DAY 1
THEY were all silent. Nagpapakiramdaman sa isa't isa. Nasa malawak na sala ng bahay nina Aiden ang magkakaibigan. Dahil sa nangyaring komosyon sa labas dalawang oras ang nakaraan, sinabi ni Riley sa mga kaibigan na maligo ang lahat para makasiguro. Sumunod naman ang mga ito.
Ngayon ay nakapalibot sila sa nag-iisang center table. She was sitting on one of the single sofa with Zenon on the arm of the chair, one hand on her shoulder. Ang mga kaibigan naman nila ay nakaupo rin sa mahabang sofa sa kanan niya at si Aiden ay nasa kabilang dulo ng center table. Kunot na kunot ang noo ng binata at halatang hindi pa nito nakalilimutan ang engkwentro.
"So?" panimula ni Caleb.
Dumako ang tingin ng lahat dito.
"Any idea what's going on?"
They all shook their heads except Mico, Macey's twin brother. Mas interesado ito sa mga snacks na nakalagay sa lamesa kesa sa usapan nila. Nakaupo pa ito sa sahig at pinapapak ang fries. Nakatikim tuloy ito ng kotong mula sa kapatid kaya uubo-ubong tinapik nito ang dibdib nang mabulunan.
"Mace, what the fuck?" galit nitong tiningnan ang babaeng nasa likuran.
"You pig... Stop eating. We're discussing a serious matter here. This concerns our safety," pagalit ni Macey sa kakambal.
Mico rolled his eyes. "I can hear you. It's not as if I'm missing out on anything."
Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Macey. "And how can you say anything if you keep on stuffing your mouth with those greasy fries?"
"You can do the talking. I can just listen. Hindi rin naman magandang lahat tayo nagsasalita, 'di ba? Common sense, my dear twin."
Macey bit her lip and smacked his brother on the head again. "Wala ka talagang kwenta kung hindi pagkain ang usapan."
"Zenon's been following the news," sa wakas ay wika ni Riley.
"About?" Sean inquired.
Si Zenon ang sumagot. "Patients in the hospital. The reports said that the patients started behaving strangely. And remember what those people outside said? Lumalabas ang mga pasyente para manghawa."
"And the fucking authorities are doing nothing about this?" inis na tanong ni Aiden.
Riley shook her head. "They are doing something, alright. But I'm sure that it got way too out of their control now. And they should've been warning us, instructing us on what to do." Kumuyom ang mga kamay niya. "Yet they are being silent on the media."
"W-What do we do now?" nanginginig ang boses na tanong ni Amie.
Riley's lip thinned. "What else can we do but wait. Hindi naman tayo pwedeng lumabas dahil secured tayo sa loob ng bahay na 'to."
"She's right," pagsang-ayon ni Sean. "We have to wait what the news will say and then that's when we decide on what to do."
Matapos iyon ay wala nang nagsalita sa kanila. Ang tanging maririnig lang ay ang hangin na pumapasok mula sa malaking pinto na papunta sa swimming pool. Mainit ang sikat ng araw, ngunit malamig ang hangin na dumarampi sa mga balat nila. It was a very contrasting feeling that gave chills down Riley's spine. It was as if it was a sign of something dreadful about to happen.
Masiglang tumayo si Macey kaya napatingin ang lahat dito. "Alright, guys. Let's go have some fun. 'Yon naman talaga ang pinunta natin dito sa bahay nina Aiden. The pool!" Her smile was stretched wide on her face, and if it was possible, her eyes would twinkle. "I'll go prepare some yummy food since 'di tayo nakapag-breakfast kanina. Go and change to your swimming attires. Marami akong nakitang challenges sa Tiktok last night." Tapos ay ngumiti ito nang nakaloloko.
BINABASA MO ANG
Darkness' Oasis
Horror90 days after an infectious disease spread in the country, he finally managed to muster his courage and set out to find that place. Despite his impairment that was caused by one of those creatures, his resolve was strong and unwavering. He will find...
