In 2002, the Philippines was gripped by a surge in murder cases, leading to widespread fear as serial killers roamed freely, even in daylight. Scientists proposed a controversial solution to curb the escalating death toll: euthanizing the unborn children of proven murder suspects. Twenty years later, nursing school has been a grueling journey for Wren de Leon, who yearns for an unforgettable escape. As he embarks on a celebration, unexpected events force him and others to unravel the mysteries of their pasts. Now trapped in a web of suspicion, they strive to clear their names and uncover the truth. They must navigate treacherous waters to avoid being falsely accused, knowing that their very quest for answers may put them in jeopardy. [TagLish] • 2022

Noong 1957, nabalot ng matinding takot ang dating payapang barrio ng Las Escudos matapos ang sunod-sunod na pagkawala ng mga batang may edad 8-9 taon. Matagal itong nanahimik matapos ang madugong yugto na kumitil ng maraming buhay sa bawat kalsada ng Las Escudos. Ngunit pagdating ng taong 2023, muling bumalik ang lagim sa barrio, nang sunod-sunod na naman ang pagkamatay ng mga bata-at katulad ng dati, nawawala rin ang kanilang mga laman-loob. Muling lumaganap ang takot sa barrio dahil ang dating bangungot ay unti-unting bumabalik. Sa paghahanap ng mga kasagutan, maraming katotohanan ang lalantad: Bumalik nga ba ang sumpa? O may kaluluwang hindi matahimik na humihingi ng hustisya? Walang lihim ang mananatiling nakatago magpakailanman. Sa huli, kanino ka kakampi? Kanino ka magtitiwala?

I was there. I was there when everything happened. I saw everything. I saw how they suffered. I am the witness. I witnessed how they got miserable one by one. But after all this things, I was just a Bystander. WARNING! This story might include topics to such as self-harm, violence, BL(Boys Love) and so on. Might trigger a physical and/or mental reaction. Please, mind the trigger warning. Stop reading if uncomfortable. [Book cover by: @allyiennn]