THE SURVIVAL OF HELENA UNIVERSITY (On-Going)

CHAPTER 10: UNDYING HOPE

CRYSTELLE

I closed my eyes and let my mind drift back to the days when I and Sofia were inseparable. We were two peas in a pod, navigating the ups and downs of university life together. Our laughter echoed through the hallways, and our adventures were the stuff of legends.

One of our favorite hangout spots was the university library. We would spend hours poring over books, studying for exams, and sharing whispered secrets. It was in those quiet moments that our bond grew stronger, as we supported each other through the challenges of academia.

But it wasn't all about books and lectures. We also knew how to have a good time. The mall became our playground, a place where we could indulge in retail therapy and indulge in delicious treats. We would try on countless outfits, giggling like schoolgirls as we struck poses in front of the mirror. Our wallets may have been lighter, but our hearts were full of joy.

There were also those spontaneous road trips we embarked on, just the two of us and the open road. We would blast our favorite songs, singing at the top of our lungs as the wind whipped through our hair. The world was our oyster, and we were determined to make the most of every moment.

"Hey, remember that time we stayed up all night cramming for our finals?" I whispered to myself, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "We were so exhausted, but we kept each other going with endless cups of coffee and cheesy motivational quotes."

Sofia's voice echoed in my mind, filled with determination and a hint of mischief. "Come on, Crystelle! We can conquer these exams and then celebrate with a well-deserved beach getaway!"

But then, everything changed.

The unthinkable happened. Sofia transformed into a zombie.

As I look back on those happy moments we shared, I can't help but feel a pang of sadness. The memories of laughter and friendship are tinged with the knowledge of what Sofia became. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of the world we live in.

I watched in horror as the person I once knew, my best friend, became a shell of her former self. Her eyes were white, her movements jerky and unnatural. It was a nightmare come to life, and I was trapped in the midst of it.

I was torn between the love I had for my friend and the instinct to survive.
 
But amidst the darkness, I hold on to the hope that one day, The government scientists will find a cure for this zombie epidemic. And maybe, just maybe, I can bring my best friend back from the brink and restore the joy we once knew. Until then, I carry the weight of our memories, cherishing them as a testament to the bond we once shared.

“Let's meet again with a bright smile, Sofia” I whispered to the wind.

“Crystelle,” nang lingunin ko si Darra ay nakalahad ang kanyang mga braso.

“We're not close but I know how it feels to lose one of the most important people in our lives” she said as she hugged me. "I know... I know it's hard," her voice choked with emotion. "Sofia... she was your best friend. And it's not fair, it's not right that she had to... to..."

Her voice trailed off, unable to complete the sentence. But she didn't need to. We both knew what had happened.

"But we can't let this break us, Crystelle," she continued, her grip on my shoulder tightening. "Sofia wouldn't want that. She would want us to keep going, to survive."

Tears welled up in my eyes as her words sank in. She was right. As much as it hurt, I knew that Sofia would want me to keep going. She would want me to survive.

"I... I don't know if I can," I confessed, my voice barely a whisper.

"You can," Darra said firmly, her eyes locked onto mine. "And you will. For Sofia."

Her words, filled with conviction and determination, echoed in my mind. With a deep breath, I nodded, wiping away my tears. For Sofia, I would keep going. I would survive.

Ngumiti si Darra at tinapik ang balikat ko. “Magpahinga ka na” aniya at pinauna na akong maglakad papunta sa tinutulugan namin.

Kinaumagahan ay maaga akong nagising, tulog pa ang kasama ko nang sumilip ako sa siwang ng bintana.

“You wake up early,” mahinang sabi ni Zac sa likuran ko.

“Morning,” maliit akong ngumiti sa kanya.

“How are you?” he gently asked.

“I don't know,” I shrugged.

Lumapit s'ya ng isang hakbang sa akin. He took my hands in his, his touch was warm and reassuring.

"Crystelle, I know this is a dark and terrifying time, but we can't let it consume us," Zac said, his voice filled with unwavering hope. "We have to believe that there's a way out of this nightmare."

I looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of doubt, but all I found was a steadfast resolve. "But Zac, everything seems so hopeless. How can we possibly find a way to survive?" mahina kong sabi.

Zac squeezed my hands gently, his voice filled with conviction. "Because we will do everything to survive.”

His words resonated deep within me, stirring a flicker of hope that I thought had been extinguished. "But what about Sofia? I can't bear the thought of losing her."

Zac's expression softened as he brushed a strand of hair away from my face. "I know, Crystelle. Sofia was you friend, and her loss is devastating. But we can honor her memory by fighting for our lives and never giving in to despair."

Tama s'ya pero hindi ko pa rin maiwasang lamunin ng lungkot dahil sa nangyari kay Sofia.

Naramdaman ko ang pamumuo ng mga nagbabadyang luha sa aking mga mata, a mix of grief and gratitude for Zac's unwavering support. "I don't know if I can be strong enough, Zac. The world has become so dark."

Marahan akong hinila ni Zac palapit sa kanyang dibdib at nang aalo n'ya akong niyakap, his voice filled with tenderness. "Crystelle, alam kong malakas at matatag ka. Together, we will face the darkness and find the light. Trust in yourself, trust in us."

His words wrapped around me like a warm blanket, offering comfort and strength. In that moment, I realized that Zac's undying hope was contagious, spreading through my veins and filling me with renewed determination.

Tumingin ako sa kanyang mga mata, a glimmer of hope shining through your tears. "Susubukan ko. Thank you for comforting me,” I smiled gently.

Zac smiled too “No worries. Nandito lang ako palagi kung kailangan mo ng masasandalan”

And with that, I took Zac's hand, ready to face the challenges that awaited us. In the midst of the chaos and despair, I held onto his and my friends' undying hope, knowing that together, I could overcome anything.

A