Burning Desires

CHAPTER 16

After hearing the news, we rushed back to his car; both of us were breathing fast. I instantly pulled out the seat belt and strapped myself in for safety. Alejandro was driving at a constant speed.

Walang salita ang namutawi sa aming dalawa, ngunit alam kong pareho kaming kinakabahan.

The only thing that kept playing in my head was "why". Why here? Why now?

This city is one of the most peaceful cities in the country. It has almost all the things and beautiful tourist spots that make it perfect. People were living without fear. Businesses were operating nonstop. The busy streets at night were comforting. Everything was perfect—not until I heard the news. Nothing chaotic like this has happened before, and it's kind of terrifying.

Malapit lang iyong munisipal namin dito kaya nag-aalala ako sa kalagayan ni Mommy. Ni hindi ko siya matawagan. Madaliang text lang ang naibigay ko sa kaniya.

Alejandro dropped me off at the hospital because Doc Lazaro has summoned all of us. Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero pakiramdam ko ay hindi maganda ang nangyayari sa loob.

"Take care," Alejandro said and pushed aside my hair to kiss me on the cheek. Hindi ako nakaiwas.

Tipid akong ngumiti. "You too."

Umalis na siya at ako naman ay nagmamadaling pumasok sa loob ng hospital. My eyes automatically roamed around, only to see a lot of patients crying and begging for help. A mix of intrusive emotions raided my chest, making me breathe unevenly.

Tumakbo ako palapit kay Loreta nang makita siya sa may hallway. Pinagpapawisan siya habang pinipigilan ang pagdurugo ng sugat ng isang pasyente.

"What is happening here?" I asked her.

She glanced at me. "There are a lot of patients, Desserie. Biktima sila ng mga terorista na sumasalakay sa siyudad ngayon."

I was about to ask again when a woman approached and begged me to treat his son. Kaagad kong nilapitan ang batang lalaki at kumuha ng mga gamot na kakailanganin ko. He has bruises all over his body, making him cry aloud. I hated the thought that an innocent boy became a victim of a terrorist attack. This boy is supposed to be playing with his toys and friends right now. He doesn't deserve to see the dark side of this world at such a young age.

Sunod-sunod na ang mga tumawag sa akin pagkatapos niyon. Ni hindi ko na maramdaman ang aking pagod dahil sa kabilaang ginagawa.

We once heard a bomb explode. I swear to God, it happened near our beloved hospital. Everyone was afraid at that moment, but they were still serving those in need continuously, and it was a never-ending cycle.

Madaling araw na nang humupa ang pagdagsa ng mga pasyente at nang maramdan kong medyo nahihilo na ako sa labis na pagod. I lifelessly walked towards a water dispenser and took a glass so I could drink.

Nang pindutin ko ang water dispenser ay walang lumabas na tubig. Inulit ko pa iyon. Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa lalagyan at nakitang wala na pala iyong laman.

I closed my eyes and sighed.

Fuck.

I was about to turn around when Doc Lazaro extended his hand and offered me a bottle of water.

"Drink this..." aniya.

Tinanggap ko iyon at nagpasalamat. Para akong hindi nakainom ng tubig sa loob ng tatlong araw dahil naubos ko agad ang laman ng bottle sa isang lagukan lang.

"Huwag ka nang mag-commute. Isasakay na kita pauwi."

Halos masamid ako sa narinig. "Hindi na po kailangan, Doc!"