Veiled

"Don't look for me. I'll be back in a year or two."

It was the only thing she left behind, leaving her family completely clueless and concerned.

At the age of 18, Hayde was supposed to start her college life, make new friends, and explore a whole new world as an adult. It was only two weeks away before school started again. Yet, she suddenly disappeared; much to her family's concern.

***

"Anak, tinignan mo ba kanina ng maayos yung kwarto ng ate mo?" Tanong ni Merian habang nilibot naman niya ang tingin niya sa kwarto ng panganay niyang anak.

Hailey shook her head. "Hindi, bumaba kasi agad ako pagka-kita ko nung note na iniwan niya."

She walked around at isa-isang binuksan lahat ng mga cabinets ni Hayde. Merian followed her with her gaze.

The more Hailey opened them, the more she felt grim as her breathing quickened.

"Wala. Ni isang gamit, wala siyang dinala." She said bitterly, fishing the note from her pocket. She bit her lips as she felt more nervous than before.

"Ano bang pumasok sa isip mo, ate?"

***

Seasons changed and years passed, yet there was no sign of her returning. Having already tried all they could and using all the methods they can think of, even a shadow of her was nowhere to be found.

Perhaps she was really gone?

...was she, really?

But just when her family has already given up on looking for her, she came back. Luggage in arms, with her usual smile on her face.

Yet, it's just that... she seems completely different from what she used to be.