Unsuccessful Landing II: To Crash on His Arms (COMPLETE)

𝓚𝓪𝓫𝓪𝓷𝓪𝓽𝓪 1

As a child living in luxury, life wasn't easy for me. Yes, I have a very loving father, but I always feel like a part of me is empty.

At the age of six, I know it's because I don't have a mother.

Aside from that, I lived on a remote island without interacting with children my age. It was always dangerous to go outside. I've learned that the hard way 'cause when I tried to play outside, it only caused me trauma.

"Hawak ko na ang bata!"

I scream and cry from both fear and pain. I feel like my wrist is going to snap by the way he pulls it. Kahit anong  pumiglas ko ay hindi ako makawala. I regret going out to play. Nagsisisi akong sinaway ko si Daddy!

"Let me go! Daddy! PAPA!"

Umalingawngaw ang pagputok ng baril na nagpasigaw sa akin. I was shaking in so much fear. Lalo akong naghisterya ng iyak. I was sure then that I'm gonna die!

"Putangina! Pinatay si Boss! Tarantadong Samuel, hindi sinabi na ganito pala kadelikado ang gagawin natin!"

"Sila Miguel? Ang speed boat? Tangina! Patayin nalang kaya natin 'tong bata!?"

I'm going to die. I was sure of it. Bumalik sa isip ko ang lahat ng pangaral ni Daddy sa akin tungkol sa mga gustong manakit sa amin. I have no idea about how great the danger was because I was never in that situation.

Now, I learned it the hard way. To witness and experience it firsthand.

Another gunshot echoes through the forest. It was louder this time, and someone behind us screamed. Then suddenly, the man dragging me released my swollen wrist.

It was as if the heaven opened up and gave me a chance. Kahit nanginginig at takot na takot ako ay pinilit kong tumakbo patungo sa mas masukal na parte ng gubat para makatakas.

"PUTANGINA MO, CARLOS! Nakawala yung bata!"

I run. I continue running until I can't hear them anymore. Ilang beses akong nadapa dahil sa malabong mata dala ng mga luha. I run until I'm out of breath.

Huminto ako at nagpahinga sa isang malaking ugat ng puno. All I can hear is my heavy breathing and the sound of nature. It was as if nature wanted to cuddle me when the wind made the trees dance, drying my wet cheeks at the same time. For a short while, I feel at peace.

Ngunit binasag ito ng muling pag-alingawngaw nang putok ng baril.

Everything crumbles and the fear came back. Tumayo ako at muling tumakbo, lumuluha at nanginginig sa takot.

"Papa!" I called for my savior. "Papa!"

Heavy steps threatens me. Halos maubusan na ako ng hininga kaiiyak.

"Papa! Papa, help!"

I feel so tired. Huminto na ako sa pagtakbo kahit pa naririnig ko na ang papalapit na mga yabag sa likod ko. Hindi ko na kayang magpatuloy kaya iyak na lang ang nagawa ko.

"Papa..." I cried.

I heard footsteps on my side. I was so scared that it might be one of those men who wanted to take me. Umatras ako, only to stop when I saw a woman covered in a scarf and eyeglasses.

I'm scared still, but something in me tells me that she's not with the bad guys.

"A-Are you one of those bad guys?" But I still asked.

She shake her head and smiled. Umupo siya hanggang sa magpantay ang paningin namin, at tinanggal ang salamin niya.

"No... I'm here to help."