Short Story Compilations

You'll Be Safe Here

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"Close your eyes
Dry your tears
'Cause when nothing seems clear
You'll be safe here..."

♪♪♪

"What a fucking disappointment."

My father's harsh words attacked my ears before receiving a powerful slap from him. He was mad... So mad. I wasn't the top one of our batch this year, I was only at the second spot.

"Ang suwerte mo na nga at pinag-aaral pa kita kahit halata namang wala kang mararating sa buhay dahil sa letseng pangarap mo na hindi naman makakatulong sa 'kin sa hinaharap tapos hindi mo pa magawa nang maayos!" He shouted angrily.

I didn't show any emotion after receiving his harsh words and powerful slap. I'm used to this. This is not the first time that this happened. Good thing we're inside a VIP room inside a fancy restaurant, so it was fine. No one can see or hear us from outside. After awhile, he already finished his sermon and left immediately after receiving a call.

I sighed before getting out of the VIP room. I didn't mind the stares and just go straight to my car but before I could ever start driving, I received a message from my safe place, my comfort zone.

From: My Refugium

Can I see you?

By just reading her text I already know what's up. We're on the same boat, of course i'll know. It's the reason why we stick together, after all.

To: My Refugium

Of course, love. I'm on my way.

I immediately drove to our spot. It is an open field. Walang masyadong tao dahil gabi na at tanging lampposts nalang ang nagsisilbing ilaw roon. I parked my car and immediately got out, I immediately saw her. She's sitting in a bench while looking up at the not-so-starry sky.

"Eunice..." I softly uttered her name from her back causing her to froze. Namalayan ko nalang ay mahigpit na siyang naka-yakap sa 'kin habang humihikbi at naka-siksik ang mukha sa aking leeg.

Nobody knows, just why we're here
Could it be fate or random circumstance
At the right place, at the right time
Two roads intertwine

Ganitong-ganito rin ang nangyari noong una kaming nagkita ang pinagkaiba lang ay hindi pa kami magkakilala noon, umiiyak lang siya sa tabi ko habang ako naman ay nakikiramdam lang. We're on the same boat but she's too soft compared to me. She's too fragile and it made me want to protect her. Hindi rin alam noon kung bakit kusa akong dinala ng mga paa ko rito nung gabing 'yon. Could it be fate? Or is it just random circumstance?

"Are you feeling better now, love? Or do you want to cry some more? I still have my left shoulder, you can cry here too." I gave her a small smile while tapping my left shoulder making her laugh.

And if the universe conspired
To meld our lives, to make us, fuel and fire
Then know wherever you will be
So too, shall I'll be

Despite those red and swollen eyes she still looked ethereal... Just too good to be true. I can't help but ask. How can they hurt such pure, kind-hearted, and beautiful woman like her? Why does the whole goddamn universe always gives us such painful and agonizing experiences? By just staring at those tearstained eyes, I already admire her. She's so brave by just being alive despite all her sufferings. The first time that I held her in between my arms was also the time that I decided that whatever happens I'll always come and be with her. I'll always stick with her like a glue.