GOODNIGHT

Chapter 1: The Calm After the Storm

The first rays of morning light filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a soft glow across my room. I slowly opened my eyes, the remnants of last night's storm still lingering in the air. The thunder and rain had kept me up, leaving me in a state of restless dreams that blurred the lines between reality and illusion. As I blinked awake, I could feel the quietness around me, a stark contrast to the turmoil within.

Tumila na ang ulan, pero ang bigat sa aking dibdib ay tila hindi pa rin natatapos. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to gather my thoughts. My phone buzzed on the nightstand-a reminder for my morning class at Liceo University. The rain had left the streets wet and glistening, but I couldn't shake the unease that clung to me like a second skin.

I sighed deeply, pushing the covers off and sitting up. The storm had not only left a mark on the city but on me as well. My reflection in the mirror looked as disheveled as I felt. My eyes, usually full of life, were now clouded with worry and exhaustion. I knew I had to pull myself together; I had a full day ahead of me, filled with lectures and responsibilities.

As I walked to the window and pulled back the curtains, the city revealed itself in a new light-clean, refreshed, but with the scars of the storm still visible. The sky was a pale blue, streaked with wisps of clouds, and the air smelled of wet earth, a scent that was both comforting and disheartening. I took a deep breath, hoping to find some clarity in the morning calm.

Pagtingin ko sa salamin, nakita ko ang mga mata kong naguguluhan. I wasn't sure if my restlessness was because of the storm or the turbulent emotions I had been trying to suppress. My reflection stared back at me-tired but determined. I needed to focus on the day ahead. I couldn't let my personal struggles interfere with my academic responsibilities.

I took a quick shower, the warm water washing away the remnants of sleep and tension. As I dressed, I mentally reviewed my schedule for the day. My classes would be challenging, but I welcomed the distraction. At least in the classroom, I had control over something.

In the kitchen, I made myself a quick breakfast. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, a small comfort in an otherwise uneasy morning. I glanced at the clock-time was slipping away, and I needed to get moving. Despite the heaviness in my heart, I knew that I had to face the day with renewed energy.

As I walked to Liceo University, the city around me felt different. The storm had left everything cleaner, fresher, as if it had washed away not just the dirt but also some of the weariness that had settled in my mind. But I still felt a sense of heaviness, a reminder of the personal storm I had weathered.

Liceo University loomed ahead, a familiar sight amidst the unfamiliar feelings I was trying to navigate. The campus was bustling with life-students chatting animatedly, professors preparing for their classes, and the occasional laughter that broke through the morning air. I took comfort in the normalcy of it all, even as my thoughts drifted back to the storm and the argument from the night before.

As I entered the main building, the cool air-conditioned breeze greeted me, a stark contrast to the warmth outside. The hallways were filled with students rushing to their next class, their chatter and energy a welcome distraction. I made my way to the lecture hall, weaving through the crowd, trying to focus on the tasks at hand.

Pagpasok ko sa classroom, I took a seat near the window, letting the soft light spill onto my desk. The professor arrived soon after, and the room settled into a quiet hum of concentration. As the lecture began, I found myself slowly relaxing, the familiar rhythm of academia grounding me.

"Good morning, class," Professor Santos greeted us with his usual warm smile. "Today, we'll be diving into case studies on constitutional law. I hope you've all done the readings."