The moon was in a gyrate with the dark clouds, keeping it from shining over the silent and still evening. The wind blew with grace, just enough to lay a silent kiss on the cheek of the warden who was obviously consumed by the stick of cigarette he held between his fingers. The silent lullaby of insects brought Protacio a torrent of memories, clashing inside his head, leaving him musing about the days he spent with his wife.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel was on the phone with Valerie. His wife sounded chipper and lively. The old marine could hear the voices of his grandchildren, clearly engaged in a conversation with Maria.

"How is she?" Nathaniel asked.

His wife let out a chuckle and answered, "She is weak Nat, but you know my mom. She will never let anyone see how she's suffering."

"She suffered a lot, I can't believe she withstood that kind of life with your father," the marine absent-mindedly murmured-consumed by the conversation, unaware of the words that came out of his mouth. Only when his wife asked, "What do you mean?" that Nathaniel realised what he had said.

Nathaniel was not a man who kept secrets from his wife, but at that moment, it was not his place to tell Valerie about the letters. No, he will leave that to Sheldon. Both brother and sister must read those letters to their mother because they held secrets to which they were oblivious.

Swallowing the saliva that pooled inside his mouth, Nathaniel answered, "Sheldon will tell you all about it."

He immediately heard the change in his wife's tone, when she asked, "what is it that Sheldon needs to explain?"

Nathaniel, knowing what a worry-wart his wife was, immediately tried to subdue the fear inside of her by saying, "Don't worry Val, there is nothing for you to be anxious about."

The marine could only thank the gods when his wife took on a softer tone. His words calmed her down. They spoke for a few minutes more before Nathaniel ended the call and headed for the diner to get something to eat.

Maximillian, despite his old age and tired body, left the confines of the small room inside the Inn and took a stroll outside. He was in the middle of admiring the moonless horizon when his eyes fell on their vehicle-the letters urging him to read. He was not a man who loved to gossip. Come to think of it, a man rarely gossips-except for Protacio perhaps. Maximillian gazed at the car's entirety, before proceeding back inside the Inn, he will never pry. Although his head was filled with questions about Lucious, he couldn't find it within himself to read his letters alone.

Back inside the Inn, Sheldon sat motionless on the bed, he remembered the woman 247 spoke about. That woman acted like their mom and would often bring him to the playground instead of his mother. Her name was Leslie. He remembered her as friendly, sweet, and always with his father.

As he sat contemplating and remembering the details about Leslie, Sheldon realized something. In those days that Leslie stayed with them, he can't remember much about his mother. Where was his mother through all those times? Why was it all about Leslie? Was her mother truly shoved aside, just as 247 claimed she was?

Unable to accept the memories that began to resurface, Sheldon left the small room and headed outside. He walked past Maximillian and was aware of the curious gaze the Senator threw his way, but Sheldon didn't bother himself to give pleasantries. It took a few minutes before he reached the parking lot where Nathaniel parked their car. He pulled out the keys inside his pocket and entered the vehicle, took out the letters, then headed back to the Inn.

Without a word to the senator-who at that time was seated on a chair near the window, Sheldon sat on the edge of the bed and began to read a letter.
***

Dear Maria,

Good morning my love, it is a sunny day. Contrary to my usual spot. I'm writing this letter while sitting on a bench on the prison grounds. It was the warden's suggestion to leave the library. According to him, I'm starting to take a yellowish tone.

I guess I need sunlight once in a while. There are about one hundred prisoners here with me. Some are busy exercising while others are grouped in the corners doing nothing.

Maria? Do you believe in life after death? I'm sorry if I asked, but I believe in heaven and I think that goes hand in hand. If heaven exists, then so does life after death.

Do you think I will be allowed to enter paradise? Or will I go straight to hell?

I wish I could see you before I do. Even if it's not in this world. I wish I can talk to you somewhere in the void, or at the crossroads.

I truly miss you Maria Ventura.

Don't worry, I don't feel as lonesome as before. I think the years had rubbed off some of that loneliness. Perhaps, I got used to it.

A bird is flying above the horizon, Maria! Wow, is that an Eagle?

Sorry, of course, you can't see that.

It's sunny but windy. I'm taking a deep breath of air right now, the wind smells like grass. The sun is not painful on my skin, it actually feels nice. I want to close my eyes right now and feel this serene atmosphere, but that's the worst thing a prisoner can do on the open grounds. I can't have someone stabbing me in the back while writing this letter. Bloodstains on the paper will make it hard for you to read this-that is if you ever get the chance.

Maria? It's the month of June. The walls inside my cell smell funny. There's an acrid scent in the air. I wonder what's causing it. I hope the young prisoners are not up to something again. I hate the riots here.

Maria, I had another dream, but it wasn't just an illusion from my head. This is in actuality, a memory. Do you remember when your in-laws took Valerie out? They said they needed her to help carry the groceries.

Do you remember when they got back and Valerie was crying?

Did she ever tell you why?

I hope she did. Maybe that's why you began to change.

Was that the reason Maria? Is that why you began to act differently? I barely recognized you, my love.

You were a lot tougher and rough. You began to fight back. You started to yell back, and you finally threw that woman out of your house along with all her belongings.

I was so proud of you Maria. You have no idea how happy I was. When I saw you fighting back, I thought everything will take a better turn. But alas, you still needed me.

Merry Christmas Maria! I hope you're happy. I wish you're safe.

Love Forever

Your Silent Knight.