Thirst | Mikhaiah

ONE

Aiah's POV

"Sige po, bye bye!" I bid my goodbye to the owner of the café where I work.

I took a deep breath as i feel the cold breeze touch my skin. I opened the flashlight of my phone to use it for my light since sobrang dilim ng kalsada.

I glanced at my wristwatch. It was 12:45 a.m.

Obviously, wala ng bus na available ngayon so wala akong choice kundi mag-lakad pauwi.

I grabbed my ear pods from my pocket and plugged them to my ears to lessen the fear I was feeling.

Honestly, one of my workmates had offered me a place to stay with him at his condo, but I turned him down. Because girl?? first of all, lalake siya and worse, medyo bastos pa. Yes i am talking about that perv guy, Jeremy. I just don't trust him.

If you're wondering, the end of my shift is not 12 in the morning. MY VERY GOOD friend and coworker, Jhoanna, begged me to cover her shift because sabi niya may 'important agenda'  siya today. Important agenda, my foot—she’s probably out having fun with some girl. That’s just how much of a playgirl she is.

I only agreed because she’s my friend and I needed the extra cash for school expenses. Yes, I’m that workaholic and broke.

Little background about me lang ha: I’m an orphan and i don’t know my parents. The people at the orphanage who raised me said they found me in a basket on their doorstep, with no documents or letter, just a piece of paper with ‘Maraiah Queen Arceta’ written on it. They assumed it was my name, so they named me Maraiah Queen Arceta.

Whoever my parents are or wherever they are now, I hope they’re doing well. I used to wonder why they left me like that, but i thought 'what if they had a problem and it leaves them no choice but to bring me at the orphanage?'

When i was a kid, I did longed for a mother’s and father’s love, which is normal. But as I grew older, I learned to love myself and be grateful for what I have. And of course i always include my parents in my prayers, as well the workers of the orphanage that took care of us.

Back to reality, I finally reached the subdivision where I live.

But it was very dark. It’s not unusual naman because they switched to solar panels for the streetlights last month and umulan kanina kaya mahina ang ilaw.

Ang pinagtataka ko lang, bakit pati sa outpost ng guard walang ilaw? Pero baka nag-brownout lang.

I shook my head and quickened my pace to get home faster kasi palamig na nang palamig.

As I approached the gate, I noticed I noticed that wala si kuya guard sa outpost niya, but I shrugged it off, thinking he might be in the restroom.

"I'm the cherry on top, cherry on t–" 🎧🎶

I frowned when my earpods suddenly cut out, probably due to low battery. I had no choice but to endure the eerie silence of the night.

Removing the earbuds, I expected to hear crickets or insects, but instead, there was nothing.

Sobrang tahimik, parang nakakabingi.

Then the saying: “Silence means danger.” suddenly popped in my head.

That thought echoed in my mind, making my entire body shiver with fear.

Then, I felt a presence watching me, which made me walk faster, nearly running.

Suddenly, I heard a rustling noise and it made me run, almost sprinting.

I glanced back to see if anyone is following me and i nearly stumbled in terror when I saw a hooded figure.

But no, I don't think it was a person. If he is a human, then why is his golden eyes—like a tiger's eyes— seems like glowing in the dark? Maybe I was just imagining things. No, this is no time for hallucinations.

I needed to escape.

I ran faster. I want to scream for help, but no sound came out. It felt like someone was gripping my throat.

I looked back again and saw him walking casually after me, like he is confident that he would catch me no matter how fast I run.

Warm tears streamed down my face. Sweat dripped down my forehead, soaking my shirt.

Then I saw my house. I just needed to run faster, and I would be okay.

Right?

I finally reached my front door, fumbling in my bag for my keys.

I looked behind me and saw no one.

Sumuko na ba siya kakahabol sakin?

Relief washed over me, but when I turned back to my door, it was now unlocked and wide open.

I should have been happy, rushing inside and slamming the door behind me. But it was the complete opposite when the man who has been following me is now standing inside my house. Starring at me with predatory eyes.

Tears filled my eyes, making my vision to blur.

"Kala mo makakatakas ka? Funny" he said with a smirk, revealing a fang.

I gasped at the sight "Wh-what... are you?" I whispered, barely audible.

He laughed, and I felt a sharp stinging pain at the back of my neck.

"I've got another food" I heard him say before everything went black.

—

boo (⁠⑉⁠⊙⁠ȏ⁠⊙⁠)