Everything was still very vivid in my mind. Every single detail. Every single thought. Every single feeling that I've felt.
I couldn't find myself at that moment.
Yet six young men found me.
I've never thought it was real.
I've never thought Never...
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long update! thank you for still reading this story :)
♢♢
Hours later, when they were all in deep slumber inside a built-up tent and I still can't bring myself to sleep, an idea suddenly came to me. Despite the shivering cold brought by the midnight air, I climbed up on the roof of the van without making a sound.
I used my arms as a pillow and lay there peacefully while watching the night sky. It made my lips curve up in a smile especially when I saw a lot of scattered stars shining brightly along with the moon. Thankfully, there are no clouds that could block the fascinating view.
Something soft was suddenly placed under my head the same moment Dru appeared beside me. Nakahiga na rin siya sa isang unan gaya ko habang ang mga mata ay nasa kalangitan. Ilang sandaling binalot ng lamig at katahimikan ang paligid.
"What's your real name, Eri?" Dru asked in his low voice, without tearing his eyes from the sky.
"Why do you ask?"
"Hello, why do you ask."
"Am I supposed to laugh, sir?" I retorted sarcastically.
"Kailan ka ba natawa sa jokes ko..." tila may pagtatampo sa boses niya.
"Kailan ba naging nakakatawa ang jokes mo, sir?" I fired back, annoying him which I think, was very effective.
Pumihit ang ulo niya sa direksyon ko kaya tumingin din ako sa kanya at tinaasan siya ng kilay.
"What?"
"Stop calling me sir," aniya.
Tumango ako at ibinalik ang tingin sa harap, "Roger, sir."
I heard him sigh in defeat. Ang bilis niya talaga sumuko.
"What's your name?" ulit niya sa tanong kanina.
"Eri," sagot ko.
"Full name, please." hindi ko alam kung nagmamakaawa ba siya o nagtitimpi na lang sa akin. Maybe both.
"I don't have Facebook, sir. Don't bother."
Natawa na siya sa sinabi ko, "Wala rin naman ako. Matagal nang inaamag ang social life ko, Eri."
Bigla akong nakaramdam ng awa para sa kanya, sa kanilang lahat. I couldn't imagine the life they turned their backs on in exchange to the life they have now. These boys seem like they should still be in college like me; studying day and night, meeting requirements to pass a subject, hanging out with friends like how we normally should.
Nothing in this life is even close to normal.
Ever since I met them, I've always wondered how they ended up like the way they are. Always running. Always hiding. Always out anywhere but a place called home.
