Echoes of Red [BINI AU]

Chapter 9

Mikha's Point Of View

It's been a few days since the incident with Anna, and life has been a whirlwind of study sessions and community help activities. Sheena and I haven't had a chance to catch up, our schedules are keeping us too busy to even grab lunch together. Today, the gymnasium is bustling with activity for the mental health awareness event, and I'm stationed at the counter, handing out flyers to students passing by.

Stacey and Maloi are at the food counter, serving snacks and drinks. The tension between Maloi and me is palpable. We haven't interacted much since everything went down, and it's clear we're both avoiding each other. I can't help but feel a pang of annoyance every time I glance her way.

Suddenly, Stacey appears at my post, fanning herself with a flyer. "Grabe, Mikhs! Ang init dito. Naiinis na ako," she complains, wiping sweat from her forehead.

I chuckle. "You're telling me. I'm stuck here giving out flyers while you get to serve food."

Stacey rolls her eyes. "Trust me, it's not any better over there. By the way, can you do me a favor?"

I raise an eyebrow. "What now?"

"Be soft with Maloi, okay? She's going through a lot right now," Stacey says, her tone serious.

I sigh, crossing my arms. "What do you mean?"

Stacey shakes her head. "It's not my story to tell, but she's having some family problems. Just... be nice, okay?"

I nod, though I'm not entirely convinced. "Fine, susubukan ko."

-

The gymnasium event is all about mental health matters, with various booths set up to provide information and support. I'm busy at the counter, handing out flyers and answering questions from students. The absence of Anna is a relief, and to be honest, the day is better without her around. Stacey seems happier too, without the added tension.

As the event continues, Stacey comes over with a sandwich wrapped in paper. "Hey, can you give this to Maloi?" she asks, a mischievous glint in her eye.

I frown, taking the sandwich. "Why don't you give it to her yourself?"

"Because I'm busy here, and you need to take a break. Plus, it'll mean more coming from you," Stacey says, giving me a nudge.

I roll my eyes but take the sandwich. "Fine. But you owe me."

Stacey smirks. "Deal. Oh, and tell her it's from you."

I made my way over to Maloi, who was busy replenishing drinks at the food counter. "Hey," I say, holding out the sandwich. "You should eat something."

Maloi looks up, surprised. "Thanks...?"

"Stacey told me to give this to you," I add, then pause. "But it's from me."

Maloi's eyes widen slightly, and she takes the sandwich. "Thanks, Mikha. I appreciate it."

I nod, feeling awkward. "Just take care of yourself."

I turn to leave, but not before Stacey catches my eye and gives me an approving nod. As I walk back to my post, she approaches me again.

"By the way," Stacey says, leaning in close, "that sandwich was for you. I just thought you should know."

I shoot her a look but can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Stacey laughs, giving me a quick hug. "Yeah, but you love me anyway."

The rest of the event goes smoothly, with students engaging in the activities and discussions. I can't help but steal glances at Maloi, who seems to be in better spirits after eating. Despite everything, I can't deny the small sense of relief I feel knowing she's okay.

As the day winds down, I realize that maybe, just maybe, things can get better between us. For now, I'll focus on the event and take it one step at a time.

-

As the event drew to a close, I found myself lost in a sea of mingling voices and fading lights, the vibrant energy of the day slowly dissipating into the evening air. But amidst the chatter and laughter, a jarring ring cut through the cacophony, pulling me back to reality with a sense of foreboding.

"Hello?" I answered hesitantly, eyeing the unfamiliar number flashing on my screen.

"It's Jhoanna," the voice on the other end spoke urgently, cutting straight to the chase.

My heart skipped a beat as Jhoanna's words registered. Sheena had collapsed at the clinic, and she needed me there.

Without a moment's hesitation, I dashed out of the gymnasium, my mind racing with worry for Sheena. The cool night air offered little comfort as I hurried through the empty streets, the distant sounds of the event fading into the background.

Arriving at the clinic, I braced myself for the inevitable encounter with Gwen. Ignoring her curious gaze, I made a beeline for Jhoanna, who stood anxiously by Sheena's side.

"She passed out during calculus," Jhoanna explained, her voice heavy with worry.

My mind was reeling as I struggled to process the gravity of the situation. But before I could gather my thoughts, Sheena's voice broke through the tense silence.

"I'm okay, Ate," she insisted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just a little tired, that's all."

I wanted to believe her. I wanted to wrap her in my arms and shield her from the pain that threatened to engulf us both. But deep down, I knew the truth.

Sheena's facade faltered, her eyes betraying the fear and uncertainty that lurked beneath the surface. And then, in a voice barely more than a whisper, she confessed.

"I didn't sleep well last night," she admitted, her words heavy with unspoken anguish. "My mom called... she said she's coming home."

I was taken aback by her words, my heart skipping a beat as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. But as Sheena spoke excitedly about her mother's return, I couldn't find the words to tell her the truth.

I couldn't bear to see the light fade from her eyes, to watch as the last flicker of hope was extinguished. And so, I remained silent, my heart heavy with the weight of my deception, as Sheena's laughter echoed in the sterile walls of the clinic.

But the truth is...

Her mom is already dead.

-

Third Person's Point Of View

In the dimly lit confines of the lab, the forensic scientist's heart pounded in his chest as he analyzed the blood samples taken from a deceased man. His brow furrowed in deep concentration as he studied the results, his mind racing to make sense of the alarming findings.

As he peered through the microscope, his heart sank at the sight before him. It wasn't any illegal substance that had driven the man to craziness—it was something far more sinister. It's in the man's bloodstream.

With a sense of urgency, the scientist reached for the phone to alert the authorities. But before he could make the call, the lights flickered ominously before plunging the lab into darkness.

In the sudden darkness, the scientist's heart raced as he fumbled for his flashlight. With trembling hands, he swept the beam of light across the room, searching for any sign of movement.

And then, from the depths of the lab, came a blood-curdling scream—a sound that sent shivers down his spine and filled him with dread. With a sinking feeling in his chest, he turned toward the source of the sound, his flashlight illuminating the empty bed where the deceased man had lain.

But to his horror, the bed was now empty, the body of the man nowhere to be found. Before he could react, a pair of cold hands seized him from behind, sending a jolt of terror coursing through his veins.

The true horror had only just begun.

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