Game Over

three meals for three days.

In Hazing he is quietly watching. His voice is seldom heard.
But he whispers something to his friends. Sig and Ter, when his opinion is needed.
He writes down his observations suggestions and opinions to the Head Hazer as a report every time he has some in mind.

In class.
He does his best. His outputs autocad and other academics are on point. Not the highest scores even in quizzes but above average and nearly on top.

In sports.
He supports his fellow hazers and friends. But not in cheerleading.
In music.
He dances and sings but isn't involved in the Glee club. Though he supports the club.

As a child.
He makes sure to come home on weekends and sometimes visit on Wednesday to have dinner with his parents.
Sometimes p' Saifah joins them. Then take Rain back home to Phayu's house.

Rain decided to stay in the house in case Phayu comes home unannounced Rain is there. And also the house is filled with Phayu's memory that makes Rain get through the days. Phayu is far from him.

But as costumed and routine and out of love activity.
The face calls after hazing everyday.

But one day.
Rain waits for the call.
Phayu did not call.
When he gets home.
He called Phayu but he can't be reached. Even in his private oversea number is not answering.

Worried Rain.
Called Mom

"Dear!" Mom excitedly answered.

"Mom. Is P' Phayu alright?" Rain asked.

"Yes he is. He is here with us." Mom said.

Rain breathed in relief

"Then I'll end up with this call na... mom. I am relieved he is with you and he is fine. I miss you all." Rain said.
"Bye." Quickly he ended the call.

He waited for Phayu to call him.
But nothing.
He called again. Nothing.
He checked the time.  It's already midnight in Australia.

He did not call anymore.
He sent Phayu messages already that's enough.

Hoping Phayu will call him or reply to him. After he reads the messages.
The next day. Again nothing.
No text.
No calls from Phayu.

Rain quietly rides P' Saifah's car going back home from university.

"Are you okay lil bro?" Saifah asked.

Rain looked at his fiance's paternal twin.
"Did p' Phayu call you or texted you yesterday or today?" Rain asked.

"Yesterday he messaged me. He has his exams." Saifah said.

Rain looked outside the window.
"Okay p." He said.

Silence.

"Thanks  for today p' Saifah. I'll come to the garage this Saturday to see what I can do in the office." Rain said.

"It's okay Rain. Finish hazing then you can come. Don't get  yourself tired too much na..." Saifah said.

"I'll go ahead then." Rain said he waiid then got down from the car.

The house gets colder.
He can't feel the warmth anymore.
P' Phayu's last visit was almost a month now. And the days of hazing are counting down to the final days.

Rain prepared his dinner. But did not eat it. He took his shower and went to sleep.
Woke up and checked his phone.

Still no message from Phayu.

Rain looked at his cold dinner. Still on top of the stove.
He went upstairs and prepared for class.

Saifah came to the kitchen.
Usually there are no leftovers foods.