The city below is lit up by countless twinkling lights from buildings, streets, and vehicles, creating a mesmerizing glow against the dark sea and mountains. The bright colors of the city’s nightlife mix with the quieter, dimly lit neighborhoods, showing the city’s lively energy.
Cebu is one of the beautiful cities in the Philippines.
This was my home for 20 years, but this is also where my nightmare started.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have just landed at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. The local time is 10:45 p.m. On behalf of Celestial Airways, we thank you for flying with us, and we hope to see you again soon.” said the pilot.
Ang mga pasahero ay unti-unti nang nagsilabasan noong makakuha na kami ng signal mula sa mga staff ng eroplano.
Ako naman ay nananatiling nakatingin sa bintana kahit na ang tanging nakikita ko na lamang ay ang madilim na paligid sa labas.
Even if I know that seeing them here is impossible, I just can’t ignore the fear I feel by being here at the place where their power is influential and strong.
Being here scares me the most.
“Hoy! Halika na!”
Natauhan ako nang kabitin ako ni Hannih, nakatayo na ito at handa nang lumabas pero hindi niya ginawa dahil hinintay niya ako.
I took a deep breath before standing up from my seat as I forced myself to act cool amidst the feeling I had inside of me.
Maybe this is the time when I should force myself to face what I fear the most. I couldn’t let my fear stay that way, as I know that there will come a time when I have to let go of the things that burden me and focus on my present.
My past will always leave a scar that will stay with me forever, but I shouldn’t let it haunt me until eternity.
So what if I see my past here? What if I remember everything that happened to me in this place?
Sure, it will open my healing wound, but will that stop my life? Will it ruin my life? Will it kill me?
I don’t know, but I’m just hoping that it will not be as destructive as I imagined it would be.
“Hello?” I answered Kairo's call.
We had just arrived at the hotel where we would be staying for three days.
I just finished unpacking my things and taking a quick shower when he called. It’s already 12 a.m., so he’s probably at his condo now.
“Hi!” He breathed hoarsely. “Are you there already?”
I couldn’t help but smile as I heard his deep yet very comforting voice.
“Yeah…” I reached for one of my pillows as I hugged it tightly, imagining that it is him. “I miss you…”
He was the one who drove me to the airport a while ago, and while we were on the road, he had a lot of reminders for me.
“Huwag kang lumayo sa mga kasama mo ha?” he said as if I were a kid. “I put a medicine kit in your bag in case of emergency. You also have ointment and oils there in case your body is in pain or if you’re not feeling okay. Also, don’t go to places you are not familiar with, especially when you’re not with your classmates or teachers. Update me also with your whereabouts there, and call me if you need anything. I’ll keep my phone with me, so it will be easy for you to contact me.”
Sunod-sunod ang kaniyang mga sinabi na halos sumayaw na ang mga iyon sa utak ko.
“Hindi na ako bata, Kairo.” Natatawang sabi ko dito.
