth. I was just in time when I parked the car near the hospital entrance, and my heart sank at the sight of my brother, Titus, outside the building. He looked tired, nakapagpalit na din sya ng kaswal na damit. His toxic long shift was evident in the weariness etched across his face. As he slid into the passenger seat, I greeted him with a concerned glance and gave him the cup of coffee he requested.