Code 365 Project Memory

Datum 35: Too Hot to Sleep

AL-KHAN INTERNATIONAL SUITES
Dubai City, Arabic Regions
Planet Earth, 22:00 (10:00pm)

Hagalaz' Point of View

"Asshole."

I found myself cursing as I stare at my phone on laid on my clean desk. A deep disappointment sigh came out of mouth unconsciously.

My eyes just pressed on my phone, watching how the seconds turns into minutes. Fucking dumb shit. Its been a week already since I gave my number to some random asshole.

Why did I even do that on the first place?

I let go of a total heavy sigh as I watch my phone without any kind of notification stand still on the empty table.

I felt a sense of horrible feeling. Shit. Bakit ganito ang nararamdaman ko?

Napatayo ako mula saaking kinauupuan at dumungaw sa glass walls ng aking hotel condo unit. The bright lights of the city somehow gave a comforting aura despite the situations being all harsh.

Especially for Stella.

Dama ko ang lamig ng salamin as I leaned my palms on it. Napatingin ako sa isa sa mga matatayog na sky scraper malapit saaking window walls. The reflection of red flashing lights caught my thoughts.

I can hear unusual silence inside that is deafening. Napatingala ako as I see star-less dark night skies.

I wonder how things are doing for that assho--

Agad na naputol ang aking isipan ng madinig ng aking tainga ang pag ring ng aking mobile phone. Without any hesitations, I immediately snatched the phone from the table and pressed my eyes on the screen.

An Unknown number.

For some particular reason, my chest started to tighten and feel my racing heart beats along my rib cage. Pinagmasdan ko ang pag patay-sindi ng ilaw ng aking phone habang patuloy nitong dini-display ang unknown number.

"Yes, Hello."

Mabigat kong pagsagot. I heard a dead air silence through the other line.

"Hagalaz, This is Maris speaking."

"Uh."

A sudden relief was felt inside my chest, but at the same time, the lingering feeling of disappointment upon hearing Maris' voice over the line.

"Whats wrong, Hagalaz? is there something bothering you?" the gentle tones of the Admiral through the line.

"Ah. No. Nothing. Just, tired, I guess."  I replied.

"Then you should be resting at these hours. Its kinda making me curious what makes the 'Most Punctual' Captain all awake very late? Oh--! don't tell me you have a girlfriend already?!!" She chuckled all playfully.

"Shut it, Maris. I don't have time for that bullshits."

She then chuckled and tried to maintain her authoritative voice. Hindi parin siya nagbabago sa kabila ng mga masasakit na nangyari sakanya.

I wouldnt even blame her for masking her emotions.

"So whats the reason you called?" I asked seriously. Her tone suddenly changed. I could even imagine her face on the line.

"The autopsy reports from the 11 suspects just got in. And you wouldn't even believe it."

I gazed through my reflection from my window walls. Mas nakikita ko ang aking mukhang seryosong nakatitig saaking sarili habang nadinig ko ang balita mula kay Maris.