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———
Death is inevitable. Others believe it is the common ground between the privileged and the deprived. Both parties may have different expositions, yet their conclusions would always be the same... death. On the contrary, Lyca just simply couldn't agree. It is not death. Since, she have met her end and she have died. Bakit nandito pa rin siya?
Lyca figured out, it wasn't death. Death is not the end nor the common ground. But the people's purpose in life. Some were privileged for a purpose. Some were deprived for a purpose. Others were alive for a purpose. Death is inevitable for a purpose. Purpose is for everybody.
Lyca was given a chance for a purpose. It was her purpose that kept her striving even after her death. Perhaps, if she fulfill it, maybe it would really be the end. It would be a genuine end.
Judge's eyes... and his smiles... would be a nice end.
"Lyca!"
Judge's voice from quite distance didn't hinder its effect to Lyca. The anticipation of seeing Judge's eyes and goofy smile was there. It touched her heart with warmth she never thought it would be. Honestly, it does not make sense! Until now it was still such a puzzle why she easily risked everything for those eyes of him. Yes, it was captivating, but why?
"You can't save him."
"I can. Please let me be, let me save him."
Unang bumalot ang malakas na ingay mula sa mga manunuod. Inulan ng palakpakan sina Judge sa entablado. Malaki ang ngiti nito habang hawak ang gitara. Nang tuluyang nakita ni Judge si Lyca ay masaya siyang kumaway dito. Mapait na napangiti si Lyca. Naginginig may dahan-dahan niyang itinaas ang kamay.
"Admit it. It is easier that way."
Napayuko siya. "Sadako..."
--
Watching the white, fine grains of the hourglass slowly sliding from the upper region to the bottom region was satisfying. The sand grains at the latter end appeared more like a mountain. It would only be a matter of hours from now before it entirely fills the bottom. A smile crept from Lyca's lips when she felt a tear urging to come out from her sad orbes. It didn't help. The wrinkles from her forced smile triggered the tears to drop. It initially fell without hesitation.
"Lyca?"
Agad niyang pinunasan ang kaniyang pisnge at mabilis na tumayo para harapin si Judge. Nakaputing simpleng t-shirt at maong na pantalon kung saan ito ang suot nila sa ginawang rehearsal kanina.
"Anong ginagawa mo rito?"
"Kakain na raw," sagot ni Judge. "Are you crying?"
Umiling si Lyca, ngunit hindi iyon kinagat ni Judge. Sa halip ay mas lumapit ang binata sa kaniya. Nag-alalang tinignan siya nito bago napangiti si Lyca.
