The Phantom Detective ✓

Epilogue

THE NOISE of the raindrops almost hinder us from conversing. Umagang-umaga, umuulan agad. He was standing there, crossing his arms over his chest while looking down at the ground of this old waiting shed, avoiding my gaze.

"She won't see you," sagot niya sa hiling ko. "She's trying to detach herself from people."

I felt a prick on my chest. It has been two weeks since that night that we became their puppets — that I was fooled and became a traitor. Since then, I haven't attended school not until today. My father excused me and told our adviser that I have been through a tough situation and became ill — which are all true. May therapy sessions rin ako kaya somehow . . . my sanity is still with me.

Meanwhile, my brother had never been the same. Our worlds became a frigid black and white show like those back in the 20th century.

"Kung wala ka nang sasabihin, aalis na 'ko," paalam niya sa kaya napatango ako. I flashed a weak smile as he opened his umbrella to serve as his cover against the rain. Bago siya tuluyang makaalis, lumingon ulit siya sa 'kin sa huling pagkakataon. "All this time, I thought you were different, Wendy."

He walked away as the rain falls down on his umbrella. He left me with a huge pang on my chest. I'm sorry I've disappointed you, Kentonni.

I gazed down at my Yanji's, my phone, status bar. Only five minutes left before my classes start. The question is, do I have the nerve to enter the classroom and sit next to Zen, and show my facet to Skye?

Narinig kong hindi na restricted ang rooftop ng STEM building. Siguro naman pwede akong mag-stay doon para mag-ipon ng lakas ng loob bago sila harapin.

Naghihingalo na ang grades ko but skipping one class wouldn't hurt a lot.

Most of the students were already behaving in their classrooms so I've barely crossed path with anyone when I was climbing up. Nang pihitin ko ang doorknob at itulak pabukas ang pintuan ng rooftop, sinalubong ako ng malakas na hangin. Nanatili ako sa silong sa tapat ng pinto para hindi mabasa ng ulan.

Although the raindrops were loud, I still find here peace.

"Ah-le-le? I thought cutting classes wasn't your thing?"

Muntik na akong mapatalon sa gulat nang marinig ko ang pamilyar na boses na 'yon. Lumingon ako sa gilid ko at namataan ang isang lalaking nakasandal sa pader sa ilalim ng silong. He was wearing a hoodie jacket and the uniform underneath whilst holding a paperbag. He was also eating brownies.

"Z-Zen?"

"Oh, yow, cursed doll. Best morning," nakangiting bati niya sa 'kin at inabot ang hawak niyang brownies na halatang may kagat na. "Gusto mo?"

"N-No, thanks . . ." I stuttered as I show him my palm as a sign of declination. My chest was pounding so hard because I haven't seen him for 2 weeks yet he's here, acting like nothing happened at all. How could he do that?

Napanguso siya at umiwas ng tingin. "Can't believe you're refusing brownies. Anyways, what brought you here?"

I was caught off guard. Sheesh, ano bang dapat kong sabihin?

"I— . . . I don't feel like . . . attending classes. N-Nabitin ata ako sa 2 weeks kong bakasyon . . ."

He chuckled. "You've been sleeping a lot than you should. 'Di ka na ba nanonood ng anime sa gabi? Also, I suggest that you should return to your normal diet, you've lost 4 kilograms since the last time I saw you."

Napakunot ang aking noo dahil sa mga sinabi niya. Paano niya nalaman na sobra ang pagtulog ko? Paano niya nasabing bumaba ang timbang ko? I didn't even know it!