As December arrived, the days were marked by cool temperatures and frequent rains. The once-vibrant greenery outside was now dampened by the constant showers, and the once-bright days were replaced by a constant grey hue.
I was walking home without an umbrella. The soft drizzling rain falling gently around me. Its cool droplets landing on my hair and face, creating an almost soothing sensation. Despite the absence of an umbrella, I found myself in a strange sense of calmness in walking through the light rain.
As I waked along the street, pinapanood ko ang mga sasakyan na dumadaan. Cars and tricycles, motorcycles navigating the wet road, their tires sending small splashes of water onto the pavement. Occasionally, I spotted groups of college and high school students, making their way home, some of them laughing and chatting, while the others walked around quietly, with their heads down against the rain.
"MISS!"
Lumingon ako nang marinig ang malakas na sigaw, my heart immediately raced with alarm. My eyes quickly scanned the scene behind me. Nakita ko na lang ang isang motorsiklo na papalapit na papalapit sa akin. Its speed was increasing as it approached.
Panic flooded through my veins, and in that moment, time seemed to slow down.
The motorcycle raced towards me with its bright headlights blinding my vision. I found myself rooted in place, hindi ako makagalaw. My muscle tensed and fear gripped my heart.
Akala ko mamamatay na ako sa oras na iyon.
In a heartbeat, the motorcycle crashed into a nearby fence with a loud bang, the sudden impact sending pieces of wood flying. The driver of the motorcycle was thrown off, and as the metal and flesh met the harshness of the solid fence, a chilling sound of collision echoed through the air.
In the midst of chaos and confusion, I found myself almost sitting on a wet and cold pavement. A sense of disoriented confusion washed over me, and for a moment I couldn't recall how I had gotten there.
"Raine." I heard her voice.
I began to regain my bearings, a faint realization tugged in my mind. I became self-aware of someone's presence nearby who must have pulled me away from the path of danger.
Her arms wrapped around me, because of how she pulled me away. My mind struggled to grasp the situation. My hands just rested on her arms, giving me a sense of safety and stability.
But my eyes won't move on the scene that was happening right in front of me. My gaze was drawn to the driver of that motorcycle. He was writhing in pain, desperately trying to free himself from the wreckage. Napansin ko rin ang dugong tumutulo sa kaniyang braso.
"Raine!"
I flinched in terror. It was only when I heard Sofia calling my name that I suddenly gasped for air. Muntik ko ng makalimutang huminga.
The sudden inability to breathe properly sent a sharp wave of pain through my chest, each labored inhalation feeling like an effort. The sensation was uncomfortable and alarming, making me realize how much the scene had taken a toll on my body, causing my heart rate to increase and my breathing to become erratic.
Sofia's hands came up to my face, gently cupping my cheeks. My eyes met hers, and I could see the worry etched on her face. She was intently observing my reaction, closely watching my expression and body language.
Nang mapansin niyang nahihirapan akong huminga, she swiftly wrapped her arms around me, pulling me closer in a comforting embrace. In an attempt to shield my view from the chaotic scene, she gently covered my eyes, preventing me from witnessing the full extent of the aftermath.
