Lyon stayed with me for a few hours, calming me down before he had to leave to tend to the horses at the barn. As soon as he left, I immediately took another bath, scrubbing my skin raw. Masakit ang leeg ko dahil sa ginawa kong pagkuskos kanina. I was hoping that by doing so, I would wash away the disgust I felt from their touch. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
Nakaupo ako sa isang upuan sa ilalim ng malaking puno sa likod ng bahay. My mind was racing with thoughts of what to do next. If the justice system couldn't give me the justice I deserved, I had to do something. I couldn't just do nothing. My dignity was stolen from me. Nawalan ako ng kumpiyansa sa sarili.
Hindi pwedeng ganito na lang habang ang mga hayop na iyon ay malaya't nagsasaya kung saan man.
"Sir," I heard Badet's voice behind me. I turned around to see him carrying a tray of food. It was exactly what I needed—a bowl of tinola, a plate of rice, three pieces of banana, and a glass of orange juice.
"Come, Badet," I called, gesturing for him to come closer. I helped him set the tray on the table. After arranging the food, he picked up the tray, ready to leave.
"Narinig ko po ang nangyari sa presinto, sir," he began, his voice soft and cautious, as if afraid to upset me further.
I felt calmer now, the reassurance Lyon gave me still lingering. I felt ready and willing to talk about it, especially since I needed help with what I was planning to do next.
"Oo," I replied, giving him a sad smile. "Wala tayong magagawa roon, Badet. Ang magagawa lang natin ay ipagdasal na sana ay dumating ang araw na makarma sila."
My voice was steady, but beneath it lay a determination, a flicker of resolve. I wasn't going to let this go. I would find a way to take back what was taken from me. As I sat there under the tree, I knew one thing for sure: I would not rest until those men faced the consequences of their actions.
Badet nodded, his eyes filled with sympathy. "Ang hirap ng sitwasyon niyo, sir. Kung ano man ang maitutulong ko, nandito lang ako."
"Salamat, Badet," I said, my voice thick with gratitude. "Mahalaga sa akin na may mga taong katulad mo at ni Lyon na handang sumuporta."
As he walked away, I sat in silence, staring at the food in front of me. My appetite was gone, replaced by a burning need for action. Hindi ako papayag na matapos ang lahat ng ganito lang. Lyon was right—we had to fight. I just wasn't sure how yet.
The sound of birds chirping filled the air, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me. I closed my eyes, letting the sounds of nature wash over me, trying to find a moment of peace. But my mind wouldn't stop racing. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw their faces, heard their mocking laughter.
No. I wouldn't let them haunt me. I wouldn't let them win.
Slowly, an idea began to form in my mind. It was risky, but if the system wouldn't give me justice, then I had to take matters into my own hands. Kailangan kong makahanap ng ebidensya, something undeniable, something that even their money couldn't erase.
I thought about the party, the people who were there. Someone must have seen something. Maybe there were cameras, recordings, anything that could prove what happened. I would start there. I would talk to anyone who could help, gather any evidence I could find.
As the plan took shape in my mind, a sense of purpose began to replace the helplessness I'd been feeling. For the first time since that night, I felt a glimmer of hope.
I must do this. I must take matters in my own hands.
I was still lost in thought when I heard footsteps approaching. I turned my head and saw Lyon walking towards me, a tentative smile on his face. He looked different, more relaxed, as if he had decided to let go of the weight of the world, even if only for a moment.
