Oneirataxia: My Fictional Man

CHAPTER 04

Chapter Four

The successive sound of the alarm clock mercilessly woke me up from my deep slumber.

I opened my eyes and sensed myself inside my chamber sanctuary, my bedroom. I feel a quick serenity as I lie on my ace-sized mattress, making me close my eyes.

After a few minutes of absorbing the calmness of the surrounding, vivid memories from somewhere instantly linger in my mind.

Napabangon ako at agad na dinama ang sarili. Ang kalmadong tibok ng puso kanina ay tuluyan nang naghihingalo sa mga ala-alang tila tunay na nangyari.

Hinawakan ko ang aking braso kung saan parang may totoong humawak dito. Naramdaman ko rin ang pamamanhid ng aking paa na para bang tumakbo ako ng malayo-layong distansiya gamit ang sapatos na may mahabang takong.

The feeling is surreal but I'm pretty sure that these memories come from my dream, a dream that was as clear as a crystal. It's like I was sent from an unexplainable dimension and in just a snap, I instantly return back to reality.

But wait, if it was really a dream, why can I remember all the details like I was presently conscious and hyped, and why can I still feel the adrenaline beat of running away from those influential and honorable people, and especially from... Ben.

Halo-halong kaba naman ang aking nadama nang maalala ang lalaking yun, kabang dulot ng takot, paghanga at isa pang kadahilanan na di ko mawari at mapagtagpi.

It's like... there is a sense of familiarity in him that I can't name. Sa tindi ng pagkalito ay ipinagsawalang-bahala ko na lamang, kahit na di mapakali ang aking kaloob-looban.

Parang may mabigat na nakadagan sa aking dibdib nang tumayo na ako't sinimulan nang ayusin ang aking higaan.

Nang malamang pasado ala-syete na ng umaga ay di na ako nag-abalang magluto pa at dumeretso na lamang sa banyo upang maligo at mag-ayos ng sarili.

While soaking my hair under the shower, I can't stop but think those memories again.

Talagang hindi ako mapakali sapagkat sariwang-sariwa sa aking sistema ang mga pangyayari. At ang mas lalo pang nagpalito sa akin ay kung bakit hindi ko maalala ni isang detalye kung paano ako nakauwi.

If I remember it right, I was talking to a woman and then those strange things happened in a whoosh, and I woke up afterward. But despite the ambiguity, it's still a relief that I came home safe and sound.

Wearing my mustard oversized woven blazer paired with cropped pants of the same color, I stroll my way toward the entrance doorway of the company.

I didn't do what I have decided about taking a leave because it will only leave me wondering and recalling those things I don't know how the hell happened.

I only bring with me a small cross-body bag having a black tweed with golden trim chains across.

Aside from having jones to literary books, I also have an addiction to collecting limited-edition bags. In my apartment, I have big spaces for books and I also have my own closet of bags there. So much for that.

When I open my door in my office, I step back in surprise upon seeing my co-employees sing a birthday song for me. Some are holding cakes, balloons, and stuff toys. I step inside with a wide smile on my face.

Of course, I'm touched beyond words. I did not expect that these people whom I sometimes pressured and blasted-out are actually grateful that I am their head and supervisor.

After the short program that they have prepared for me, we are all now back to each other's business.

The very first minute I sit on my swivel chair, my secretary immediately puts a bunch of papers on my table waiting to be checked and signed once error-free.