Touch of Time

Chapter 21: The Testimony

It's already evening and no one came to visit Ersha and Andro inside the jail.  Andro prayed that none of his family members would show up and opt to make amends with the Spanish government officials.  Ersha on the other hand is thinking of some ways where she can convince the jail guards of letting them go or the warden maybe but she's sure that it won't be effective anymore.  From such constant thought, it gave her a headache and exhaustion so she decided to forget about it and gave herself a break.

Andro, do you believe in magic?, asks Ersha while sitting beside Andro who also felt bored inside the cell.

What do you mean witchcraft? answered Andro.

No, some kind of time travel type of magic., said Ersha in suggestive way so she can get Andro's idea on it.

"I don't think that would be possible"

What if I'm going to tell you that I really don't belong into this period?

"Really? You're only trying to fascinate me." giving Ersha a chuckle.

No, I'm not really joking on you.  Haven't you wondered why I dress differently the first time you saw me in the bushes?  

"A little bit but I don't give a damn why you look like that.  What matters to me is to put you in safety"

"I honestly thank you for that but if you will allow me to tell my story, I think it may convince you"  said Ersha in a convincing tone.

"Alright, tell me your story",  replied Andro with a look of interest.

Ersha narrated her story starting from her escapade with her friends in the waterfalls up to the time when she woke up in Andro's place without any knowledge on what's going on.  She also told him who she is, her family, life, job and about the future year where she really lived.

Andro got very silent and still contemplating on what he heard on Ersha.  By the look on his face, he's somewhat persuaded.  After a few minutes, he asks Ersha something.

"What would be the events that would occur for this year?", 

"This year based on the history books, huge things will happen.  One of the main heads of the revolutionary group that you are supporting will be assassinated and Jose Rizal, I think you know him, he gets to be executed also in 1896." told Ersha who acted like a fortune teller.

Andro turned quiet again and his eyes bore a worry on it.  Then, Ersha hold his one hand and squeeze it then said something to him in a pleading way, "Andro, I know it's difficult to have our country become subservient to other countries but I just want to tell you that after this, there are still bigger things to come.  There would still be world war I and world war II.  After the Spaniards, Americans will take over then the Japanese.  Many people of ours really suffered from it."

"In your lifetime, does war end"  ask Andro further.

"No, violence still exist.  War in our time is more on distorted ideology which lead people to create war." explained Ersha.

Andro didn't comment anymore.  From all that he heard from Ersha, it overwhelmed him and he felt sad about it. Instead, he clasps the hand of Ersha and caressed it and then uttered something to her, "You will always leave a mark in my heart but before you go away and vanish in front of my eyes, I want to hear the truth from you.  Do you love me." 

Ersha felt the loneliness of Andro even though she hasn't left yet.  It squeezed her heart by merely looking at him and she can't find the right words to console him so she just replied, "I loved you."

Tears came falling down on Andro's face after hearing Ersha's response.  It was a tear of loneliness, happiness, and heartbreak for the love that can't be realized up to old age.  He knew that Ersha can't be with him forever.

"Ersha, if ever you go back in your time.  I'll live again to find you", said Andro with a promising look on his eyes.