Heaven On Fire

Thirty One

BY NOW, THE RAIN was heavy and it came at me like a hailstone falling in my head. I shielded my head. This being middle November, iba na ang simoy ng hangin. Samahan mo ng malakas na buhos ng ulan-mas lalo pang nagpatindi ng lamig nito-less open pa ang mga ulap sa langit. Pinapraktis na ata ako, mas maigi pa ata, na mamatay nalang kami.

The air carried a crisp chill, as if the breath of winter whispered softly through the streets, painted the world in shades of dusky gray and muted gold.

That night I remembered one of my favorite book, Carrie by Stephen King, especially when Carrie was spilled a bucket of pig's blood. Out of rage, she transformed the prom into scene of horror using her telekinetic powers. The prom becomes a battleground, with Carrie at its center, a force of nature unleashed upon those who have wronged her.

We walked towards the road without any specific path to follow with this man that I didn't know. I was aching from the slap that Benjamin made me feel, still felt like it was burning in pain.

Just then, his driver arrived shortly. It stepped out of the car.

"Yes, sir?" he asked, his voice respectful as he glanced at me and Saoirse with concern.

The stranger nodded towards me, his expression grave.

"This woman and her kid are stranded out here in the rain," he explained, gesturing towards Saoirse huddled beside me. "Take us to the mansion."

The driver nodded in understanding, his eyes filled with empathy as he took the umbrella and escorted us inside the car.

"Of course, sir," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Please, come with me."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked from the stranger. The kind, the compassion.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "Thank you so much."

*****

THE ROOM WAS elegant when I woke up. Like a hidden treasure nestled within the grandeur of the palace's walls, a sanctuary of intimacy and warmth.

Soft carpets cushion each step, while the walls are adorned with family portraits and cherished artworks, lending a sense of familiarity and warmth to the space. Plush sofas and armchairs beckon invitingly, its sumptuous upholstery.

And then, relief washed over me as I caught sight of Saoirse, nestled beside me in peaceful slumber.

Carefully, I reached out to brush a stray lock of hair away from Saoirse's forehead, my touch feather-light against her soft skin. With a tender smile, I pressed a gentle kiss to Saoirse's forehead, silently thanking whoever that man was.

*****

"LOREN?"

What I remembered most, walking on that heavy rain outside, how slowly cold consumed my body heat. One second I had been at the raining road, dragging away my feet from the house, the next second my heart found a man whom I don't know. I was shivering.

The door in the room where we are was open, but I didn't dare to look through it.

Out of curiosity, I stood up. I guess, that was the most courageous thing I've ever did in my life.

I pushed the half-open door.
He was standing back at me staring at the rain outside.
And the man turned his back at me.
My bestfriend, my college buddy.
Right there. Standing in front of me.

And he said, "What are you doing out there? It's cold."

Now, I don't know if I can explain how lucky I was. It was like a boxer saved from being counted out by the ringing of the bell signaling the end of the round. There is everything that you wished that you didn't knew and there is everything that happens out of luck.