Into the Night - a Macolet au

Chapter 5

Colet

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

I raised the makeshift baseball bat over my shoulder, ready to swing, but all Nanay Pacing did was smile eerily then quickly closed and chained the door.

Maloi and I barreled towards it, kicking and banging loudly as we cried for help, but the door didn't even budge and was locked shut.

The metal chains rattled as we tried to nudge the wooden door open. My heart was beating loudly in my ears as we looked around trying to find a way out. Without the door open, the small shed was now engulfed in darkness.

We suddenly heard some rustling outside then smelled what seemed to be gasoline. Nagkatinginan na lang kami ni Maloi, not sure on what to do next.

The next thing we heard was the sound of a struck matchstick. Panic mirrored in both our eyes as we saw light right outside the door. Heat slowly emanated through the wood and smoke started seeping through the crevices.

As if pushed by adrenaline, Maloi then headed to the opposite side of the shed. She started kicking at the wooden panels hoping it would give us a way out. I helped her and started kicking it as well as hard as I can.

After a few moments, we could finally feel the wood splintering at every kick.

Unfortunately it wasn't fast enough as we noticed smoke quickly enveloping the shed. Flames were getting bigger by the minute. The jars on the nearby shelves were starting to shatter because of the heat.  Smoke filled our lungs and our eyes started to water.

"Wait, tabi" I told Maloi then proceeded to kick the panel really hard. It finally gave and after a couple more kicks, there was an opening big enough for us to squeeze through.

The shed was starting to collapse as the flames took everything in its path.

I quickly got out and just as I was checking if its safe for Maloi to follow, I was hit at the back of my head with something metallic.

I stumbled on the ground as a high pitched sound echoed in my head. I heard someone screamed as the ringing in my ears starts to subside and felt blood trickling down my nape.

I tried to stand, disoriented, ready to defend myself when I felt something sharp piercing at the back of my leg. The excruciating pain caused my knees to buckle—almost making me lose consciousness.

I was lying on the ground when I saw Nanay Pacing holding a crowbar—blood was dripping at its edge.

"Pasensiya na Hija," Nanay Pacing said. "Kinailangang kong gawin," she added.

Nanay Pacing raised the crowbar as if readying herself for the final blow.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Maloi a few feet away—crying, severe burns covering her left calf, pleading Nanay Pacing to stop.

I raised my hand, as if reaching out to her.

I wanted to comfort and tell Maloi that it's gonna be okay.

I prayed silently to God for this nightmare to end.

I prayed to Him to always take care of this stranger when I'm gone.

Just as I was about to pass out, I saw police patrol lights illuminating the trees. I heard several footsteps nearby and people shouting.

Nanay Pacing immediately turned around towards the commotion as she was asked to put down her weapon.

The last thing I heard were gunshots as I finally passed out—exhaustion finally taking over my body.