“RUN FASTER!” I shouted out to the woman behind, bearing her exhaustion as she tries catching up to me.

“HURRY UP MISS! OR THEY WILL---“

BAAAAAAAANG!

As soon as shots were fired, the both of us stayed low while continuing to flee from the armed people--- or to be exact, from the killers and criminals.

“Come here Miss Wendy!” I grabbed her hand, making sure we won’t get separated to each other as we tried escaping out of this dark, cold place under the moonless night, somewhere in the mountains full of huge trees lurked with great danger.

“Noooooo! Grandpaaaa!” She continued with her sobbing despite being terrified of what has happened recently.

“I promised to your grandpa Miss that I will get you out of here. I’ll be making sure his sacrifice won’t go to waste!” With a strong will, I tried easing her pain as we were desperately running away, but it wasn’t enough comforting her.

On the land's bumpy, uneven ground, we continued to struggle in making our way while heavily gasping for air with cold sweats dripping down away from our heads.

“Yes! I can now barely recognize this path. We are now close!” I exclaimed as we reached a certain path towards where we are running through.

“Ouch!”

“Be careful! There are many vines out here.”

Our surroundings were lightless from the start in which made it dangerous and hard for us to have a good visual of our path.

There could be snakes, huge, pointed rocks, sharp vines, and bugs that we might stumble along the way, but despite in trying our best to stay safe, luck was not on our side as we have almost trip down because of these obstacles.

“Huh?” After a while of running, I looked back, noticing that there were no people behind us chasing, and the area around us got oddly quiet.

“Alright. I think we lost them”

“Oh. Thank goodness” She then lets out a sigh, likely for being anxious and frightened.

“And with this, we’ll surely get to---“

*Bonk*

As I was about to begin my little celebration, there was a heavy sound of an object that has seemingly been dropped--- or thrown to the ground nearby.

I quickly turned, and upon seeing it, my whole body froze while looking questionably, closely at the object.

“Gre… nade?”

BOOOOOOOOOM!

Without having to immediately react fast enough, the both of us have been separately thrown away from each other.

“GAAAAAAAHH!” I yelled the pain out as soon as I hit the ground.

Thankfully, all my body parts were still intact to each other, and my consciousness remains despite the impact, but I could only bare to get a clear look of the surroundings as my vision was very fuzzy while I was helplessly lying on the ground.

“What the heck ju--- *cough* wait. *cough* Where’s miss---“ I shake myself up with blood dripping from my head while coughing, and from turning around with dust and smoke covered in the air, I saw my companion who landed behind a tree and was lying safe and sound in the meantime, but our situation has gotten worse on the other hand.

“Over there! That’s where we saw them!”

“Go! Go! Retrieve the item and finish them!” Voices from a distance are getting louder as it were likely closing in.

"Crap. I think they found us already." From crawling my way away, I mumbled while laying my back on a tree to hid myself as well.

But more importantly, I was given a pouch that had something inside it by Miss Wendy's grandfather not a while ago, and it seems that these guys were aiming and targeting for this the whole time.

“I wonder what’s really inside this thing. Ugghh. Never mind that. I’m going to die sooner anyways.” Holding the medium-sized pouch on my right hand, I was struggling in catching my breath while wondering about it.

That’s right, and with all of those that I’ve been through, I should probably have been dead by now. What a miracle.

But I guess this is the end of my lucky days… since that day started… yes… of what happened before… that decision of mine, about two years ago.

“Pfft. I haven’t had… *Pant*… reached half of my goal yet. What a loser *Pant*. Is this maybe, the punishment that God is giving me for being such a troublesome and disrespectful child--- and son?” While heavily panting, I let out a long, tiring exhale at the end.

"This is... not really... what I wanted to happen. I can't do a thing about this yet... is this really my fate?"

With tears of frustration starting to flow out from my closed eyes, I then lower my head, accepting the end of my line.

“I don't want to die yet. But I guess… this is… it---“

BAAAAAAANG!

--*--

MONOLOGUE:

In this world full of countless influences, evil that resides within, and the light of hope that dwells inside the heart of individuals have led people’s lives into chaos and peaceful days.

Friends, families, relatives, strangers, and nations are being conflicted with each other due to a strong source of influential action in which had caused the root source of its unfortunate series of events and battles of fate, leading them in the destruction by body, mind, and soul.

From the different situations that people have started with, they have their own problems.

At the long run, they may lose their way and are unable to find the answers that they seek, or maybe just confused.

But either way, one does not have the right to fully judge someone.

Because of what people believed in, devastating wars had emerged, and up today, they are helplessly suffering and desperately fighting for what they believe are right, whether it is for their own selves, their own kin, for the many, or for their country.

Seeking and obtaining power is what gives us the capability to face hardships and help the needy ones, yet it may also lead us into our own greediness and doom, and drive our minds to conquer and enslave.

Fools will bring forth the world’s destruction, and its future rests and lies on the shoulders of the wise.

--*--

♪Lalalalalalala Life is…Won..der..ful.

♪Lalalalalalala Life is Mea..ning..ful--- Huh?

Oh, hello there! Ahem, ahem. Mic test! Mic test!

Yes, Good day!

Uhhhhh... That was quite the dramatic introduction wasn’t it? Hehe... I’ll be glad if you had liked it.

Anyways, it is really unlike me to introduce myself and be friendly to anyone… but here I go.

The name is Hanzaki Hanuzuki, 17 years old.

I live at a hinterland in Cagayan de Oro City.

My country is composed of three main large islands which are Luzon, Visayas, and where the city is located, Mindanao.

Unsociable, shy, quiet and antisocial; you can describe me in anyways that is related for being an introvert.

I’m the social and thinking type; however, my goofy side would show out once I’m with a good and trusting friend.

I guess most of us are like this, right?

I’m currently studying at Liceo U for my 11th grade, and I just transferred from my previous school in Junior High.

The thing why I transferred is because I’m pursuing business, which is the reason why I chose the ABM strand (Accountancy, Business and Management) and have went into this University.

The place is quite far for me actually, and I always do a double-ride routine to go back and forth.

I sometimes got late because of it. Believe me okay? It’s just sometimes.

It is July in the current month, and surprisingly for a loner like me and without having the intention to take the first step, have got some friends.

Seriously, I planned to be on my own for the whole two years.

It’s unbelievable right?

But that is the perk for being someone like I am.

I guess trauma made me like this?

Nah, I think that’s just exaggerating.

Let’s just say that I had a bad experience, but I don’t know exactly.

I wasn’t like this before when I was still a care-free kid, and I’m not quite sure of my reason yet it is probable.

More or less, a lot of things had happen before and I have my own doubts.

Moreover, I was just an energetic and a friendly child back then, though I admit I am quite shy, but I wanted to socialize for something new.

But more importantly, listen to this.

I think it’s where I had my first day at school, at an official school, not a day-care or something.

Yet to be honest, I just transferred at the school from my day-care center on the day, and the vibe was different.

Okay… here we go… 1, 2, 3… Action!

A cold sweat has dropped and my heart races as I set foot inside.

The diffident ‘me’ whose anxious eyes were restlessly wandering around has been overwhelmed by amazement upon seeing the energetic little children who were rowdily playing all over with their noisy laughter that enveloped the entire room.

Wow…Their numbers have struck me with the room that was awfully messy.

Some of the kids were dividedly sat into groups while busy drawing and coloring books, playing with their toys, and talking fun stuffs to each other.

Their bright smiles made me jealous, leading me into a decision of joining in their activity.

I want to have fun too you know.

Mustering up the courage and stepping forward with guts, I stopped in front of a group who were playing circles.

“Hi! Can I join you guys? My name is Hanzaki” With a low tone and a bit of nervousness I asked.

The playful children continued to ignore, or maybe they haven’t heard my request, yet I was eager for a reply and so have decided to wait for a little longer.

Luckily after a few seconds, a boy has stopped and eyebrows were up high from wondering.

This is it! The most awaited part.

My body temperature rises out of joy for finally being noticed, and despite not having friends back at the center, maybe this time wouldn’t be the same any more.

And with this, it could be my debut for getting an actual friend but… little did I know what could happen next.

My eyes had gone wide out of excitement and were fixed on his mouth as it started to move.

His lips spread and tongue showed out as he pronounced the first letter of the word and lips moved pointed forward during the second.

“NO!”

“Eh?”

And just like that.

My fragile heart was shattered like a broken glass, couldn’t bear accepting the truth.

With a straight face, the kid blurted it out without even considering my delicate feelings and had swiftly retreated to play.

My whole world was shaken and I moved away like a zombie walking side to side with a dead fish’s eyes.

Because of what just happened, I haven’t dared asking the others and was just quietly sitting on a chair like a lone wolf, enduring the pain.

In the end, the poor “me” was just secretly letting out tears while covering my face with a book.

And furthermost, that was the first rejection (from other people) of my life and it wasn’t even romantic!

Well… So that’s just all to sum it up though I had managed to get some friends during the middle of my elementary days.

Just thinking about it makes my blood boil--- Nah I’m just kidding, and it doesn’t matter to me anymore.

Well… just a bit though, yet still this isn’t that bad.

My current friends are really nice although sometimes they acted full of their selves, but it wasn’t that bad and alarming.

It is also an advantage for me to have an interaction when it comes to study, but I doubt they would even take it more seriously.

Yet at least I do now have a helping hand; however, my lone time has been deliberately decreasing during these days.

Going with them over here, over there, and everywhere!

An introvert my friend, needs a lone-time for at least ninety percent of the day and it doesn’t matter what he’s doing in the meantime.

Well… that’s just for my case actually.

Moreover, it’s only been two months since the jump start (start of school) yet we have already treated each other like one of our own brother.

I guess that’s the bond you’ll get, and mostly is the common culture.

It is not what I was expecting but things turned out to be fine.

Now! I know that you’ve been wondering of what this is all about don’t you?

Of why is this “Hanzaki” guy was suddenly introducing his self, and of what is he trying to say at the first place.

Well you see… currently I’ve been seeking for answers.

For the past seventeen years of my existence,

I have gone through a lot of hardship in life in which I don’t know any more if those that happened are normal or not, or maybe we can also call it the “new normal”.

The world just keeps on evolving don’t you think?; always bringing something new whether it would be beneficial or harmful to a certainty--- but going back to the main.

Additionally, lots of contemplations about my experiences have been made, thoughts that one shouldn’t be bothering to think much of it of an early age.

I have become restless from knowing and uncovering the truth, yet I don’t have the capacity to fully do so, stuck with this horrid state which is keeping me from the limitless opportunities while consuming my entire existence with depression and anxiety.

Slowly but surely, my life has been messed up greatly.

Hey, how does it feel to be in a loving and caring family?

Do you feel motivated all the time?

Does life seem to be fun for you?

Do you not have many worries and troubles at all?

Have you ever felt neither anxious nor depressed?

Whether to how many obstacles and trials in life would come, they would always be there for you right? Or so it is what I would like to say.

Obviously not everybody is the same, nor are their circumstances in life too.

But isn’t the family’s purpose (specifically our parents, foster parents, and etc.) to nourish and guide their children?

In the first place from considering in getting married and having a family, they should have already readied themselves of the responsibilities right?

But no, not everyone is like this, and more likely nor it would be in the future.

Instead of building, they’re the ones responsible of why our whole-self is crumbling bit by bit; people who half-assedly take responsibilities, taking things in life for granted. Like for example, the job as a police officer should be a role model to the society.

With their acquired authority and reassuring presence, they should be keeping the people’s safety in place.

But nowadays, some are getting full of themselves.

Using their position to their own selfish desires and without even considering thinking of what the true purpose and essence of their occupations is.

And yet at the end, judging them will do no good. Complaints for justice are all we can do.

Even though the adults too have their own pasts, and in which whatever the reason were they may be holding throughout these past years, it wasn’t that simple, but the aftereffects would still remain.

The logic is easy; be responsible of your actions and live with no regrets or do the opposite and suffer from the consequences until your death.

So if things would actually go wrong in your life, what would be left for you?

How would you be able to continue living your life the way it supposed to be? Or the way you wanted it to be?

And how would things go for you in the process? In which is really dependent on the decisions you’re about to make, hence the situation you’ve been under.

But do be careful, for evil is already a part of us; a part of human nature.

You might turn a wrong path along the way.

The people, the environment, the society… are potential influences.

So what do you do?

Do you just move on your own to play safe?

Whether it is a yes or no, then do you believe in the saying “no man is an island”?

Basing on the sermon of the 17th century English Author John Donne, people do badly in life when they are just on their own and not meddling with others, or a part of a community.

It’s already a given when one is born into this age where technology is abundant and life has been much easier than before, and the saying does apply in the current and even in past situations, but the possibility of the isolation of one to happen is still there.

One may struggle but can alone still live on by his/her own.

In this world, you need knowledge to be able to survive, and not just any knowledge, facts and truths which are coming from our predecessors who experienced and done it, but getting these isn’t just limited from us people.

It is up then to the person who possessed great knowledge to continue his/her life however he/she wants it to be, whether he/she would continue to follow the path of light and hope, or fall into the hands of darkness--- but at the end, I'd hope for the former.

Phew…

Well then… have you ever heard of Jason Mraz’s song which is “Life is wonderful”?

This was the song that I sang a while ago.

♪LaLaLaLaLaLaLa Life is… Won..der..ful!

♪LaLaLaLaLaLaLa Life is… Mea..ning..ful!

I for one would agree that it is indeed beautiful, but the same goes for the opposite too.

It is cruel, meaningfully cruel.

Because of unfortunate experiences, my mind has ventured into the depths with questions popping out about as to what, when, where, why and how.

Back then… and ‘till now…

I smiled, laughed, beg, kneeled, and cried.

I was happy, joyed, in pain, was hurt, felt useless, was anxious, and was depressed.

I got punched, got kicked, got hit, got shouted at, got humiliated at, and got embarrassed at.

I got furious, was frustrated, got doubtful, and got full of it.

I want to escape, want to flee, want to be free, want to be stronger, and want to start anew.

The things got me insane and mad, yet I didn't hate... and more likely I don't want to hate.

Despite the dreadful past, I want my life to be something better… because it was the

beginning when I feared him.

With all my heart I trust him with not depending on my own understanding.

Though I’m ignorant, I will seek his will.

I will try, for I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

For someone who yearns world peace, justice for the right and wrong, and a tranquil life, I became restless yet helpless because of my ignorance.

In this world, One must seek Wisdom...

… For life’s Battles & Survival.

… And for whatever that lies ahead...

... The expected, and the unexpected.

*Two Years ago*

“Hey, hey. Did you hear? About that girl in section 6 confessing to Mark yesterday?”

“Really? Gosh… I haven’t heard of it...”

The sun is terribly radiating in the middle of the afternoon like an erupting volcano melting every bit of my existence, and this long sleeved polo of mine is making the mood even worse.

“That ‘War of Rings’ was indeed cool bro”

“Really? It was just pretty decent to me”

“Oh come on… don’t be like that”

Sweats are irritatingly dropping from behind while forcing myself to listen to the teacher in front despite the noisy students who were not paying attention.

“Aren’t they so pretty?”

“Whoa girl… how’d you do that?”

“Hey bro… why do you think that the grass is green?”

“Why?”

“It’s because… the sky is blue”

“Dude… You’re stupid…”

The room is full of gossips about their boyfriends and girlfriends, about how gorgeous the girls’ nails are, of how cool that newly discovered games of theirs were, and of other nonsense being spouted involving in their care-free lives.

It wasn’t that loud for our teacher to notice, yet their voices have reached at my spot.

At the corner of the last row, I’m sitting with full silence near the window.

Having my current seat placement is indeed favorable since it is obviously far from the board, giving me lesser chances of getting attention.

But unfortunately, it resulted into an up and down situation.

As one of the people at the last line, these chatty students in front would easily get me distracted, and it is like a double edge sword for being one of the tallest inside the class.

This was a price to pay for not wanting to sit in front, good grief.

Meanwhile, my closed fists were already itching and eyes were burning pissed while glaring at each of them with a bad intention.

Yet in the end, I let out a disappointed sigh since it is such a risk even though it would be stress-relieving to smack them on their heads, but still it would be worse hearing noises from behind.

I would shout at them if that had happened, and this is leaving me no choice but to bear the environmental barrier inside the room while continuing to pay attention.

After a while, the minute hand of my watch has moved and struck at three; it is time for dismissal.

The school bell is ringing loudly in which its sound has enveloped the entire area, and then it has been followed by annoying sharp noises that were coming from the chairs when the students have hurriedly stood up and wore their bags even though our teacher hasn’t bid farewell to us.

Talk about manners… and it seemed that they already have prepared themselves and were excited to go out.

Furthermore, the peaceful and quiet atmosphere that I enjoyed just a while ago (despite the discussion in class and the talkative students because it was inevitable) has vanished when the students from each classroom have gone outside and were letting out their loud, irritating voices as they are talking at the hallway.

The countdown begins for my head and eardrums to explode from this deafening crowd, 3...2…1.

‘Keep your mouths shut mongrels!’ I shouted in mind out of irritation.

Even with a door, the room was not completely in closed, and with this fact, I can tell that it is still difficult to go out for now (especially there were classmates of mine who were forcing their way through, giving me the hint).

Once again, it leaves me no other choice but to stay inside and patiently wait for the path to be cleared.

Tsk. Troublesome, tiresome.

I lay down my head on the armchair with my body bending a little, close my eyes, and nap while waiting.

At some point in time, there is a change, the noises around have lessen.

“Hmmmm?”

I slowly open my eyes while trying to sit up straight, and as my senses have come back, I notice that my nap has gone too far for it to be a normal nap, causing me to drool over a bit on top of the armchair.

“Oh crap, my bad”

With a scratch paper inside my bag, I hurriedly reached and used it to wipe out the shameful result.

I then stood up with my eyes blinking from the drowsiness and while yawning to check things outside, and when I opened the door, the pathway was already empty.

Packing up my things would come next, and without having to notice at first, it looks like I’m the last person about to leave the room.

Slowly I start walking down at my five-story school starting from the 4th floor step by step, taking my time as if there is nothing good from coming back, or maybe it is.

It is already expected of what to face when I get to arrive at my house.

I could kill time, but instead of not being able to do so, I have no other interests and plans in mind.

Well… there isn’t anything important to do so anyways on my side for today, and it’s a good thing that the gang is busy, Hehehe.

While on my way, walking down using these wide and long circling stairs have made me a bit exhausted from making heavy steps.

Lungs were heavily gasping for air and legs have been shaken a bit, and there were more noises coming from the different directions as I set foot on the ground floor.

The mass of noisy students present at the canteen, people’s shouting and yelling inside the gymnasium, and the comforting sound of a blowing wind that has recently passed through my ears has made me feel a little better from this blazing heat.

“Here it comes!”

“It’s all yours girl!”

While walking my out, a group of students has caught my attention as they were very energetic and lively on playing their favorite sports (volleyball) at an open space, inside the campus grounds.

A girl who has stretched out both of his arms has luckily received the ball that was coming from an opponent’s spike and in which they have prevented them from scoring a point, but the ball has bounced curvedly high up in the air about 8 meters from the ground.

With an instant, the ball has reached its peak, yet it seems that it is starting to head down towards a car that was parked inside the campus, and eventually, the result was obvious afterwards… the vehicle’s alarm has sounded loudly when it got hit.

“Oh my—“

“I’m outta here…”

“Gotta run away quickly!”

On the other side, the guilty students were noisily rushing away from the place, avoiding the responsibility, and the rest of the students that were around and have witnessed the scene were just questionably staring at them as they fled.

The commotion wasn’t that alerting to take action, but I find the scene quite humorous due to their stupidity for taking the risk to play, and while proceeding to my way, the road is now just at the other side of the school gate.

Vehicles are passing by while leaving a black smoke with a strange smell to it, and I cover my nose with my hand from the pollution along with the other people around me.

These vehicles need to be replaced sooner or later if we don’t want our lifespan to be shortened.

But on the other side, the stinky smell got me disgusted with my face showing it.

“*cough* I feel like dying on this very moment. Hmmm?”

As a Jeepney was approaching, I then raised my right arm that was forming a ninety degrees angle causing the vehicle to have started slowing down on the road, and directly a traffic enforcer has popped out from out of nowhere and is guiding it with some of his hand gestures.

As I eventually have gotten inside the Jeepney, there weren’t that much passengers inside, so I decided to take a seat at the back portion of the vehicle.

The Jeepney then was taking its time to move forward and has increased its speed as it got back on track.

Not for long, the streets were full of loud horns and under casual traffic, and I already had taken another ride for the trip.

I always do a double-ride routine when going to school and back, and it is such a hassle, but the trip would be enjoyable during the morning, and while during the afternoon would be like a death parade.

This time, the seats are full, and passengers’ shoulders (including me) are stick closed to each other, and the weather was intensely warm as usual which made me poured a lot of sweat by just sitting down.

With a handkerchief inside my bag (that is on my lap), I took and used it to wipe every bit of sweat from my head down to the neck, and when the traffic light has switched to green, the vehicles resumed on moving forward.

I then close my eyes and maintain my ninety degrees posture while trying to rest along the way.

“Hmmm?”

When thirty minutes have passed, I noticed the roaring sounds of the waves coming from the sea, and outside there was an eye-opening flock of birds flying high above.

As the flock has passed by, I then stare ahead at front, seeing that my place is closing in.

And after waiting for a couple more minutes, I finally have arrived at my stop.

I then went down from the empty Jeepney and have let out a tired sigh once again.

Damn, this series of walking, instead of physically, it is making me mentally exhausted. Since my house is still a few meters away from my current spot, I’ve got no choice but to move my feet again.

“Whoa… easy there…”

While walking my way on this cemented road, and without having to be aware at first, children have appeared out of nowhere while boisterously and carelessly playing and running around in the middle of the way and have almost bumped into me.

Jeez, these little monsters.

Meanwhile, a cold sweat was dripping down on my forehead for being carefully focused in distancing away from these kids, putting my right hand at front to catch them if they would ever pass through me again.

“Waaaah! Bad guy! Everyone! Fire your guns at the bad guy!”

“Bang! Baang! Bang!”

“Baang! Bang! Baang!”

“Bang! Baaang! Bang!”

“Baang! Bang! Baaang!”

While walking non-stop, I was being followed by these kids from behind with their toy guns pointed and aimed towards me.

Good grief, now I’m involuntarily getting involved in their game. Hey kid, do I really look like a bad guy to you?

Good grief, good grief. Why are kids nowadays so spoiled? And where are their guardians?

*Sighs*. Anyways, those aren’t my businesses to take care of.

“PASS IT!”

“PASS TO PG! PASS TO YOUR PG!”

At last, I got away from the annoying little brats, and further away, a covered court has sounded lively with loud noises of dribbling balls and shoes were making sharp sounds from running.

The people watching were also shouting and yelling about the basketball game.

At a corner, I take a peek of the entertainment, and just after half a minute, I walk away.

And as I finally arrive at my last destination, a strong wind has passed through me.

I stood at the red gate and have gazed into the cloudy sky with a depressed, and the usual poker-face look.

My colored green house is just a decent two-story building with a room of my own, and its size is just enough for a family of four members.

I enter, open and close the gate, and did the same when reaching the door.

Inside the house, my parents were already in a busy state. Meanwhile, I already have taken a number of steps further from going in, yet… the people inside ignored, or maybe did not noticed my presence; neither greetings nor attention.

My Father, Haruki Hanuzuki who is 42 years old, is at the living room sitting while having a phone call with someone, and my Mother, Linda Hanuzuki who is 43 years old, is at the kitchen, and it seems she just came back from grocery together with all the goods.

On the other hand, this gloomy atmosphere inside the house is starting to make me tense, giving me this uncomfortable and threatening vibe.

It would always get into my nerves when the things that had happened before are remembered, and whenever I see these two people, especially those annoying faces of theirs.

It would be troublesome to get into trouble now plus the trip had made me tired, so I just walk up the stairs peacefully while ignoring the surroundings.

Inside my room, I take off my color marooned necktie and then followed by my long sleeved polo and grey pants, and not to mention also my I.D and watch.

‘Changing my clothes task’ is now finished, and I head back down to the kitchen to fetch something to eat for early dinner.

Inside the fridge, there was a sandwich when I opened it and have taken it along with a bottle of juice.

I plan to waste the remaining time of the day by just shutting myself in and do some homework, but there was a sudden disturbance in the area.

While walking back up to my room, I have instinctively detected the immense aura of the gazes from behind.

Even though without looking back, this kind of thing always happen when I’m around.

We were already in bad terms for a long time and it seems like there’s not likely a high chance of an ending to this.

It is so different back in the days where I used to live a care-free life and have always sought out for adventure.

The days where I used to wear a big smile on my face and had been always looking forward to see the both of them get home from work every day, but no, not already this time around.

As much as possible, I don’t want to see their faces even once in a day.

--*--

“Hmmmm?” I slowly open my eyes as a warm sensation has suddenly embraced my entire face.

After knowing, sunlight has streamed through the windows which had woken me up from my sleep.

It is now Saturday morning, and from jumping out of bed, a big yawn came out of me.

Accordingly, my stomach has growled out of hunger even though it is still a bit early.

It is time to get some food for breakfast then.

Gladly when I secretly took a peek at the kitchen, father wasn’t there and mother was just about to go outside of the door as she tried putting on her shoes, and so I tip-toe heading towards the table to not get her attention, and there was food already on top as I got a good look of it.

There are “Pandesals”, and thankfully these breads are still hot, making my appetite to kick in as I smell its delicious aroma, and all that is lacking is to cook some scramble egg and make some coffee to complete the morning.

It is a lucky timing for me to enjoy the moment by just being alone inside the house, and it looks like my little brother isn’t around either when the thought came into mind while

I was munching my food at the same time.

Maybe Hiro had something going on at school too, but on Saturday? Maybe it’s for his extracurricular activities.

But if those people were still around, I would probably go back to my room to avoid them.

But more importantly, this feeling is like heaven, happily spending the rest of my time doing homework, some household chores, and exercises throughout the day and without any ruckus inside the house.

At the living room, I’m watching Anime; one of my hobbies, and daydreaming about the usual thing, being a superhero, with a smirk on my face despite my age. It sounds childish but it is what I am.

I continue to savor the temporary freedom and peace while being the only person inside the Hanuzuki residence.

It is 8:53 pm as I look at the clock, and my alone-time had already expired during sun set.

It was very satisfying to release the stress by using half the day. Although there was a time-out during lunch time because the villains got back here to have their meals, it was a no problem at the end since they went back straight to their works afterwards.

It was a little price to pay for a bigger pleasure.

Meanwhile, I was busy doing homework in the middle of the hour, when suddenly…

“Hanzaki!”

It wasn’t that loud and it’s audible from here upstairs, yet father called my name with an angry tone.

All that time during the day has gone to waste as another unfortunate event is waiting just below.

This is it again, acting high and mighty in front while giving another one of those lectures of theirs, and as if they know everything and all of it are right.

My blood boils from imagining the repeated scenarios, and then I have started heading down to them without even fixing my things up.

I strode along the way, making the *creek* sounds from every step to envelope the house, and the dodgy silence has got me aggrieved.

I go down the stairs, and when I was about to get a clear look of them, they were already giving off a pressuring stare, scowling at me for a certain action of my misbehaviour.

Father is sitting down with his arms placed across each other and while mother is standing right behind him, playing the victim’s role.

Looking at their faces, my eyes were blazing fury by them who were making the same kind of expressions all over again, and especially those glaring eyes of theirs which are implying that they are looking down on me.

I refuse to be overwhelmed by their confidence and mistaken beliefs, so without showing a bit of fear and self-doubt, I move towards them.

“What is it?”

The reason for this sudden call was because of my retaliation.

About three days ago, I badmouthed my mother for annoyingly giving me continuous piled up works together with all of that ‘This should be a man’s job’ and ‘that suits you! It’s because you didn’t even put effort to it’ and many more ignorant quotes of hers.

I couldn’t resist myself since I’ve got other things to do aside from these household chores.

She keeps pressuring me about my academics yet at the same time was also giving me a full of these side quests. Her behaviour got me on my nerves.

But seriously, it took this long for her useless concern to be addressed at.

“You know what’s wrong. Why did you do that? What has your mother possibly did to you?”

Like a predator hunting its prey, father went for the attack when the prey (me) was close, causing me to cease from moving closer and have stopped at a distance. Despite of him trying to stay calm, his loud angry voice made me gulp.

“*sighs* It’s because she’s so irritating. And besides, it’s not like she has been a good parent to me for all this time.” I replied with my eyes slightly facing away to them.

My heart has already gone stone-cold from this repeatedly boring and nonsense scenario, and in which had made me said insulting and unmoral statements.

“What did you say!? After all we have been through to just support you, and this is what you’ll give us in return!?”

“Support me? Heh! You’re also one to talk aren’t you?” Upon my disapproval, I immediately glared back with a hiss, making father to become furious with his brows slanting, pointed to each other.

“WHY YOU… How dare you talk to me like that!” From sitting, he instantly exploded and has stood up while pointing a finger.

“HANZAKI! YOU---“

“Why don’t you just keep your mouth shut over there!?”

Mother was about to say something, but I already had enough of her spouting.

Her lips trembled while showing out a pitiful face when she got shouted at.

“Why are you always like that to your mother!? You’re really such a bad and a failure of a son! You’re a disgrace!”

“SHUT UP! I had enough of you!”

I shouted again without any restraints and was enraged, yet surprisingly, in the midst of this quarrel of family members, I have noticed the recently created opportunity--- the opportunity for the execution of my longed secret plan.

As I have gone in silence from thinking about it and with the two of them questionably staring at me, I then have come rushing back inside my room like a hurricane while being followed, and the door has been slammed against the wall when I hurriedly opened it with great force.

My things were a bit messy and unarranged but every important thing is being pack in inside two large Jansport bags, and finally that stupid father of mine caught up and has gotten confused of my actions.

His head has turned side to side of the scene happening in front of him.

“What are you doing!? Huh? Why are you packing your things? You plan on running away!? You got guts!”

“That is right, I am leaving this freaking place, and YOU freaking people!”

“Are you sure!? You sure are tough with that awful mouth of yours. Then go! And leave this house for good!”

When everything was ready, I slide passed by the man to go down while leaving him behind with an insulting exclamation mark, but he continued to follow me and has stopped at the door as I got out in going further outside the gate, and the stomping inside the house has ended.

“Make sure you don’t regret this you disrespect!” He yelled, slamming the door close.

On the other hand, the thought of my neighbours catching a glimpse of this commotion has made me anxious, making me to move my feet with haste away from the house.

As of the moment, the night is already deep, and I wander on the empty road without having to look back at the place, and while wearing a satisfied face.

Normally, one would be hesitant and would regret of what has happened.

Most people would go back, eat their pride, and apologize.

But it was fortunate for it to happen, at least for me.

Meanwhile, the coldness of the area has reached deep through my bones, making me shiver and sneeze along the way while only wearing a casual T-shirt and long pants.

After giving it a thought for a really long time, a day like this has come; to be able to distance myself from the source of my pain that has been there for many years.

Yet on the other hand, this won’t solve everything and that I’m still bound to them, and everything sounded like crazy but my limit has reached its peak, leaving me no other choice but to run away.

The operation to free myself and start a new life has just begun, and real battles are just about to come.

While I was having a full of these thoughts, I already walked a long distance and have arrived at this place called “Puerto”.

It is commonly known for its large public market in the area and especially the mall that is just over at the opposite side of the road.

Not to mention also it is the path going to the distant lands (mountains) which is called “Bukidnon”.

And speaking of mall, it seems it’s a good spot to rest for the night for someone who doesn’t have a place to go.

It is quite risky but there is no other option, and then I put my heavy bags down after I set foot on the huge structure.

As I look around, there were also people on the place who were peacefully sleeping on the ground and covered by their thick clothing which was keeping them warm.

Moreover, darkness has mostly covered the place with only minimal side lights present in the area, and the night sky is beautiful as usual, unlike my life.

“I am tired of being that way, and in that situation. They won’t listen to me. Their EGO and PRIDE! *Grrrr*. This is fine, I am fine with this. I want to start a new leaf. This might be difficult but, I’ve got to manage it for my own good.”

I slowly lay my head on my bag and with my body flat on the rough surface, spending the cold night alone with full of worries about what to do and how to survive all by my own.

Even in trying not to mind, these thoughts continue to consume my head as my surroundings are starting to get blurry and blurry as the seconds go by, and up until the darkness too has devoured everything in my sight.

"YOU DISGRACE!"

"I didn't raise you to be like this"

"You're such a bad influence to your little brother!"

“Kids with no manners like you should be taught a lesson!"

My head has already turned around a number of times to see where these voices are coming from, but the place was a pit of nothingness and everywhere was just pitch black.

I murmured some words, and suddenly there was a warm sensation coming from behind.

A light showed up from out of nowhere in which it made me cover my face from the brightness for seconds, but despite it, I forcedly peek through its blinding consequence, and there was a man who has shown out from the blinding light.

I became curious to who it was. It wasn’t clear to see but he has an orange cloth tied around on his forehead that had signs or symbols on it, and surprisingly that man has reached out his hand to me.

“Is this a sign? A sign of hope? Is God currently giving me signs?” I continue with my delusions.

But who am I for God to show up himself?

I am not that great and good of a person, and this is really confusing, but still I have moved closer to grab the person’s reaching hand.

As I was floating on the empty space while nearing the man at the same time, I notice that his face seems to be somewhat familiar.

He is not someone I know, but when it was a bit clear enough for me to see his whole face, I was shockingly looking at a reflection of my own image.

What is this? I have no idea what is going on anymore, yet still I grab his hand when it was close enough for me to do so.

My expectations: this hope should be giving me the strength needed to face problems.

But right after I held his hand, a scorch of blue flames has shockingly lit on me.

Thunderous clouds have shown out all around with lightning passing through the unknown space, and then it was followed by a ravaging land falling down from above and together with a titan-sized tsunami in which at any minute would devour me.

Filled with fear, I scream from the hostile act that has made my situation a sudden death, and this burning sensation is quickly eating away all of my flesh, making it look like charcoals in the end.

I tried tapping myself everywhere to stop the flames but not a bit of it have been put out, and in which it had me yelling non-stop from the ridiculous pain that it was giving me.

“AAAAAAAAAARRGGGHHHHH------- ACK!“

Panting from the questionable and unknown scenario just recently, I quickly rose from the ground with a frightened face.

After that night, I woke up from a dream early in the morning with my bed hair on, and still worried about the responsibilities and consequences alongside with me.

The place was still cold even though the sun has risen.

But more importantly, there’s no time to be idle around. I planned to start moving, yet the dream continued its disturbance.

‘What was that all about?’ I thought, so I held my head up and took deep breaths in trying to forget.

“Alright, let’s start this new life of mine.”

I said from standing up and did some light stretching.

“My scholarship shouldn’t be a problem until I’ll graduate, and the cash that I have currently should likely last for a week. Then by that time, I just have to find a job to accommodate for my daily expenses. But the real problem here is… where in the world should I stay? Probably most of my expenses would go to rent. I hope everything would go well for me. *sighs* God bless me!”

Without any hesitation and having no confidence to actually get one, the hunt has been initiated.

I’ve also got no ideas and background knowledge of finding one, and asking for help from a close friend would be risky, so it would be best to search for one at the heart (in the middle) of the city where the opportunity to get a job is higher, and to search for any news or any information that might give a lead was the only thing in mind.

Under the burning daylight, there were posters posted on the different walls along the way and torn parts of newspapers were left on the ground, yet its details were neither credible nor reliable from having to finish analysing it.

It looks like these needs to be done face to face at every place in order to be assuring, but I doubt things would go smoothly on my side.

So let’s go fast forward 

I’ve gone at a cafeteria.

“I’m so sorry but we don’t need any more staff”

At a random residence.

“I’m sorry kid, but as you can see, there are already a lot of people helping around the house”

Another is at a merchandise type of business.

“All of our shifts are already full”

And at a construction site.

“What!? Hey kid, there is no way I’m letting you in. Look at yourself, you’ll break!”

Hopping from one place to another wasn’t that simple, or in other words, asking and begging for a job to get for 3 straight days and along with a number of rejections got me exhausted.

I slept at the streets again within those times and have forced myself to be comfortable to the environment.

Moreover, I wasn’t been able to take a proper bath but had only taken a wash on one of those days which it rained.

Now this time, it is the 4th day of desperation.

Currently, I go down from a stair with a disappointed face once again coming from another rejection of job application, walking off the frustration while still having my patience and motivation under control.

Shortly after, I was sitting down at the side of an empty road with a lot of sweat, dripping and panting, and while also taking my time to rest for the moment until… there was somewhat abruptly odd going on around me.

It seemed that someone from a distance, towards my left direction, has been standing under a streetlight for almost five minutes while facing towards me, or maybe just at my direction, or maybe it was just my imagination.

Now I’m confused. Good grief.

Having a stalker is impossible, because this face of mine isn’t that quite attractive and handsome (In my humble perspective).

The person is suspicious to me, but it was only a passing thought, and accusing someone just because of it would be out of the question.

Furthermore, it is kind of hard getting a clear look and I couldn’t turn my head over since things might get complicated, well… more likely it’s because I’m lazy enough to deal such things, so leaving and forgetting all about it has been in mind since from the start.

“*Sighs*. I should probably stop from overthink--- huh?”

But just after I calmed myself down, the person have started heading towards my direction.

My suspicions aren’t that credible but the sudden act got me alerted.

This is becoming more dangerous than I thought, yet at the same time surprisingly thrilling.

If that person would dare to try anything funny, I’ll be letting him/her see stars even though it is still early in the day, but it would be best to observe things first to avoid misunderstandings and more complications.

And with a silent guy like I am who has great observation skills (the perks of being an introvert… and don’t think funny, I’m not using this for any inappropriate reasons), hearing the sound of footsteps from a far and deducing that human being’s coordinates would be a no sweat.

My head was fixed forward with eyes secretly and intensely staring to the left when this scenario started.

“Goodness gracious… It’s painful! Ouch! Ouch!”

Yet in the end, having to force myself from getting a good look of the scene has made my precious eyes to hurt, making me rub them gently with both of my hands, but as I made a few blinks of it…

“Eeehh?”

A shadow has emerged and swallowed my whole presence all over.

From looking up, an old lady has appeared in front of me.