Chapter 2

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⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️

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⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️

This chapter deals with sensitive topic that could offend readers and affect their mental health.
Read at your own risk.

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We gathered at the covered field the following day, where some of us exercised and others did not. I was thinking about Ara and Carter from yesterday as I sat on one of the benches. I regret what happened and keep asking myself why I am not allowed to welcome guests.

Abruptly, I caught sight of a fresh face among the cops chatting around the corner. Being perceptive about individuals, I'm positive he's new.

When he swiftly turned to face me and glared at me, I was taken aback. Terrified, I turned my head away.

“Huwag mo silang hayaang apihin ka,” saad ng matandang babaeng katabi ko ngayon.

“Naging mahina at inapi-api na tayo sa labas, maging ba naman dito ay aabusohin parin tayo? ” She continued, and this time she moved toward me, causing my body to instinctively recoil.

“Ako si Marissa, Ate Marissa nalang ang itawag mo sa akin.”

“Ako po si Jam,” pagpapakilala ko.

"Mag-iingat ka sa pulis na'yan. Iba ang paraan ng pagtitig niya sayo," she stated. She didn't even bother to look at me when she said that.

"Naniniwala akong hindi mo kayang pumatay," she suddenly said, which made my eyes widen.

"Nararamdaman kong napagkaisahan lang din ang kahinaan mo," dugsong pa nito bago tuluyan akong nilingon.

"Hija, palagay mo'y kaya mong itama ang lahat ng ito kung makakalabas ka?"

"P-po?" I asked confusedly. Matapos niya akong titigan sa mukha ay mapait siyang ngumiti at ibinalik ang paningin sa mga kasamahan naming nag e-excercise sa gitna.

"Naniniwala akong karamihan sa atin dito, kagaya mo," she added, and I couldn't stop looking at them as well.

"Mahina ang babae sa mata ng marami. Para sa kanila, mabilis tayong mapaikot. At kahit isigaw natin na inosente tayo, walang makikinig, walang maniniwala."

I inhaled deeply, and I couldn't help but agree. She's right; my weakness allowed me to be used. Someone took advantage of my already-shattered life to force me into even worse circumstances.

I was fully aware that it was a ploy. However, I still don't know what to do because I was unable to identify how.

"Si Shin, murder din ang kaso niya. Gaya mo, sinasabi rin niyang inosente siya. Araw-araw 'yan umiiyak hanggang sa sumuko ito at biglang nagbago. Idinadaan niya ang galit niya sa ganitong paraan."

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