[Seven-Minute Semblance] GENIUSFORSALE & VORSTELLUNGEN

Chapter 16 - Aegroto Dum Anima Est, Spes Est

A BOY WHO WISHES

Nicholas James.

7. January.
Friday, 10:00 p.m.
Wonderland Org.
San Leandro Base.

A WORD SENT ME BACK TO THE PAST.

My world stopped, and the pain in my chest burned brighter than the gnawing in my thighs.

Jule called me "Nik". That's what he called me years ago before everything fell apart.

Did he remember me? Will he remember me by that nickname and not by the horrifying image of the boy who ruined his family?

When we meet again, will he call me by that name and read me fairy tales?

More thoughts like this and I drifted off into a daze.

I didn't notice Alice until she put a chocolate bar on my head and said, "Masakit pa ba?"

I pointed at my chest. "Yes, it hurts over here."

Her eyebrows met in worry. "Why?"

"Jule called me Nik."

Alice heaved a sigh. "'Wag kang masyadong umasa, baka masaktan ka lang."

"He called me Nik! He remembered me as Nik!"

She placed the chocolate bar on my hands and said bitterly, "Ano, makikipagkaibigan ka sa kanya? Tapos kapag biglang bumalik ala-ala n'ya at pinagtabuyan ka n'ya, masasaktan ka tapos kung anu-ano na naman ang gagawin mo."

I frowned. "But he called me Nik, that's what he called me when we were wee wains."

"Still. Ayoko lang na masaktan ka. Mag-focus ka na lang sa pagiging Mad Hatter, 'wag ka nang sumegway ng mga paganito. Alam mo ba kung anong damage ng nangyari kay Tita Melissa?"

"But Alice, he called me Nik... My only friend was back."

She pinched my ear lobe. "Ano ako para sa 'yo, patatas?"

"No, you're my best friend! Release my ear!"

She held my shoulders. "Hindi mo kontrolado kung anong tingin sa 'yo ni Joyeuse. Ang tanging kontrolado mo ngayon ay ang plano ng Mad Hatter, at ang Wonderland."

I pursed my lips and nodded.

I wish I'm not the Mad Hatter.