Circa 2022
Divinigracia Manor
Pueblo Carcel

~ 7:30 AM ~

Mi Último Adios. Also known as "The Last Farewell". Iyan ang huling pyesa na isinulat ni Jose Rizal bago nito inialay ang kanyang buhay at tuluyang namaalam sa lupang sinilangan. Mahirap, ngunit panahon niya na. Goodbyes are like that. They're one of the hardest things to do. But it must be done. That is what the Familia Divinigracia must do in the days to follow.

Giselle's slow yet steady footsteps were audible as she was putting on a silver stud earring on her way out, but those steps slowed and finally came to a halt, as she walked by Liam's bedroom. She was calm and collected. She was ready to say goodbye. Until she came across a reminder of her late son. There is nothing more painful for a mother than losing her child whom she carried for 9 months and risked her life for so as to bring out into this world, her child who will always be a part of her.

She reluctantly entered her son's room, at sa bawat hakbang, unti-unting bumabalik ang kirot sa kanyang puso, unti-unting bumabalik ang pait ng nawala sa kanya. Her eyes glistened in grief as she stifled a sob. Still, she entered the room. Her hands feathered the blue walls of her firstborn's room. Red and black. She remembered. Liam wanted to paint his walls red and black, his favorite colors. It was also hers. Pero hindi ito pinahintulutan ni Matteo. Parang pambakla daw kasi yung kulay.

She then explored all his favorite things and books, every little thing sending her flashbacks of their time together eversince he was a toddler up to his adolescent years, voices echoing in her head. Every little thing had a memory of him, it was a good thing but it pained her, more water pooling in her eyes. Her last stop was his bedside drawer, taking his picture frame that held a their family picture on their first official roadtrip to Baler as kids, her hands shaking as she lightly touched his image as though caressing her son. Then it hit her, she would never be able to hold her baby again. She would never see him again. That was the daunting reality. It hurt when she had first heard of his untimely demise. But the most mortifying part is realizing her life will never be the same again. She will never see him, hold him, talk to him, hear him, or have him in her life again. It was permanent. And the mere thought of that just a day after his farewell killed her. How much more in the next years of her life?

Her whole body weakened and she couldn't stand on her both feet, hence, she fell seated on Liam's bed. Her tears finally fell, overflowing like a never-ending faucet. She gripped his picture tightly, holding it close to him - as if hugging him, as if he were still there... But alas, he wasn't. She thought she was ready for grief. She thought she was ready to face a life without her son. She thought she could handle the pain. She was wrong. She was so wrong.

As her tears fell, so did a piece of paper that seemed to have been clipped in and hidden in the slit of the frame. Napahinto siya saglit sa kanyang paghikbi upang pulutin ito sa sahig atsaka niya na rin nakita ang itinatago ng kanyang anak sa ilalim ng kama - isang gitara. Mangin ito ay kinuha rin ni Giselle, sabay bukas ng papel habang umupo muli sa kama.

Turns out it was a music sheet. He was composing a song, the title read "One Day." Giselle was a lover of music herself, she followed the notes on the sheet as she strung the guitar strings. It started out as a mellow, slightly melancholic tone.

The sun sets, the clouds block the sky,

No light would touch where the birds lie,
Wings clipped, blood spilt, nowhere to go,
Mama said the sun may not shine but I love you so,
Sister said to hide from the cold dark night,
But I want more, I want what's right,
No more flight, it's time to fight...

As the song progressed, well, it was still mellow, but there's an underlying hint of hope, joy, and optimism. Maybe there was a bit of frustration and despair, the yearning for grasping the happy and violence free childhood they never got.

Because one day, the mighty cloud will fall,
One day, the sun will shine again on us all,
One day, mama can sing the song of the nightingale
One day, night or day, my sister will freely sail
One day, I'll spread my wings and soar new heights
One day, the clouds will be one with us, its touch gentle and soft.

One day... One day... One day...

Certainly, it was a much longer song, but it was left unfinished because... well, wala na si William. And perhaps, even Giselle had no strength to finish whatever is left of it.

"Oh..." a faint whisper as her voice broke upon the realization.

'Oh, my sweet boy...' she thought to herself. Then she apologized unendingly as she held his picture, the guitar and his composition tightly to her heart.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, anak... Patawarin mo ako... I'm so sorry..." Giselle had snapped. She was now in complete and total breakdown, her tears running like the Niagara falls, her heart in shambles. She blames herself for not being there to save him, to protect him, for allowing him to leave thinking he would be happy not knowing it would lead to this unfortunate event instead. She blames herself for everything. She understood his song. The dark cold night and the cloud that clipped their wings being Matteo, the loss of hope because of his controlling attitude, the trauma it caused Maddie, the freedom Liam had lost. He held so much grudge against his father, but he had hoped that one day, it would change. One day, it would all be better.

That day never came.

Perhaps, the closest thing to that day was him leaving the cruel nest, ascending to the promised paradise beyond the clouds. Maybe that was his salvation. But that was everyone else's sorrow.

"I'm so sorry, anak. I'm so sorry hindi kita naprotektahan. I'm so sorry mom wasn't able to save you. I'm so sorry I didn't notice you were suffering. Patawarin mo ako at wala akong nagawa para pigilan siya... para ipaglaban ko kayo. I'm sorry I didn't do enough... I'm sorry I failed you. I'm so sorry..." Giselle kept at it, she almost sounded like she was chanting, but pain, bitterness, sorrow and grief could be heard in her breaking voice. Tuluyan na siyang humagulgol na tila'y isang bata.

There are no words to describe her pain. She is a mother. Once you become a mother, you can never stop being a mother. Her child will always be a part of her. When Liam died, a part of her died too. There is a hole in her heart, a void that no one and nothing else can ever fill.

The pain is not some fleeting stab to the heart. It is a jab, a stab, and a shot to the heart all at once, done so repeatedly towards a helpless mother whose hands and feet are tied in chains anchored to a weight that drags them sinking at the deepest darkest depths of the restless ocean. Ganyan ngayon si Giselle. It was taking from her, taking and taking hanggang sa ubos na siya, hanggang sa ayaw niya nang mabuhay. But then there's still Maddison. Giselle loved her, yes, but you can never love anyone more than your first child. They will always have a special place in your heart.

Another set of footsteps were heard heading towards the same room. Giselle, though grieving was aware of this and whose it was. Unti-unting kumalma ang kanyang pagtangis, dali-daling pinunasan ang kanyang luha, at pinilit na magmukhang matatag.

"Giselle."

There was no cruelty in the calling of her name. It was a soft, empathetic call. Despite their differences, he was not completely made out of stone. He was also a father who had lost his son, at kahit papaano ay minahal niya rin si Giselle. There was still a bit of concern for the mother of his child.

"Matteo, please," she was exhausted - from crying, from arranging a funeral, from taking the blame, from taking all the pain. She had no strength left. She would not meet his eyes. Nakatalikod lamang siya habang unti-unting lumalapit si Matteo. Even then, she toughened her voice because she was not having it. She cannot handle any more pain, "Kung nandito ka para sisihin ako at sumbatan ako-"

"No." He quickly cut her off.

No. He was not here to blame her. He was not here to hurt her. He was not here add salt to injury.

When he said that, Giselle was quite taken aback, finally meeting his eyes searching for truth. Is this a trap or is he truly sincere? She did not expect him to not be his usual self. But then again, this has always been Matteo through the years. Hindi mo mahuhulaan kung ano ang susunod niyang gagawin. He's very unpredictable. One second he's loving, the next, he's not. One second he holds you, the next, he lifts a finger. Warm then cold, rough then soft, on and off, and the cycle goes on.

But for this moment, he was a father and a husband. Umupo siya sa tabi ni Giselle. She flinched in his presence, but he still held her. He brought her close to him, to a warm embrace, his arms circling her petite body, leaning her head on his chest as he rubbed her back to comfort her. Matteo has never been Giselle's refuge, but today he was. Today, she melts in his arms and allows him to comfort her. Today, she will let her guard down, vulnerable in his presence. Today, she will let him love her in his crazy wicked way.

Nothing was said in the first few minutes. Hinayaan niya lang itong ilabas ang sama ng loob nito. Sa kabila ng pasakit na binigay nila sa isa't-isa, sa kabila ng lamat sa kanilang relasyon, malalim pa rin ang kanilang samahan. Each with their own secrets, yet each know each other well.

"He was suffering, Matt. Nahihirapan siya pero wala akong nagawa."

He said nothing. He just held her.

"Ang sama sama kong ina. Ang sama sama ko!" She was getting even more emotional, shifting to self-blame as a way to cope.

Matteo is the first person to blame Giselle, but today, he will not ler her do that to herself. Miraculous but just.

"Giselle, hindi. Hindi ka masamang ina. You did your best. We all did." He wiped off the tears on her cheeks, brushed her hair behind her ears and cupped her face. "Tahan na," he said flatly as he assisted her to stand back on her feet. There was no romantic love in his eyes, no warmth, but he did care. It did not diminish Giselle's grief, but it was enough for her to compose herself again. She needed to be brave for her son, for her daughter, for the family, for herself.

Mi Último Adios. The Last Farewell. It's time for the Divinigracias to say goodbye to William.

Together, they walked to the car and made their way to the funeral home - El Último Adios, in honor of Rizal's everlasting presence.

============================

Circa 2022
El Último Adios
Pueblo Carcel

~ 9:30 AM ~

The place was filled with empty chairs, the atmosphere cold and the pure white walls looked dull, a woeful shadow brushing every corner of the room.

At its center lies a wooden casket where an angel was to be sentenced to an eternal slumber - William Divinigracia. He was a charming young man, his face would light up the world. As he lay lifeless, oddly, it was as though he was never dead. He did not look pale, in fact, the mortuary make up didn't seem to seep through his skin. Para ngang natutulog lang talaga siya.

Right beside the coffin stood Maddison in her white dress and her long straight raven black hair flowing flawlessly on her back. Through the glass, she rest her palm, wishing there was no barrier between her and her brother, wishing she could still hold him.

Namuo ang luha sa kanyang mga mata ngunit pinilit niyang pigilan ito. Iniisip niyang kinakailangan niyang magpakatatag para kay Liam. Hindi magiging masaya si Liam pag nakita niya ang lahat na nagluluksa nang ganito. He died for her, she will live for him.

"Mas makapal pa ata make-up mo kesa sa'kin ah," she chuckled to conceal her shaking voice and her aching heart. Though she was alone, she tried her best to push off any semblance of emotion.

"Mom found your song today. I think she liked it... She misses you. Dad too. Ako rin. Miss na miss na kita. We all miss you..." she said innocently with a faint smile but she could not hide beneath her facade for too long. Her glistening eyes soon shed a tear as she was flooded with the memories of her brother, how he made her feel included, how he cheered her up or sang his songs, how she never felt alone, how he made her feel that she had a place in Familia Divinigracia. The last memory that left a sting being Giselle's breakdown in Matteo's arms. It wasn't just the part where she felt William was more loved. Of course, the favoritism towards Liam has always been obvious but it was the way when she saw Giselle and Matteo locked in an embrace in Liam's room, it looked as though Familia Divinigracia was a puzzle that perfectly slot into place and Maddie just didn't fit in. She didn't belong. That's what broke her heart. That's what triggered her tears to fall and break that facade.

"Ang daya-daya mo naman kasi Liam eh," sambit niya habang patuloy sa paghihikbi, "We were supposed to go home TOGETHER... We were supposed to grow together. You should've been making music, a-and- and fall in love and have a family o-or something. It wasn't supposed to end like this. Ang daya-daya mo!"

Patuloy itong humahagulgol sa pagkawala ng kapatid niya. It was breaking her heart, as though half of her died along with Liam. Albeit she has known pain, grief was an invasive emotion she was yet to navigate.

"You're a part of me I would never be able to shake... You're the only one who has ever made me feel as though I belonged somewhere... that I was accepted... I really wish you were still here, Liam..." she slightly mellowed down, though the pain can still be heard in her breaking voice, as she made her final words before she would wipe her tears off and toil in service to the family to make up for this tragic mess she believes she is responsible for.

But there, she was wrong. Paglingon niya ay inabutan siya ng panyo ng isa sa mga taong nagmamahal sa kanya - si Giselle.

"Hey..."

Maddie was partly startled when she had heard the voice, though she was very gentle. Nilingon niya ito at agad na pinahid ang kanyang mga luha. Hindi na niya pinansin ang inabot nitong panyo at naging balisa na siya sa pag-ayos ng kung ano ano - pagkain, inumin, upuan. She put on a forced smile. She didn't want to be a burden, after all, this is her fault, is it not?

"Ah, mom, hi. Uhh, upo ka muna? Gutom po ba kayo? Paghahandaan ko po kayo ng merienda-" balisa niyang tanong in an attempt to tame her own guilt or to perhaps fit in the family, but these silly musings were immediately interrupted by Giselle.

"Sandali, sandali... Hey... You don't have to do any of that. Ano ka ba?" malumanay niyang sambit kay Maddie, may halong pagtataka kung bakit ganoon ang kanyang asal subalit bahagyang alam niya ang tunay na dahilan. She stepped closer to console her.

"Kailangan po..." muli nanamang namuo ang mga luha sa kanyang mga mata habang balisa sa pagsasalaysay at pag-aayos ng kung ano ano. Pinipilit niyang magmukhang maayos subalit kahit anong pilit niya, lumalabas sa naginginig niyang boses ang pighati, "Kasalanan ko pa kung bakit nangyari toh- Kailangan kong bumawi, kailangan--"

Maddie was spiraling and Giselle knew, so she interrupted her before she could go on, grasping her shoulders lightly as though to bring her comfort, saying "Maddie... No, no. Why would you ever think that? No..."

Giselle took a deep breath whereas Maddie held back hers, stifling a sob once more.

"I know your dad said terrible words, but I need and want you to know that none of this is your fault..." she swiftly wiped off a drop of tear that escaped her eye and turned away. She too could not let Maddie witness her vulnerability. She walked over the table and poured herself some red, "Walang may gusto sa nangyari..."

Giselle downed her glass of wine and began to pour herself one more. Maddie's fingers fidgeted, unsure of her next move. Reluctantly, she confided, "Eh... nahihiya po kasi ako sa inyo eh... Hindi naman po ako pamilya rito..."

Giselle was so taken aback by her statement, a burden she did not think Maddie should bear, that she set down her wine and immediately moved closer to Maddie, holding her hands and meeting her eye to eye, hers in horror and deep concern while Maddie's in tears and inferiority.

"Oh, Maddie. Blood is not what binds us. Pamilya ka. You will always be a part of Familia Divinigracia," Giselle gently wipes the tears off of Maddie's cheeks.

"But you will never love anyone like your first child..."

Giselle was struck. Maddie heard them earlier, she thought. She understood that's where Maddie was coming from. She quickly rebutted, "That doesn't mean that I love you any less."

"Kahit na ampon lang po ako?" Maddie pointed out with her puppy eyes.

Giselle's tone shifted from soft to firm as she cupped Maddie's face and directed it to see the truth in the windows of her eyes, "Listen Maddie, I don't care what Matteo says, you are MY daughter. ANAK KITA. That will NEVER change."

There was something so convincing in the way she said it that had Maddie feel a bit lighter, a meek smile drawn from her lips. It's not that she and Giselle didn't get along, no. They have both always had a healthy relationship and Giselle was never cruel to her. She has always treated her fairly. Perhaps Giselle was merely preoccupied being Matteo's punching bag, so Maddie developed a stronger bond with the equally traumatized Liam. Nonetheless, Giselle's attempts warmed her heart, and so she replies, "Thank you po... "

Giselle smiled at her as they walked towards Liam's coffin, gazing at his image in the last few moments they'll be able to see him. The loving mother put her arm around Maddie's shoulder, gently rubbing her back -both to comfort her, as well as to draw strength for herself as she sees her child's lifeless body. They both stared at him for quite a while, still feeling surreal. This was a tragedy no one had expected. He was taken so soon. It was as if they were floating, numb but feeling all sorts of emotion at once, and yet the reality before them still never seems to set in. All that they could do was cry, mourn silently.

"Sana andito pa'rin si Liam, noh? Sana hindi siya nawala... Ang hirap pa rin po kasi eh... Liam has been my one sane person, the reason I didn't feel so... lost," and though her heart was aching, she smiled as the memories of Liam flooded her mind, until once more, reality snaps and the smile faded away, replaced by unending tears. She truly was lost. What is left? She continues, "And now he's gone and there's just nothing left for me... I don't have love anymore. Grief... That's all I have..."

Maddie's heart bled as she uttered the words, the plain truth from the bottom of her heart as Giselle did well to listen keenly before saying her piece. She was listening, she heard her as she opened not only her ears but her heart, rather than immediately dismissing the negative feelings ans carry on as though their lives have not just been altered forever. Giselle knew it weighed on Maddie, but she did not expect her burden to be as grave as this kaya naman nahabag ang kanyang damdamin. She turned to face her, both with eyes filled with tears meeting the other.

"My sweet girl. You have love," tila'y bulong niyang sambit sa anak. Mahina man ang kanyang pagkakasabi, her message spoke volumes as it was a message that came from a mother's heart. Maddie was confused by what her mother meant. She was so caught up in grief that affection seemed so foreign to her.

Giselle smiled as she tucked Maddie's stray hair behind her ear, and cupped her face like she was her whole damn world. There is nothing warmer and more comforting than the touch of a mother and what she said next, "I know that even from beyond, William will not stop loving you. And neither will I. You still have me. Hindi ka man nanggaling sa sinapupunan ko pero palagi kitang mamahalin at tatratuhing anak ko. I love you, Maddie."

Giselle boldly stated with conviction and that lifted the weight off of Maddie's chest, though not completely, knowing that she is loved meant a lot. Maddie broke down into tears as she heard those loving words out of her mother's mouth. Para siyang nabunutan ng tinik sa puso.

"So long as I breathe, you will always have love. And even with grief... Baby, what is grief... if not love persevering?"

Maddie did not have nothing. She has love. She will always have love even in the face of grief. Giselle would make sure of that. It was a promise. She had failed her son, she will not fail her daughter this time. The two joined in a heartfelt hug, the mother bestowing a kiss on her beloved daughter's forehead, holding her and protecting her from the tides to follow.

~1:30 PM~

It was past noon, and by that time, the lonely room was filled with distant relatives and friends, mostly business associates and nosy neighbours. They were still enjoying the lavish meals and accommodations the Divinigracias had prepared for them guests. Familia Divinigracia was a very small family so not much who were really close to them were there. Whereas, there were only few to zero friends from school who came. They either moved on right after college or weren't truly his friends.

What was that poem again? The one that goes...

They gathered round his dying bed,
His failing eye was glazed and dim;
But 'mong the many gazers, there
Were none who wept or cared for him.

Oh! 'tis a sad, a fearful thing,
To die with none but strangers near;
To see within the darkened room
No face, no form, to memory dear!

Ah, yes. 'The Stranger's Doom' by Edgar Allan Poe. If there was a perfect poem for William, this would be it. With the exception of Giselle, Maddie and Matteo, Liam died with none but strangers near.

Ang mas malala pa ay napapalibutan sila ng mga marites, backstabbing shit people who were nothing but leeches wishing to climb up the social ladder. Isang grupo ng mga marites ang lumapit kay Giselle para damayan ito, hinawakan ang kamay, hinagod ang likod. Mapanlinlang ang ngiti at luhang kanilang pinapakita sapagkat sa oras na umalis na si Giselle para asikasuhin pa ang ibang bisita, agad ring lumabas ang kanilang tunay na kulay.

"Ano ba yung itsura ni Giselle? Para nang losyang. Ano yun?" ani ng isang marites.

Far from it though. Giselle may not be as youthful as she once was, the glow in her eyes dimmed, but she was a beauty. She still looks young for a mother, and though a part of her soul was lost, she aged gracefully. However, it seems as though the Karens have a different sentimemt.

"Eh kasi naman, pinapabayaan ng asawa. Akala niya siguro natatago ng make up at damit niya yung mga pasa niya." sabat naman ng isa pa.

"Ganyan kasi kung maagang lumandi at nagpabuntis. Yan tuloy. Pati anak napabayaan. Pabayang ina." dagdag ng una.

Lingid sa kanilang kaalaman, naririnig sila ni Giselle kahit mula sa malayo. Maluha-luha ang kanyang mga mata, pero patay mali siya. She hid the hurt and sorrow as she refilled the cups for the guests. The criticism of the ton was one she has endured for getting pregnant in her teenage years.

"Yung Pamilya Divinigracia talaga, akala mo ang linis linis. Kung makaasta, perfect. Pero nasa loob pala ang kulo," patuloy pa rin na pangungutya ng isa pa.

Naku, naku, naku. Ang mga marites talaga, wala nang ibang alam gawin kundi manglait. Ano yun? Namatayan na nga tapos kailangan mukhang magara pa rin. Alam niyo palang inaabuso, imbes na tulungan niyo, lalaitin niyo pa?? Hindi nga malinis ang Familia Divinigracia, pero higit na mas bulok ang nga ugali niyo! Tss.

Hindi ito nakatakas sa pandinig ni Matteo, sa tindi ba naman ng mga boses nila. Kung siya lang, kanina niya pa binatukan at pinalayas ang mga taong 'tong wala namang kinalaman kay William. Akmang lalapitan niya na ang mga ito at papatulan, pero agad naman siyang hinarangan ni Giselle.

"Matteo, don't."

Nagkatinginan sila, mga naglalakihan at nanlilisik na mga mata - ang kay Matteo na punumpuno ng galit at tila nagsasabing, 'Giselle, get out of my way. Or else...'

But Giselle was unyielding. She may be submissive most of the times, pero pagdating sa mga anak niya, nagiging palaban na siya. Dahil sa mga anak niya, tumatapang siya. Kaya naman hinila niya si Matteo papunta sa silid na nasa likod lang ng kabaong ni Liam. Most funeral homes include a little bedroom space to allow the relatives of the deceased a place to rest and stay whilst watching over their dead bodies on rest.

"Matteo, 'wag mo na silang patulan. PLEASE," pagmamakaawa nito sa asawa.

Subalit, ayaw paawat ni Matteo, kaya nakakunot ang noo atsaka sumagot siyang mainit ang ulo, "Paanong hindi? Walang pwedeng magsalita nang ganyan tungkol sa pamilya na'tin!" He paused for a while, taking a glimpse on the door and partly being self-conscious and careful that their pure image as a family would not be further tainted by scandals, thus, lowering his voice yet still fuming with rage as he continued, "Kung babastusin nila tayo, pwes paaalisin ko sila. Nakikikain na nga lang eh. My son will not have a funeral surrounded by insolent people!"

"Sinasabi mong para sa anak mo, pero iniisip mo rin ba kung ano ang gugustuhin ng anak mo? O inuuna mo nanaman ba ang pansariling interes mo?" Giselle retorted in disbelief knowing all too well what was going on in his deranged mind.

"What are you talking about?" Matteo replies denying what he already knows.

"I'm talking about the fact na tama naman sila. Napabayaan na'tin ang anak na'tin. Ni hindi nga na'tin nakikilala nang maigi yung mga anak na'tin eh." maluha-luhang saad ni Giselle, na tila ba'y nagmamakaawa sa asawa niyang makinig at buksan pati ang kanyang mga mata.

Matteo was left dumbfounded. His eyebrows creased as his eyes failed to meet hers, using anger as a mask to the truth - his guilt. Yes, guilt. Even a monster as he is not devoid of such emotion. His fingers anxiously skimmed through his beard, as if seeking comfort in the familiar routine while he desperately tried to push aside the troubling thoughts in his mind.

Yet again, Giselle would not stop hangga't hindi nauuusig ang konsensya nito, "Alam mo bang nahihirapan na si Liam noon pa lang? Alam mo ba kung ano yung paborito niyang kulay?"

"Blue," Matteo answered thoughtlessly and impulsively, yet again putting forward his personal agenda over regard for his son.

She was very much disappointed. You would see kung paano siya nanlumbay, kung paano bumagsak ang kanyang balikat, kung paano nawala ang ningning mula sa kanyang mga mata, kung paano nagsibagsakan ang mga luha mula sa kanyang mga mata.

"Red and black, Matt. Red and black..." she corrected him as though agitated how he could not get a simple fact wrong. Pinunasan niya ang kanyang luha sabay hawi ng buhok niya pabalik na tila'y sinasabunutan ang kanyang sarili.

Ramdam ang pagod sa mga namumugtong mata ni Giselle, and her frustration could be sensed from her strained voice as she berated him, low the voice may be but the weight her words carried would strike a nerve in Matteo, "But you wouldn't know because pinilit mo yung gusto mo. Alam mo ba that he wrote a song? A really beautiful song? Hindi diba? Kasi pinigilan mo eh. Makikilala mo pa ba ang boses niya? Alam mo ba yung paborito niyang kainin? Yung paborito niyang lugar na pagbakasyonan? Yung mga pangarap niya?"

She looked at him, longingly, hoping for a reaction, but he just stood there. The sad part is she didn't even want him to give her a correct answer to things she doesn't even know. She doesn't even expect him to stop abusing her. She just wanted him to acknowledge his hand in this. She just wanted him to show that he cared, even just a little. But alas, he remained unmoved, foot planted on the floor, head high up yet his eyes fixated on the wall. He was guilty, yes, but he would never admit.

Giselle was so desperately annoyed and disappointed by his indifference that she began to feebly charge at him as though urging a response from him. At this point, her voice was raised higher, "Ano??? Hindi ka makasagot? Kasi hindi mo alam! Hindi mo kinilala ang anak na'tin!"

Matteo restrained her hands and reprimanded her to lower her voice in fear of the guests overhearing them. That only added fuel to the fire.

"NO! Kasi yung iniisip mo, puro nalang ikaw, ikaw, ikaw," diin niya habang tinuturo yung kanyang daliri kay Matteo at tinutulak siyang palayo. She continued, "Puro nalang yung gusto mo. You're so self-centered!"

"Wag mo nga akong sumbatan! Ba't puro paninisi ka? Ha? Bakit? Ikaw ba, alam mo?" Finally, Matteo snapped and pushed her back. He grasped her arms so tightly that it would surely leave a bruise. "Kung makapagsalita ka, parang wala kang kasalanan-"

Winaksi ni Giselle ang kanyang pagkakahawak sa braso nito at pinutol siya sa kanyang sinasabi. Pikit mata niyang madamdaming sagot, "Oo na! Sige na! Kasalanan ko na! Kasalanan ko na lahat!"

She was exhausted. She was tired of the blame game. She was tired of it all. She opened her eyes, but much to her dismay, the reality before her remained.

"Sige pa, sisihin mo pa ako! Sige! Sige na!"

Kapwa silang natahimik after Giselle's outburst. Halatang nagpipigil pa si Matteo. To him, he wasn't being a good husband. He was only giving her a free pass but if she weren't mourning, she would have shut her mouth hours ago. Bagamat nahahabag siya sa asawa, hindi pa rin niya nauunawaan ang pinanggagalingan nito.

Once more, Matteo's fingers sought solace in his coarse beard while his other hand rest on his waist. Whereas, Giselle's knees weakened, rendering her seated on the bed. It was a sight to behold, the epitome of the adage, 'So close, yet so far.' They were mere inches from each other and yet their hearts were several miles away.

Even then, Giselle attempted to reach out, extending her arms and grasping his hands, holding him, begging him, "Matt, hindi naman kasi kita sinisisi eh. Walang katuturan kung sisisihin na'tin ang isa't isa kaya please, tama na? Nakakapagod na eh..."

For a second, he looked at her, he pitied her, he felt for her, but his pride was bigger than any bit of what he felt for Giselle.

"Ang sa'kin lang, wag na tayong mag-eskandalo, dahil alam ko kung nandito lang si Liam, hindi niya gusto ng kaguluhan at away. Please... let's give him peace."

Just like that, he broke free of her hold, and asserted his dominance, "Bullshit. Sila naman yung nanggugulo ah!"

And there it was. This was a useless conversation at the end of the day. She constantly appeals to his humanity, but is there truly anything left of it within him?

Napatayo si Giselle, "Goodness, Matteo! Hindi mo talaga kilala ang anak na'tin! Only one person ever understood him more than me or you or anybody else. And that's the one person you constantly outcast- Maddie."

Yes. Maddie. No one knew Liam better than someone who was not tied to him by blood, but by love. It's ironic. Kung sino pa yung hindi mo kadugo, sila pa ang pinakanagpakita sa'yo ng kabutihan. Perhaps, that's what left Matteo so speechless with the previous statement. There's something about Maddison that gets Matteo. He is seething with rage at the thought of her, yet at the same time, there's a bit of fondness for Maddie that is unique and unlike any other affection he had for any person.

Still, he stood there devoid of empathy, and she simply gave up hope. With a heavy breath, she walked closer to his face and looked him straight to the eye, "You know what, gusto mong mag-eskandalo? Fine! Do what you want. Pero aalis ako. I'm not gonna stand here and watch you ruin everything."

Without any further warning, Giselle storms out, leaving Matteo in the room alone. Albeit a few heads turned as she exited the vicinity, most were busy in their own respective bubbles and her absence was not a topic of scandal. Matteo was left inside to reflect on his own failures. His empire was falling apart, and he had to take action.

~ 5:17 PM ~

The ceremony went on - the readings, the mass, the blessing, the talking with the guests - and yet Giselle was still not there.

Maddie knew something was wrong, but she was too scared to overstep, hence, she hid in the farthest corner of the room, avoiding the limelight and letting Matt set the pace.

At this point, it was family and friends' moment to speak of the deceased, reminisce the memories that have been, say nice things about their beloved. One might call this part, the eulogy.

Everyone sat still in silence, paying full attention to what's in front of them. The floor had been opened for anyone who wanted speak of William, but the only sounds that could be heard was the chirping of the crickets as no soul had a thing to say about him. They were only here for the food. Classic Filipino trait.

Maddie anxiously fidgeted her hands, anxiously picking at the skin around her fingers in the hopes of calming her nerves. She held her head down. Every muscle in her body was telling her to take the center stage, but her brain would not cooperate. She loves Liam greatly, but is that love stronger than her fear of Matteo?

As no one would take the floor, Matteo walked up the podium and took the mic. He was unsure how to start it, but the pride in his composure was ever present. He searched the eyes of all the guests and yet none showed a semblance of empathy nor emotion. No face no form to memory dear... They were surrounded by strangers who couldn't care less. His nerves partly trembled in anger realizing the indifference of the people, and that's when it hit him that this was exactly how Giselle must have felt at his apathy.

He cleared his throat and with a loud and proud tone, he said, "A lot of people may expect me to come up here and talk about how perfect everything has been. Well, keeping a healthy image for our family is very important to me, and we are a great family. Kaya nga La Mejor ang tawag sa aming kumpanya..."

No one was listening. And he realized that, causing him to pause. For the first time in the longest time, he once more felt small in a room full of people. His eyes roamed around the room to search for a hint of genuineness, and after a while, he found that there was only one pair of eyes that showed not only a little, but an immense care and love in their eyes, their eyes which hide in the darkest corners, covered by a thousand slithering snakes.

Knowing that one person cared enough is what sparked him. Once more he felt big enough. And he continued, "But I would be lying if I said we were perfect... We were far from perfect."

Only then did the guests start to pay attention. Maddie turned her attention to Matteo. She was surprised that he admitted that when all he cared for in the last x years of their life was maintaining a good reputation. Everyone expected him to gloat, but he did not. Hearing him admit his flaws was a first, one that had caught many off-guard, and had opened their ears.

Matt continues, "My son and I... We had a complicated dynamic. He was disgusted of my pride, I hated his whims. But I am his father, and he is my son. In the end, mahal pa rin namin ang isa't isa..."

That was true. In the midst of all his violence, his arrogance, his dominance, he did love his son, just not enough. Just then, Giselle had returned back from her escapade, gaining some fresh air. Matteo had not seen her at first but the moment Giselle realized she came back too soon, she was about to walk back out until she heard him speak...

"Earlier, my wife told me something that was true. We do not truly know Liam. And I didn't believe that. Until this very moment. I have been searching the room for any compassion. I saw none, except one."

Then he saw her [Giselle]. His eyes met hers. For now, they see eye to eye. Her gaze softened. THIS was the Matteo she loved. He looked at her to gain validation, encouragement. She nodded in response, urging him to go on, and they both smiled softly. They never took their eyes off one another.

"There was only one person who truly knew Liam, saw Liam, understood Liam. That person should be up here right now. She should be the one giving his eulogy."

And then he looked at his beautiful daughter, "Maddie, anak?"

All eyes turned to her and she was shocked. She was seen. She was heard. She was included. Only for a fleeting moment. She was hesitant to approach the podium at first, asking for Giselle's permission but her mother only nodded and smiled. She turned to Matteo who did nothing but the same. She felt like walking into a trap as she slowly took small paces to the front. And then she looked at Liam's picture. Liam and his crazy smile. Liam would've wanted her to speak. She wanted to. Then she knew, it was not a trap and so she stood firm yet humble, grasping onto the mic as she searched for words.

Speaking in front of the large crowd was not much of a problem for her, but like her father, there are moments where even though her voice echoes through the entire room, she still felt small.

"Um... magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat... Um..." she continued to fumble as she saw the guests beginning to yawn. Matteo himself began to be anxious of his Maddie searched across the room for encouragement, and she found her mother's. Her gentle smile spurrrd her on so she continued, "Andami po talagang pwedeng ikwento tungkol kay Liam. Hindi ko nga alam kung saan ako magsisimula. He's a really interesting person. Napakatalented. Matalino. Masigla. Adventurous."

Maddie gleamed as the memories of his late brother flashed before her eyes. Her mind took notes of his smile, the glow in his eyes, the sound of his voice. She glanced at her brother's image one more time, then she herself felt less small.

"Siya yung nagbibigay ng saya sa'min. In a room full of squabbles, he is the symphony that turns frowns into big smiles. William wasn't just a brother. He was my best friend. He was there for everyone..."

As she narrated, her nerves began to steady, and she didn't focus on all the other guests who seemed to begin to pay more attention now that someone with a big heart has spoken. Matteo understood. 'In a room full of squabbles...' for that he was responsible. Matteo searched for Giselle's eyes in the crowd and they found their way to one another. He understood now. Maddie was worthy.

"And he was selfless. Inuuna niyang isipin ang iba. Kung nandito nga siya ngayon, ayaw niyang nakikitang umiiyak tayo. Pero ang hirap gawin non kasi miss na miss ko siya eh. Miss na miss natin siya. Sobra."

As much as she tried to force a smile, to keep herself happy for Liam's sake, she couldn't help but shed a tear. Neither could Giselle. She felt like a terrible mother. Matteo wanted to cry, perhaps he was close to shedding a tear but none would come. He felt guilty, yes, but his veins were ice cold from years of cruelty.

"Ang hirap maging masaya kasi wala na ang nagbibigay saya. Sorry, Liam, ah? I'm sorry hindi kita nailigtas."

What could she have done to save her brother from the car crash? One might ask. There was nothing she could do. But alas, she was not talking about the car accident. It was about that time in the void between life and death. She and Liam were hanging by a thread. Liam had held on and she was at the brink of fallen with only her brother's hand as refuge. She genuinely believed that if she let go, she dies and he lives. She believed falling into the pit meant death and not resurrection. Even then, Maddie was wracked with guilt as she wished she held on longer rather than willingly breaking free of his hand.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there to hold on any longer. Akala ko ikaw ang maliligtas at ako yung-" As much as she wanted to pour her heart out, she didn't want anyone to think that she was hysterical and out of her mind. She continued, "I tried to hold on longer. I tried. I really tried..."

Her tears flowed endlessly as she felt her heart clenching. Though she wiped off the tears, and put on a smile, she will always grieve for Liam, her love persevering.

To lighten the mood, she shifted the topic, "Ay ano ba yan? Sorry, umiiyak na naman tayong lahat oh? Oh bro, wag ka nang magalit, ito na. Ngingiti na kaming lahat..." At this point, the guests became more sympathetic and joined Familia Divinigracia in their mourning. Perhaps, with Maddie speaking from the heart, they became human in the eyes of the people who viewed them as wealthy emotionless robots.

"Ok, thank you Maddie-" Matt attempts to transition smoothly after her speech, but Maddie had more to say, "Music! Oh wait! Bago akong umalis. Liam really loved music."

The whole time she was struggling what to say about Liam, when it suddenly hit her, music was the core of his being. She placed her mic down and turned to her dad, asking for his permission knowing all too well how he did not fancy music, "Can I please let them hear it?"

Matteo was torn at first. He searched for Giselle in the crowd for a bit of encouragement but could not find her. The decision rests entirely upon him now. But how could he say no? This was not about him. This time, he was to choose his son. He responded, "Well, beloved guests, I suppose there is no better way to close the ceremony than with a song."

Maddie gleamed when he gave his approval, she would almost leap for joy. She went to the center stage once more to sing for his departed brother. The guests began to murmur indistinct conversations, she began second guessing but was determined to do this for Liam, to share what he wanted to but never got the chance to do.

She started solemnly, "The sun sets, the clouds block the sky, No light would touch where the birds lie," It was very quiet, the silence was deafening. She was alone. That's how it felt. She almost wanted to storm off, until a new sound greeted her ears, the soft hum of the guitar strings.

The guests and Maddie turned to where the sound came from. It was Giselle strumming her son's guitar, providing musical accompaniment to Maddie's song.

This time, Giselle sang the next few lines, "Wings clipped, blood spilt, nowhere to go, Mama said the sun may not shine but I love you so,"

Maddie was not alone. She had her mother. And that's what kept her going. That's what will keep her going. A family. Love persevering. "Sister said to hide from the cold dark night, But I want more, I want what's right," Maddie continued.

And together now, "No more flight, it's time to fight... Because one day, the mighty cloud will fall. One day, the sun will shine again on us all. One day, mama can sing the song of the nightingale. One day, night or day, my sister will freely sail. One day, I'll spread my wings and soar new heights. One day, the clouds will be one with us, its touch gentle and soft." Giselle later joined Maddie on stage as they sang in a more joyous tone albeit with teary eyes. They could only hope that Liam got their message.

As the song went on, the audience joined their hymn, hands waving in the air or clapping, creating a wonderful rhythm. It wasn't just the music. It was their unity that made things better - no feud, no lies, no apathy, no animosity. Just a song. And if only time could freeze. Matteo watched his wife and daughter and for the first time in a long while, a strange feeling started to kick in. Longing? Fondness? The desire to run upstage, burst into tears, and just hug his family? To just scream with them, laugh with them, cry with them, mourn with them? To love?

Because that is exactly what he did. With no more shame, he climbed the stage and joined his family, "One day... One day... One day..." and as soon as the song ended, he took Maddie and Giselle into a warm embrace, burying his face at the crook of Giselle's neck as he finally let himself be vulnerable while Giselle rubbed his back and Maddie rest her head on his shoulder overwhelmed with emotion. They indeed did laugh together, cry together, mourn together, sang together, hugged one another on this one day.

Maddie once more saw her brother's figure on one corner, smiling at her, and nodding. Yes, they will be ok. It's ok to bid his last farewell now and journey into the sweet hereafter.

~ 10:53 PM ~

⚠️‼️TRIGGER WARNING : Mentions of SA / R4P3 / Domestic violence‼️⚠️

After their song number, the event wrapped up, all the guests and mourners have vacated the place, and the venue was tidied for tomorrow. The night was cold and silent. The doors were locked and Maddie was sleeping in one of the family lounges of the funeral home. They would be staying here for a few nights until Liam would finally be buried, leaving the Divinigracian manor empty.

In a separate lounge, Giselle was still wide awake, dressed in her black satin nightgown with a slit and flowing sleeves, subtly exposing her seductive curves. The mirror sees the alluring young lady she is, looking a bit old for her age but still beautiful and young, nonetheless. She sits in front of the vanity, uneasy and a bit tense, as she holds her silver necklace with a garnet pendant. Giselle examined it closely, its cuts, and its luster. It was gifted to her by her late father, said it was to protect her, but why oh why are her lips and skin blemished with bruises as red as the garnet charm?

10:53 PM.

Giselle took note of the time as though she had an appointment she couldn't miss. In reality, she thought, today was great because she saw the husband she fell in love with. But was it meant to last? Where is he now? When the night was cold, where was he to hold her in a warm embrace? The garnet necklace reminded her of who her husband is now. It harshly reminded her of transience, a fleeting beauty that mirrored the impermanence of her husband's kindness. She was counting down the minutes before Matteo lost his temper and made her bleed deep red hues as the garnet.

She let go of the necklace, retiring to bed and surrendering to sleep. She was really hoping that Matteo - the kind one - would show up.

A LOUD THUD.

The door flew open, and right on cue-

"Matteo??" Agad namang bumangon si Giselle upang alalayan ang lasing niyang asawa. He looked like he came from hell. His hair was all tangled in a mess, his necktie loosened, half his polo is tucked out of his trousers, and the upper part was revealing his hairy chest.

"Hello, my lovely wife," he smirked like a maniac as he moved closer to Giselle as if wanting to back her further and held her cheek but her eyebrows creased, "Lasing ka ba??" to which he chuckled in response, "Of course noooot..."

Oh he is. He could barely form a formidable sentence, and couldn't walk in a straight line if an officer asked him to.

"Ok, Matt, matulog ka na," Giselle trying to tame him. He began spewing inaudible nonsense as Giselle tried to lay him gently on the bed, but he would not rest. Pinilit niyang bumangon at hinawakan ng mahigpit ang mga kamay ni Giselle, "Nooo, no," he said to her in a singy songy whiny tone. Giselle could not fight him off as he held her hands like a twig. Giselle surrendering in defeat, Matteo backed his wife to the corner of the room. Her back met the cold as he pinned her to the wall. Matt positioned his two arms against the wall, basically barricading Giselle so there was no escape from his grasp. He closed the space between them until there were only mere centimeters between them and they shared the same air.

"No." this time Matt said seriously in his deep hoarse voice. He wasn't playing around anymore. It was different because before he entered the room, he looked like a foolish drunk, but this time, his eyes turned dark and he was a totally different person- a scary man ready to torture his victim.

"Matt..." her voice was shaky, her eyes almost pooling with tears as they screamed in fear, begging for help, but no one could hear, no could come. Her meek eyes met his killer eyes, and that's when she knew. The man she loved is no longer here. The time was over.

"Shh... Shh..." Matteo shushing her like she was a child, as he ran his steel cold fingers along her cheeks. Giselle looked away, trying to catch her breathe as his presence was suffocating. She took in gulp after gulp, her chest heaving and her neck forming a deep well. Matt's finger continued to trace her jawline, turning her face to his one more. "'Wag kang umiwas sa'kin..." he said almost sounding threatening despite the soft tone. Giselle complied, locking eyes with him, a dance with the devil. This is what he wanted. To show her he was in control. His hand continued to travel down her collarbone and finally wrapped around her neck, causing her to gasp and jerk in surprise.

You'd wish the hand stopped there, but alas, it did not. He hastily unfastened her robe. The piece of cloth fell to the floor like a leaf and her shoulders were exposed. Matt slowly lowered both sleeves of her gown until her whole body was exposed, cold and bare. He maliciously scanned her from head to toe, taking in the view right in front of him, as she stood there almost numb but crumbling within.

"My wife is so beautiful," he spoke in a raspy whisper, smiling like a creepy maniac. This was not a compliment. This was his way of reminding her of her place. That she is HIS property. HIS wife. HIS beautiful thing. It was not her allure nor the attraction to her body that brought him excitement. It was the fact that he was above her, that she was his inferior, that he still had power over her. Giselle's heart thumped faster as Matteo suddenly moved ever closer to her face, brushing his nose to hers. She closes her eyes and finally, the tears escape.

"Do you ever regret it?" He pauses. She looks at him perplexed though quite having a hint what he meant. He then clarified, "Marrying me?"

Giselle's gaze softened, dumbfounded by his question, how a heartless abusive man begins to reflect. She thinks for a while what to say, one that was true yet one that would not bruise his ego nor provoke him to retaliate.

"I regret getting married too young without having achieved more for myself, for the sake of giving my son a father. But I don't regret having loved you. What I regret the most is how things went down between us," she finally answers earnestly. She did love him, if not as a husband, then at least as the father of her child. But IN LOVE? Well, it was a different story.

"You know that I love you right?"

Lies. But she wanted to believe him. She wanted it to be true. But if he really loved her, he wouldn't do the things he did to her, would he?

"Matt..." she said feebly as though a lump formed in her throat. He placed his finger on her mouth, shushing her before she could protest. His hand moved from her neck to her cheek, gently wiping away her tears. HOOK.

"Kailangan kita... please don't leave me," a daunting sense of desperation from his voice, one that could amass pity. LINE.

Inangkin na ni Matteo ang kanyang mga labi. She didn't respond but she closed her eyes and let him kiss her but there was no warmth. Nothing about this was romantic, if only scraps of romance, and that, she accepted. That, she settled for. SINKER.

"I'm not going anywhere." she earnestly replied once he released her from that suffocating kiss.

Just like that. Hook, line, and sinker. He got her.

Matteo, by surprise, forcefully lifts Giselle off the ground, from the wall to the bed. He wasted no time unbuckling his belt and then turning her on her belly as he thrust himself into her from behind. Obviously, he entered the wrong hole. Matteo had... peculiar habits, those that are quite painful for the person at the receiving end. To put it quite directly, he would f*ck her in the a*s. Perhaps because it brings him pleasure that he could not care less if it brought Giselle pain, or perhaps because he reveled in her misery. And perhaps, this might be the reason why they were never able to conceive after Liam. Maybe Giselle was never the problem.

She squirmed and whimpered for a second as he mercilessly pounded into her. Years ago, when this sort of thing happens, tears would flood her face while she screams in terror and begs him to stop but he played deaf ears to her pleas. She would struggle for air and she would grasp the sheets tight while he rode her like a broodmare. But now? Now, it's as though all life has been drained away from her. She just froze. She did not scream. She did not wail. She did not react. Her hands hang lifeless by the edge of the bed. She stayed still and took it all in, holding her breath until it was all over. She didn't like any part of this. She didn't want to be f*cked.

It must be quite strange that while Giselle is a battered wife, she manages to stand up to Matteo when they have a squabble. But when it comes to sex, it's as if she just freezes. Every nerve in her body wanted to push him away, kick him, run somewhere safe, tell him no, or to just move. But she couldn't. Somehow, she just freezes, helplessly. Matt and Giselle are rarely intimate, but when he fucks her, somehow, he lords over her. Sex was one of Matteo's way of undermining and controlling Giselle. Using their kids is another. But sex was on a different level, a personal attack, a reminder that he still owns her, that he can have her whenever he wants, that he can reduce her worth, that he can come and go as he pleased whereas she'd simply endure. Perhaps because Giselle was never really confident with her sexuality. He was her first, and it didn't go well. Perhaps that's why he got her. By force. And everytime he forced himself onto her, he took a piece of her soul. He took her apart piece by piece until there was no fight left in her.

He continued to fuck her for what felt like an hour or more until he got what he needed, but Giselle never came. At certain times, his dick went soft. Needless to say, he was lousy and selfish. He could never satisfy a woman.

Noong nakuha niya na ang kailangan niya, he laid flat on his back next to her and fell into a slumber. Giselle stayed still. Does she love him? Does she hate him? She was glad that for a while, Matt and her seemed to have rekindled a bit of their "love". But goodness, napakagago rin niya. She's willing to put out but he could have read the room that she was obviously not comfortable. She laid there, in pain all over - her body sore, her soul shattered, her heart in mourning. The long hand of the clock struck 12, and she closed her eyes, a tear finally managing to escape.

11:54 PM

The night was cold and embraced by blue hues as the wind blew in a strange way.

The wind wasn't just passing by. It was howling. Strange noises and whispers and pleas, mga kababalaghang nangyayari sa loob ng Pueblo Carcel, masked beneath the mist. Mga kasalanang pilit na pinagtatakpan ngunit laabas din sa takdang panahon.

In the middle of her sleep in the adjacent room of the funeral home, Maddie's eyes suddenly opened, her gaze unbroken by any blink. She slowly got up from her bed and walked out of her room barefoot as though she were possessed. She had left the door open and walked past the coffin. Pero hindi si Liam ang sadya niya.

The moonlight peeped through the glass doors, pulling Maddie to stare at its reflection. There she stood in the middle of the room where she had been earlier. And then, a strong gust of wind flung the doors open, greeting the young maiden. Maddie loomed almost ethereal in her white lace nightgown as her hair flew in the direction of the wind.

Isa...

Tulong...

Incoherent whispers were heard from all directions of air that Maddie was drawn to it. She walked out of the funeral home, and then out into the cemented roads, and then in the blink of an eye, she was in the middle of the dense forest where the moonlight could almost not penetrate with the thick foliage that covered the then-known, Sitio Maravillas.

As the light left her surroundings, Maddie suddenly gasped as though she had awoken from a sleep walk, and now she regains consciousness. She stares at her bare feet, startled by the rustling of leaves when she jerked from her position.

"Nasaan ako??" she panicked instantly as she circled from where she stood. She looked around and all she could see were trees enveloped in dark shadows. "Mom?! Dad?!" she called out into the abyss yet only the echoes of her own shaky voice responded to her call.

Cold hit her back. The sharp thorns of leaves and debris on the ground pierced through her fragile skin. The hiss of snakes hidden beneath the bushes. The screeches of bats. The buzzing of crickets. The howls of unknown creatures. Imagination ran wild, Her chest began to heave as she breathed in and out, sweat started to roll down her face, panic getting the best of her.

Dalawa...

Tulong! Tulong!

The voices grew uncontrollably, a roar coming from behind Maddie. Even when coated in thick mist and shadows unknown, her instincts kicked in and ran away from that noise as fast as she could. She knew there was something lurking in the shadows. She couldn't see for sure but she felt it that something was after her. Something was out for blood tonight.

And she ran and ran, but the growls sneered more fiercely and the cries grew louder indicating na papalapit na ang halimaw. Everything felt like surreal- the whoosh of the wind against her hair, the whistles of the forest into her ear, her eyes blurred into a tunnel vision, the sharp edges of the twigs piercing through her soft skin, running into the unknown shadows beneath the mist as though one were in a nightmare sequence.

While thousands of other scenarios she's seen has remained in her dreams, this one this time was very real.

Dalawa...

BOOGSH

"Tulong! Tulong! Tulong!"

Isang di kilalang estranghero ang nakabangga ni Maddie, kaya naman bigla siyang napahinto sa pagtakbo. The innocent civilian's then white shirt was now painted with splashes of red, her jeans now tattered into rags, her shoes in tear, her hair in a loose bun. Sweat and blood and tears streamed through her face. Halos hindi maipinta ang mukha nito, sa halip, takot. Fear. Fear painted her face.

She gripped Maddie's wrist as her every nerve trembled, "P-Please, tulungan mo ako... M-May... M-May-" nanginginig niyang pagmamakaawa sa dalaga. Tila hindi siya makabuo ng ni isang matinong salita sa sobrang takot.

Maddie was so confused and she herself was rattled. What the hell was going on? How did she get stuck in this position? Gayunpaman, pinilit niyang kumalma at pinatahan ang estranghero, "A-Ano pong meron??"

"H-Hindi ko alam. Basta naglalakad lang kami kanina tapos bigla nalang kaming nasa gubat-" utal-utal niyang paliwanag. Tila'y hirap siyang isalaysay ang mga nakita niya. Whatever she saw would mean it was truly so daunting that it has traumatized her beyond words. Maddie could feel her fear, her heart pounding like a drum, louder and faster than it has when she had been in her nightmares.

"M-May mali sa lugar na'to. M--May kung anong malignong hindi namin maaninag. Hindi sila basta hayop. P-Para bang pinagsama-sama yung mga sira-sirang bahagi ng katawan..." patuloy na nanginginig na salaysay ng babae. Maddie was never one to believe in the supernatural, pero noong tinukoy ng babae ang imahe ng halimaw, kinilabutan siya. Her feet trembled from where they stood.

They were not safe right now. They should keep running, keep going. Hide, or grab a weapon. but they didn't. They both froze amidst the swaying trees. Maddie tried to keep her hands to herself but the lady's nails dug into her wrists, urging Maddie to go with her direction. Her eyes pooled with tears as she stared into Maddie's terrorize brown orbs, almost looking like a maniac, "Isa-isa nilang kinuha yung mga kasama ko... Please, tulungan mo akong makalabas dito! Kung hindi, papatayin nila tayo!!"

Sa wakas, gumalaw na ang babae at pinilit hilahin si Maddie para tumakbo palayo, pero hindi sumunod ang dalaga. Her foot was planted deep into the ground, as though captured and intertwined with the roots beneath.

'Hindi... Hindi posible yan. Walang masamang mangyayari... Walang mga maligno o ano mang kababalaghan. It's all make-believe. It's all fiction. Hindi 'yan totoo. There is no danger here. Guni-guni lang 'toh....'

Ito ang litanyang dumaloy sa isipan ni Maddie. She didn't believe in the supernatural. It's not possible. Muli niyang binalikan ang minsan nang payo sa kanya ng kanyang ina-inahang si Giselle noong binabangungot siya: 'The only danger is your fear...'

That proved to be true. As of now, Maddie saw nothing. It's all pure imagination and fear of what lurks in the shadows.

'Wala kang dapat ikatakot, Maddie, dahil hindi totoo ang mga multo....' She thought to herself. Safe to say she's in denial. But she thought it was foolish to fear something she doesn't know is even real. She needed a face, a name, a label, whatever - anything to paint a concrete image of what has to be feared, if it even is something she has to fear. She was searching for a sense of rationality, rather than following her instinct.

"Sino sila?" she tried to still her racing heart as she asked the stranger, although the other seemed to attempt to pull away to run and seek refuge elsewhere. She evaded the question and was wriggling so as to run, but then came to a full halt with eyes wide, pupils dilated, fixating on one thing. Shivered breaths escaped her mouth as she dauntingly replies, "Mga halimaw..."

The stranger's hold on her grew tighter that Maddie felt the girl's pulse beating so frantically and violently that it could burst out of her veins, echoing pure unbridled fear. The girl's eyes no longer met Maddie's, rather, directed to what stood behind her...

She felt it. She felt a presence looming over her from behind. Alam mo yung hindi mo nakikita pero ramdam mo na may mali? Na may bumubuntot sa'yo? Tumindig ang balahibo ni Maddie, parang batang naiwang mag-isa sa madilim na silid. Gayunpaman, pinilit niyang lumingon at mabilis na umikot para harapin ang...

'Wala naman ah?' she thought to herself.

She looked everywhere, left and right but nothing. Just endless trails of trees and the moonlight peeping through their thick shades in the wilderness. An eerie yet quiet whistle of wind brushing over the vast emptiness. And yet...

"AHHHHHH"

Blood curdling screams from the stranger who was now taken by the unknown entity.

The stranger has been taken.

And in a split second, there it was right in front of Maddison, creating a loud thud as its feet rooted itself on the ground mere inches away from Maddie.

The monster. The dead of the night. The presence that roams the forests of Maravillas. It was exactly as the girl described it to be. Lifeless. Undead. Evil.

They were skinless deformed creatures the size of a mad titan that looked like the limbs of several humans melded into one, with spikes evolving in random places. It's mouth was missing a lip, yet its sharp teeth could cut through a diamond. Blood and drool adorned it from head to toe, from horn to claw.

It's glowing soulless eyes stared right through Maddie's wide-eyed gaze, lost for words, every vein in her body freezing like stone-cold ice.

There it was. There was the proof that Maddie needed. And yet, she still could not believe the supernatural was real. In a split second, countless thoughts and questions ran through her head, 'What the hell is this? Talaga bang totoo ito? Mamamatay na ba ako? Should I run? What does it want from me? What does this creature crave? Bakit ngayon lang ito nagpakita? Ngayon lamang ba ito o di kaya'y matagal nang may mga malignong pakalat-kalat sa malalim na gubat? Paano kung... may kinalamaan kaya ito sa pagkamatay ng kapatid niya?'

These questions were pointless if she died right here right now, but then, she would be able to join her brother in the sweet hereafter, no?

It was flight or fight.

But she did option 3 : Freeze. Not of her own accord, but she froze.

Her heart slowed as though it was squeezed between two boulders, gasping for air, only to be squeezed even tighter. Her lungs felt as though a massive debris pressed it down onto the ground, rendering every fiber paralyzed. She felt her throat dry up as if her windpipe's walls narrowed, restricting her from breathing. Her vision blurred even more intensely, bringing her to a flashback - the night Liam died. Alas, it was in black and white, yet as their vehicle drove, a figure of a man could be seen. It was vague but she saw flashes and brief glimpses of someone walking towards their car turned upside down. Suddenly, she was laid leaning to a tree, and an unrecognizable figure seemed to walk in a direction she cannot seem to ascertain. And then, the car she and her brother once occupied blew up into flames. Fire. Blood. Explosions. Chaos.

Her ears started ringing, that annoying sound of a flat line as her consciousness brought her back to the present. The monster was only 5 inches away from her face. Her cold feet stumbled upon the twigs on the ground, wanting to run, but instead, she fell to the ground once more, katulad ng kanyang mga panaginip. What next? A cliff?

No.

The monster inspected Maddie carefully, his nose subtly sniffing this human like a rabid dog. It growled amd brought its two forelegs at Maddie's left and right, practically trapping her like a bird in a cage, like her mother Giselle.

Maddie's breath hitched as the monster's drooling mouth opened wide, its uvula hanging like a wrecking ball. She closed her eyes as if it would not harm her if she could not see it, and let out a roar so loud that it not only echoed throughout the whole scope of Maravillas land, but also caught the attention of a ghost that lived in a haunted cottage. Mara.

Lumingon siya mula sa kanyang kinauupuan, at alam na niyang, "Nandito na ang mga Sin Vida... at hindi lang iyon..."

Sin vida. Lifeless. Ang mga halimaw na minsang puno ng sigla at liwanag, ngunit ngayon ay walang laman, walang malay, walang buhay... Tanging kadiliman at gutom lamang ang kanilang nalalaman.

Nagising naman ang binatang kanyang kasama sa munting kubo. Sumilip ang dalaga mula sa bintana ng kubo upang siyasatin ang pinanggalingan ng tunog, pikit mata gamit ang isa niya pang balintataw. "Ang babae sa aking nga pangitain..." nakita niya at naramdaman niya ito, na tila ba'y nada posisyon siya nito. May kung anong koneksyon ang dalawa na nakikita niya rin ang nakikita ni Maddie.

"Si Maddison?" tanong ng binatang kanyang kasama, kulot ang buhok at makisig, magkaedad lamang sila.

Tumango naman si Mara bilang pagsang-ayon sa kanyang kasama.

"Anong gagawin na'tin? Lalo na't wala pa siya?" pag-aalala nitong tanong pagkat wala pa ang Valienteng kanilang tagapagtanggol at protektor.

Sabay nilang tinitigan ang isa pang lalakeng nakaupo sa beranda ng kubo.
Nagtinginan ang multo at ang binata na tila'y ito na lamang ang kanilang tanging paraan. Bilang multo, may limitasyon ang daang maari niyang tahakin, ilang kilometro lamang mula sa kubo, at kung siya ma'y makakalayo, hindi niya mahahawakan at maipagtatanggol ang nangangailangan, hindi katulad ng Valiente. Sa ngayon, ito lamang ang pinakamadaling solusyon.

"Nasa bandang kanluran siya. Hanapin niyo sila." utos ni Mara sa dalawang lalake.

"At ikaw?" mapagkalingang tanong sa kanya ng binatang kulot ang buhok.

"To do what I do best..." seryosong sagot ni Mara habang dahan-dahan itong nag-iba ng anyo. Mula sa marikit na dalaga, nag-anyong multo siya, suot suot ang puting blusang puno ng dugo, mangin ang mga mata nito'y umitim at mga pulang ugat na parang dugo'y nakaukit sa ilalim ng kanyang mga mata malapit sa pisngi nito. At hindi rin nawala ang peklat sa isa niyang pisngi. Tunay na kahindik-hindik ang kanyang anyo.

Hindi niya man malabanan ang mga halimaw tulad ng Valiente, matapang niya namang nilalayo ang mga sibilyang naaakit sa Sitio Maravillas, at tinatakot niya rin ang mga halimaw gamit ng kanyang pagbabalat-kayo at ng mga kaunting salamangkang alam nito.

Nakakatakot man siya sa mata ng iba, pero sa mga mata ng binata, nagliliwanag ang multo. Her darkness, her beauty never scared him.

"Bibili muna ako ng oras. Sige na. Umalis na kayo," wika ni Mara sa dalawa.Tumango ang isang lalaki at tumungong kanluran.

Sandaling humarang ang binatang kulot, at pinaalalahanan ang multo, "Mag-iingat ka." Nais niya sanang mahawakan ito, ngunit ang haplos nito sa pisngi ng dalaga'y tila isang halik sa hangin. It was like a soft warm feather collided with ice-cold air. Gayunpaman, bahagyan niyang isinandal ang pisngi sa abot nitong kamay at binigyan ito ng makabulihang titig na tila nais niya rin itong mahawakan. Ngunit hindi pwede. It was an ill-fated wish to ever know warmth and touch. She quickly snapped out of it and refused to let her emotions show. Binaba na rin ng binata ang kanyang kamay at tumungo na sa kanilang tagapangtanggol.

Mabilis itong tumakbo at dahan-dahang nag-ilaw berde ang kanyang mga mata, sigaw sigaw ang ngalan ng Valiente, a cry for help.

And as he called for her, the warrior awoke from her slumber and her red eyes opened. Red eyes that we had once known, red eyes whose bravery stood still albeit being torn apart. He has awoken the dragon.

And you are not prepared for her wrath.