Book 2: Cause All I See Is You (Jholet)

Warm Hugs

"Jhoanna!"

"Jhoanna! Asan ka?"

Colet's voice broke as she called out, her words swallowed by the pounding rain.

Her clothes were soaked through, hair plastered against her face as she navigated the dark, rain-slicked landscape.

Each step was an effort as the mud pulled at her feet, slowing her down, but she pressed on, wiping rain from her eyes every few moments as she scanned her surroundings.

She reached the spot where she'd last seen Jhoanna, only to find it empty.

Her heart pounded, a gnawing worry twisting her stomach.

Colet knew Jhoanna couldn't have gone far with her injured ankle, but the storm had swallowed up any trace of footprints.

Panic surged with each second that passed, and she felt her breaths quickening, her chest tightening.

With determination, Colet pushed forward, her gaze darting around the darkened trees, until her eyes caught sight of something-a figure, small and slumped against a tree trunk up ahead.

Hope and fear tangled in her chest as she broke into a sprint, nearly slipping as she hurried forward.

"Jho!" Colet cried out, finally reaching her side. She dropped to her knees in the mud, pulling Jhoanna gently toward her.

Jhoanna was soaked, her face pale and trembling, her arms wrapped tightly around herself for warmth.

"Jhoanna, it's me," Colet whispered, her voice shaking as she brushed wet strands of hair from Jhoanna's face, feeling the coldness of her skin.

Jhoanna's eyes slowly fluttered open, unfocused, her lips quivering from the cold. She let out a weak, shivering breath, her voice barely audible. "Co... Co-Colet?"

"I'm here, Jho," Colet murmured, holding her close, trying to shield her from the rain. "I've got you. You're safe now."

****

"The wind and rain are so strong outside. Will the rescue team take much longer? Can't we just go out there and look for them?" Maloi asked worriedly, her voice wavering.

Her gaze drifted to the pounding rain outside, eyes clouded with worry for Colet and Jhoanna, who were still out there somewhere in the storm.

Shadows flickered across her face each time lightning flashed, illuminating just how distressed she was.

"I shouldn't have left Jhoanna alone. If only I'd known this would happen..." Francis muttered, slumping onto a chair and burying his head in his hands. His voice was strained, thick with guilt. "This is all my fault."

"Hey, don't say that. Nobody wanted this to happen," Gwen said, resting a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"That's right. Don't blame yourself," Jennie added. She took a seat nearby, glancing toward the rain-soaked window, her own anxiety barely concealed.

Stacey, who had been speaking on the phone, put it down and sighed heavily. "I spoke to the rescue team again. They said baka bukas pa sila ng umaga makarating. May malaking kahoy na natumba at nakaharang sa daan," she said, looking back at everyone. Her voice trembled slightly as she delivered the news, worry etched in her eyes.