Whispers in the Midst of Chasms

33

⚠️❗️TRIGGER WARNING❗️ ⚠️

Sexual violence/abuse.

Depictions of grief and loss.

Blood and gore

READ AT YOU OWN RISK

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The night was electric with excitement habang papasok ako sa gallery,nakakaramdam na ako ng kaba at takot. Ang liwanag ng mga ilaw ay nagbigay-sinag sa mga pader kung saan naka hilera ang aking mga gawa—ang bunga ng buwan ng pagsusumikap at pagod. Ito ay isang malaking gabi para sa akin, isang pagkakataon na maibahagi ang aking passion at creativity sa mundo.

Guests mingled, their laughter and chatter creating a vibrant atmosphere.  Huminga ako ng malalim, sinisikap na pakalmahin ang sarili ko. Habang naglalakad ako sa palagid, nahagip ko ang mga pamilyar na mukha—mga kaibigan, pamilya, at kahit ilang estranghero na nagpakita ng interes sa aking mga gawa. Bawat papuri at ngiti ay nagbigay sa akin ng kumpiyansa, at ramdam ko ang mainit na pakiramdam ng pagmamalaki. 

"Dahlia! Your work is incredible!" one of my friends exclaimed, gesturing animatedly at a piece that featured a swirling galaxy of colors. I beamed, soaking in the praise.

"Thank you! I really put my heart into it," I replied, feeling a sense of validation wash over me. This was my moment.

As the evening unfolded, I was swept up in conversations, discussing my artistic process and inspirations. Keous had promised to come, and I kept glancing toward the entrance, hoping to see him walk through the door. I wanted him to see how far I had come, how much I had achieved.

Finally, as I was explaining the significance behind one of my paintings, I felt a familiar presence behind me. Turning, my heart soared at the sight of him. He was dressed sharply, a small bouquet of flowers in hand, and a smile that seemed to light up the room.

"Wow, Dahlia, this place looks amazing," he said, stepping closer. The warmth of his smile melted some of the tension I had been holding.

"Thanks! I'm glad you could make it," I replied, unable to hide my excitement. "What do you think of the pieces?"

"I love them. You've really captured something special here." He handed me the flowers, and I felt a flutter of joy.

Lumalalim ang gabi ang unti-unting dumadami ang mga tao sa paligid, laughter echoing around us. I found comfort in Keous's presence as we talked and laughed together, sharing fleeting moments that felt almost normal. For the first time in a long while, I felt hope blossom within me.

But as I moved to introduce Keous to some of my friends, a nagging feeling tugged at the back of my mind. I tried to push it away, focusing instead on the joy of the night. We posed for photos, our faces beaming, capturing the fleeting happiness.

Yet, the laughter and joy felt like they were building toward something, like a storm brewing just out of sight. The event came to a peak, and I was surrounded by friends celebrating my success. I felt on top of the world, unaware of the shadows lurking just beyond the glow of the gallery lights.

As I stepped outside for a moment of fresh air, the cool night enveloped me, a stark contrast to the warmth inside. I was with keous at the balcony, nag pahinga muna sa ingay ng event. The view of the city lights stretched out before us, casting a gentle glow on our faces. Naka-sandal ako sa railing habang katabi ko siya, madilim ang paligid pero nag sisilbing liwanag ang nakikita naming view at ang mga bituin sa langit, sapat lang na makita namin ang isat-isa.