Sins of the Rebels (Lush Trans Series #1)

Chapter 56

Patay na ba ako?

I thought, as the darkness wrapped around me like a heavy blanket. For a moment, I felt nothing— no pain, no fear, just a profound silence. But then, a flicker of awareness pierced through the void. I could hear faint sounds, distant murmurs, like whispers carried on a breeze.

"Huwag kang susuko, anak..." A soft feminine voice echoed, familiar and soothing, though I couldn't place it. I tried to focus, to pull myself from the depths of oblivion but it was futile.

Images danced in my mind—fragments of memories, flashes of light and shadows. I could see faces, people I loved, their expressions twisted in worry and fear. I wanted to reach out to them, to tell them I was still here, still fighting. But my body felt heavy, as if it was anchored to the ground, refusing to move. I couldn't open my eyes, my eyelids felt tight and heavy, as if weighted down by some invisible force.

The whispers around me faded in and out, like echoes in a vast, empty space. I strained to hear them, to grasp onto any words of comfort, but they slipped away like sand through my fingers. My heart raced in the stillness, a desperate rhythm that matched the chaos swirling in my mind.

With every ounce of will I could muster, I focused on the warmth of the memories— laughter shared, hugs exchanged, moments of love that filled my heart. Those images became my lifeline, urging me to push through the darkness enveloping me.

The whispers then grew louder, surrounding me, enveloping me in warmth. "Kailangan mong lumaban, anak, Reese..." The baritone voice urged, and in that moment, I felt a flicker of hope ignite within me. I had to fight. I had to find my way back.

I concentrated on the sounds around me, pulling at the threads of consciousness. "Ate, nandito lang kami..." Another male voice, a deep and reassuring one, joined the chorus. It felt like a lifeline, pulling me closer to the surface.

With a surge of determination, I focused on that warmth, the voices guiding me. I wanted to shout, to scream it into the void, but my voice was lost. Instead, I concentrated, willing my body to respond.

Suddenly, I felt a gentle pressure on my hand, warm and familiar. I clung to that sensation, letting it anchor me. "Don't leave us, Reese..." Another deep baritone voice continued, filled with love, longing and hope.

"Punyeta ka! Nakaratay kana naman sa kamang 'to!" A woman cried, her voice trembling with anguish. I felt a cold, shaking hand grip mine, its touch both comforting and heartbreaking.

"Hang in there, Ma'am Reese..." A familiar voice said, and my heart soared. I wasn't alone. I was still here, and I would fight to keep it that way...

Their grips tightened as if they were desperately trying to keep me anchored to them, refusing to let me slip away. The pain in their voices mirrored the ache within me, and somehow, amidst all the darkness and pain, that connection gave me strength.

I'm not dead yet...

I survived...

I was alive, and for now, that was enough. The darkness, once so overwhelming, seemed to retreat, its weight lightened by the touch of those who refused to let go. The fear that had gripped me loosened its hold, and in its place, a quiet resolve blossomed. I could still fight, still hold on.

And with that small comfort, my mind surrendered once more, slipping into the stillness, knowing I was not alone.

Mr. Cansino continued peeling another orange for me to eat, his hands steady and careful, and for a moment, the room was silent except for the soft sound of the peeling and the air conditioning. I watched him, absorbing each detail— the lines on his face, the weight of his gaze, the way he seemed to carefully mask the emotions flickering in his eyes.