When The Night Sky Becomes Lively

Interlude

Hmm. What is this dream all about? I asked. I found myself wearing a pink off-shoulder gown. Kinapa ko ang aking buhok at napagtantong naka-tirintas ito na parang isang korona. My eyes roamed around and slowly, I realized what's going on.

Chandeliers above me, people on their formal attires. A red carpet beneath my feet. A pleasant Romantic music was being played by an ensemble. Hindi ko inaasahang dito ako mapaparoon. If I would site a reference, it would be "Romeo and Juliet".

Ganito ba ang panaginip ko dahil ito ang napag-usapan namin ni Dad?

I went to the makeshift bar and ordered a martini. Hindi ko maiwasang hindi pakinggan ang musikang pumapalibot sa buong lugar. I couldn't help but tilt my head left and right. It was Chopin's Waltz in A minor, wasn't it? A good choice.

When the martini I ordered was done, I took a sip. Agad na rumehistro sa aking bibig ang mapait na lasa nito na para bang sinusunog ang aking dila.

Behind me were tables covered in white cloth. Some were enjoying the desserts or drinks they ordered. Meanwhile, some people were chatting with each other. Perhaps it was a casual conversation rather than important matters. There were also a group of people dancing waltz. All of them were in sync and poise. Naramdaman ko naman na may lumapit sa akin kaya hinarap ko ito.

"Miss, may I have this dance?"

He offered his hand. I looked at his face directly, yet he wasn't familiar. Just a random guy. After hesitating for a while, I reached his hand. He guided me to the dance floor and swayed ourselves slowly.

Lahat ng sumasayaw ay sinasabayan ang ritmo ng musika. Nasa parte na kami na medyo mabilis ang tempo kaya sa simula ay nahirapan kami sa pagsabay.

Lingid sa aking kaalaman kung bakit ngunit nagagalak ako sa pagkakataong ito. The feeling that a romantic dance like this would make my heart beat faster. It seemed like anytime, I could feel butterflies on my stomach.

Nagpatuloy lamang ito hanggang sa biglang nabalot sa dilim ang buong lugar. A brownout? Pakiramdam ko ay biglang lumamig ang buong lugar. Mabilis ang tibok ng aking puso ngunit alerto ang aking isip.

Pagkabukas ng ilaw ay nagulat na lamang ako sa aking nakita. Mayroong pulang likidong nakapintura sa pader. Ganoon din sa aking damit. Nanlaki na lamang ang aking mga mata nang unti-unti kong napagtanto ang nangyari.

A massacre...All the guests were bathing on their own blood. And the last man standing...was me. I should be used to this since I witnessed someone being killed with no mercy. Ngunit hindi ko pa rin maiwasang kabahan.

Calm down. Calm down, I told myself. Yet I heard someone cocked a pistol behind me. I did a back kick but he disappeared without a trace. Muntikan na rin akong mawalan ng balanse.

At sa pangalawang pagkakataon ay narinig ko ang pagkasa ng baril. Ngayon ay sigurado na akong babarili na niya ako.

"Farewell, Alcantara."

That cold voice give chills. No way...it's

A gunshot roared across the place and-

"STOP!" Napabaligwas ako ng bangon at umupo. I was panting and sweating excessively. Pakiramdam ko ay aatakihin ako sa puso.

So it was only a dream. Or probably a nightmare. I covered my mouth with both hands. Mayroon bang umaaligid na yokai sa apartment? Or should I use the term multo?

Inhale. Exhale. I did it a few times until my heartbeat went back to its usual pace. After a long deep sigh, I somehow regained my composure.