Lost and Found • mikhaiah au

05. From the Past

The next day, Agnes woke up with a heavy heart, the weight of the previous night's discoveries still lingering.

She didn't get much sleep, finding herself absorbed by the realization that Maiko had been here before, in this very cabin. It felt like an eerie coincidence or maybe even a twist of fate.

Despite her thoughts, she stood up, packed her gear, and gathered her belongings, readying herself to leave. As she moved towards the door, she paused, her gaze falling upon the box filled with photographs and the journal of her rival.

She stood there frozen, keys in hand, eyes fixed on the box. Her mind raced with thoughts and questions. "Naiwan niya kaya 'to?"

In that moment, Agnes felt a sense of responsibility tugging at her. Maybe she should return it. After all, it held memories that seemed deeply important to her rival.

And what if Maiko had left the box here, unaware? Agnes's heart ached at the thought. The memories inside were too precious, and Maiko might be searching for them.

Agnes hesitated at first, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. However, with a deep breath, she walked over to the box and gently picked it up.

As she cradled the box in her arms, she made a silent promise to herself. She would find a way to get it back to Maiko. It was the least she could do for someone who had lost so much. With one last glance around the cabin, she headed out the door.

When Agnes reached the bus station, her phone buzzed instantly. She glanced at the screen to find a flood of messages from her friends, Fons and Ria, asking where she was. Each notification brought a mix of guilt, but one message stood out, sending a chill down her spine.

It was from her coach, Colleen: Navarro, where are you? We need to talk. There's someone I want you to meet tomorrow.

"Luh!" Agnes's heart raced, her mind spinning with possibilities. The stern tone of the message made her nervous. What if her coach had discovered her trip? And who could this person she must meet be?

She sat on a bench, clutching the box of Polaroids and the journal, her thoughts a whirlwind of panic and curiosity.

She debated whether to respond immediately or wait until she was back. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, taking a deep breath, typing: Ate Cols! Sorry for the sudden trip, pero I went to visit my parents kasi kahapon. But, I'll be back and be there tomorrow.

Agnes hit send, hoping it sounded convincing enough.

As she boarded the bus, Agnes couldn't help but wonder if her decision to take the box was the right one, and what awaited her back home.

The ride was long, and she found herself struggling with the thought of how she would return the box to Maiko. The box felt heavier with each passing mile, the weight of its contents pressing on her mind. How would she even arrange to meet Maiko?

Agnes mulled over all the possible scenarios. She imagined bumping into Maiko at a competition, awkwardly handing over the box, her heart racing. She pictured herself sending a message, trying to sound casual and failing miserably.

The memory of Maiko's teasing messages after the accidental liking of her old tweets made her cheeks flush. The thought of facing Maiko again sent butterflies in her stomach.

"So paano ko 'to ibibigay?"

As the bus finally arrived at her condo, Agnes headed down, her steps heavy as she think over different scenarios again, hoping to find a reasonable way to return the box. She needed to find the right moment, and the right words.