They prepared early the next day. The line at the van terminal is long, especially since there are many travelers today. Eris and Aya are already inside. They just wait for the vehicle to be filled before they can finally leave.

"Two more and we're leaving!" shouted the conductor.

"Going to San Joaquin?" asked the woman with narrow eyes. Another woman was with her.

"Yes, Ma'am," answered the conductor. The two got into the van, and the driver started the vehicle's engine. Since they had a three-hour ride to Villa del Francia-the community that they're heading to-Eris slept first. The woman stayed up last night because she couldn't forget what the old lady said.

Aya took her headphones and put them in her ears. She isn't sleepy that's why she just does sound-tripping.

They both carry a large suitcase and a backpack containing their food. Enough for them to survive in that place. It is difficult to rely on the people who live there especially since it is a community that is far from civilization.

There is no signal in that area and only limited electricity. That's why they still use their traditional habit-the gas lamp.

Aya is used to such a lifestyle since she lived there with her relatives. That's why, she went to Manila to study properly because there was no systematic education in their place, everything was limited.

There she met Eris. She knows that her friend is not used to such places because she grew up in a city. But still, she is lucky with her friend because Eris remains humble despite of their luxuries in life.

As Aya meditated, she gradually felt sleepy. It will be an hour and a half before can they finally reach the Villa. So, she slept first.

On the other hand, Eris was still sound asleep. After a while, her forehead began to wrinkle. She is dreaming again about people who are not familiar with her. They are still asking her for help.

Eris couldn't fully understand why they were asking her for help when she didn't even know them. From frowning, her head turned back and forth on the headboard. The voices of those people grew louder and louder. They are getting closer to her and she is backing away.

After a while, their skins suddenly burned and they grabbed her hand.

"Help us!" cried the old woman.

"Aaaaah, let me go!" Eris shouted.

"Eris!" She immediately woke up when she felt something landed on her cheek. Aya slapped her.

"What's wrong with you, Eris?" Aya asked confused. Instead of answering her friend, she noticed people looking at her badly. Perhaps she disturbed them in their deep sleep.

"Eris?" She turned to Aya again. Her face questioning her.

"Ah, that's nothing," She only answered.

"Before we left, you were acting like that," Aya said annoyed.

"Aya, we can't go any further."

"Huh? What are you talking about? You agreed, didn't you? Besides, we don't have time. We can't graduate if we don't present anything."

"I have a bad feeling something bad is going to happen," Eris said seriously.

"Whose? To us? Eris, stop thinking about something. We're doing this for our grades, okay?"

Eris was uneasy so Aya held her on both of her shoulders.

"Hey, nothing bad is going to happen to us, okay? Just have trust on me. This will end soon." Eris just nodded at her friend.

Eris thought she had a point. Also, all the preparations they made will be wasted if they don't pursue that matter just because of her dreads.

Eris returned to her leaning and focused her eyes outside. She just closed her eyes tightly because of the many things that were bothering her.

Why did those things suddenly come to her mind? She had never experienced this before, just this recently.

After that dream, she never slept again. She is afraid that it might happen again and she won't wake up, if ever.
After their long wait, they reached the entrance of the Villa.

"Thank you, Mister!" They said smilingly to the driver.

"Thank you also, young ladies! Be careful in that place," said the man. He maneuvered his van again.

Aya took out her iPhone and monopod to vlog, "Hello guys! Welcome to my vlog! Today, we are in Villa del Francia to conduct our research studies. I am with my friend, Eris. Say hi to the camera!" She turned the front cam to the woman and Eris said hello.

Aya pointed the camera at her again before speaking, "And of course my vlog doesn't end here because we have to ride a tricycle to get to our real destination. There, a tricycle is coming!" The woman stopped the tricycle and they both got on it.

"Brother, in Barangay Prado." The driver followed without saying a word. As they cross the road, Aya continues to vlog.

It is noteworthy that they did not even pass a single house. Only then did they see houses when they reached the Barangay. They were immediately greeted by Fumiya-Aya's childhood friend.

"Aya!" She hugged her tightly and she returned it.

"We missed you here!" She added. Aya smiled at her.

Fumiya's eyes landed on Eris.

"Ah, she's Eris. The girl I was telling you." Aya quickly introduced her friend.

"Hi, Eris! Nice to meet you! I'm Fumiya by the way." Smiling, she extended her hand to Eris.

"Nice to meet you too," Eris said.

"Come. Come to our humble home." Fumiya led the walk. Many eyes were watching them, especially Eris. Because she is new in their eyes.

They stopped in the middle of their walk and Fumiya suddenly spoke, "Everyone, we have a visitor. Be nice to her, okay? They are here to study our community. Don't worry, they won't cause any trouble here since we know Aya."

"That's right!" Aya agreed.

They continued again and met the Barangay Captain. He looks to be in his mid 30s but still in good stand.

"Captain Miguel, good afternoon! Thank you for accepting our invitation!" Aya said happily.

"It's like you never lived here. Actually, the people here are happy because you came home," the Captain replied with a smile.

"You're kidding me, Captain!" Aya laughed and gently hit the Captain's shoulder as if they were talking like father and daughter.

"Alright, then. Fumiya, you take care of your guest first, okay? I'll go ahead because I have something else to attend to," the man said goodbye.

"No problem!" replied Fumiya.
They have reached the small house. It is made of nipa shingles. It is also supported by four pillars at each corner.

"Sorry for this, Eris. We're just sleeping in this kind of place and this is only the bed I can offer to you."

"No, that's okay. It's not a case for me. Thank you for welcoming us," Eris answered quickly.

"This is only for your temporary lodging for now. You'll recoup after two weeks," Fumiya joked with a laugh.

They put down their belongings and sat down on a small wooden chair.

"Anyway, I'll go ahead. I'll leave you guys here for now." The two nodded at Fumiya.

They put their things in order before they eat dinner, since it's already six in the evening. After that, they rested themselves to regain their energy for tomorrow.