Balot ng walang hanggang kadiliman ang lugar na kinaroroonan ni Yael. Nanunuot sa balat ng binata ang tila nagyeyelong lamig ng kanyang pag-iisa.
Sa lugar na iyon ay walang araw at walang gabi.
Gising siya ngunit siya ay tulog.
Humihinga siya ngunit siya ay nasasakal.
Buhay siya ngunit siya ay patay.
"Yael, gumising ka na, anak ko."
Isang boses ng babae ang narinig ni Yael. Alam niya kung kaninong boses iyon. Boses iyon ng kanyang ina na puno ng lungkot at pag-aalala.
Mabuti na lamang at ligtas ka, Mama.
Nakahinga nang maluwag kahit papaano ang binata ngunit pinili niyang huwag sumagot sa ina.
Gusto ko na lamang manatili sa kadilimang ito.
"Yael. Magpakatatag ka. Hinihintay ka na namin."
What if I don't want to wake up anymore, Dad?
Being in darkness is silent and easy. I don't have to face anyone. I'm just here, in the middle of nowhere, away from everyone. Away from reality.
I don't want to go away from here.
Yael heard more voices - of Sam, Regan, and Maia. Of his grandmother. Their voices were all full of worry, concern, and love for him.
But there was one voice that was missing.
Gusto ko na lamang manatili sa kadiliman habang buhay, tulog sa aking pansamantalang mundo.
Dahil alam ko, sa pagmulat ng aking mga mata, hindi ko makikita kung ano ang meron.
Makikita ko kung ano ang wala.
The Chosen Ahren could not move his body either, for he suffered severe injuries and blows which almost cost him his life. But more so, his heart was as heavy as a rock, and it was pinning him down to the bed where he laid.
Days and weeks of endless darkness passed by and Yael felt his body recovering at a fast rate.
"All of Mr. Yael Romualdez's injuries and fractures are almost healed." A male authoritative voice spoke. Sighs of relief followed soon after.
A doctor? Yael asked himself.
"Please expect him to wake up soon." The doctor continued.
Hindi! Ayoko! Ayoko! Ayokong nang magising! Hindi na ako aalis dito! Dito na lamang ako sa kadiliman —
"Yael."
Katherina?
Yael swore, he heard her voice. He heard the only voice that had the ability to make his world stop in an instant.
Katherina? Katherina! Nasaan ka, mahal ko?
Yael ran, and ran, and ran. He wanted to chase after that voice.
Puno ng pangungulila ang binata habang hinahanap ang pinanggagalingan ng boses na iyon.
Katherina...please...
"Live for me."
And with his longing and despair to see her, Yael finally opened his eyes.
BINABASA MO ANG
Takipsilim
Fiksi PenggemarYael Romualdez is destined for greatness. Siya ang pinakahihintay na sugo ng mga Ahren - mga taong may dugong anghel na ang misyon ay puksain ang kasamaan ng kanilang mga mortal na kalaban, ang mga demonyong Kataha. On his quest to find the chosen K...