CHAPTER ONE

2023

“Mr. Asuncion?” The investigator sighed as he asked Luke Asuncion, who

is said to be a dear friend of Mica Gurland, an influencer who died because
of suicide. But the investigator, Mr. Valdez, says otherwise. “Sir, kung may
respeto pa kayo kay Mica, itigil niyo na ‘tong imbestigasyon na ‘to.” Luke
paused as he listened to the wall clock ticking as its sound took over the
interrogation room. The room was already suffocating, the dreary walls and
mirror made it even worse. Luke continues, “I need to speak to my lawyer, I
will say nothing more.” Luke began to get up and placed his hand on the
doorknob. But suddenly, the investigator asked him one more question.

“Paano yung hidden room? Na nireport ni Mica pagkatapos niyang ma

kidnap?” Luke stopped in his tracks but didn’t falter and said, “I need to
speak to my lawyer.” And walked out of the room.

2018
It’s a hazy February morning at the Busy Bean Café. The café was silent and
had a rustic theme, which represented a cozy cottage core home café built in a
modern world. The lights are soft and warm which gives it a homey and
aesthetically mysterious feel. While Mica gently sips his morning coffee, Vin
stares lovingly at him and says, “So hon, what do you wanna do today?” To
which Mica replied, “Hmm, anything pagkatapos ng photoshoot ko. how about
you, do you have anything in mind?” Vin smiled at him, held his hand and said,
“Well actually, nagpa-reserve ako sa fave resto natin mamayang 7pm, it was
supposed to be a surprise, but I figured that you might be busy so I asked.” Mica
was somehow bothered that Vin held his hand in public, and immediately pulled
his hand away. “Bakit?” Mica scoffed and replied, “Ahem, pda, at sabi mo bawal
tayong makita ng iba diba.” Vin replied, “Oh I forgot your highness, anyway
you up for tonight?”
“Siyempre, minsan nalang tayo magkasama. Refill ko lang coffee ko saglit.”
Mica went to the counter to refill his coffee and saw an agitated person trying to
figure out the coffee machine behind the counter. Mica then politely asked, “Um,
excuse me po?” The agitated person who turned out to be a bartender, who seems
like he’s new to the job, turned around and rushed towards the counter. “Yes po!
Good Morning, Wen at your service!”
Mica continued. ”Um, hi Wen, pwedeng pa refill ng latte?” Wen smiled as Mica
handed the coffee cup to him. Their hands measly touched, but Wen suddenly
froze. He couldn’t take his eyes off Mica, as if he saw something really disturbing.
He murmured something. The joyous bartender suddenly had a gloomy persona.
“Sir Wen? Wen?” Wen unconsciously replied.” Salamin…” Wen’s dead eyes still
stared blankly at Mica. “Salamin?” Mica let go of the coffee cup which broke
Wen’s trance. “Ah, I’m so so sorry sir! Irerefill ko po agad yung latte niyo po!”

“S-sure.” Mica stuttered as he looked at him weirdly. Vin noticed that Mica was
taking too long so he went to him. “Mica? Is something wrong?” to which Mica
replied, “Wala lang, iniintay ko lang yung refill ko.” They both waited patiently
then Wen returned to the counter, processed his fee, and gave the coffee to Mica.
“Thank you po!” Vin shifted his gaze towards Wen and saw how he stared at him
menacingly. Vin chose to ignore it and went back to their table.

Meanwhile, Wen was baffled at the premonition that he saw. He always knew that
his family had supernatural abilities, but his will to deny it was great. But now, his
face was slapped with the truth that yes, his supernatural ability emerged from its
slumber. He went back to work as if nothing had happened. But deep within his
mind, it was chaos. When his break came, he immediately phoned his parents to
ask them about the vision that he saw. He tries to stop his shaking hands while
holding the phone that was ringing. He rang, and rang again, but his parents were
unavailable. “Ma…Pa, ba’t ayaw niyo sumagot?” His panicking was interrupted
when a familiar figure placed their hand on the back of his shoulders. Wen was
startled which caused him to drop his phone. “Parang nakakita ka ata ng multo
Wen?” Wen sighed of relief when he saw the familiar figure. It’s his boss who was
worried when he seemed out of space.
2023
“Bakit bukas na naman ang kasong ‘to? Pinatay ko siya. Wala nang dapat
patunayan pa.” It was Dani speaking, notoriously proclaimed by the masses who
killed Mica. Yet this investigator always looks at the case as fishy, and a case that
has a lot of holes. “Aminin mo man o hindi, basura ang hustisya dito.” Dani
sighed and replied, “O tapos?” The investigator made eye contact with Dani and
shifted the topic. “Hmm, dinalaw ka ni Dea diba? Balita ko ikakasal na sila ni
Luke?” Dani looked empty as if she’s an empty shell with nothing left to give
anymore. “Sinabi niya nga sa’kin ikakasal na sila.” As the clock ticks, the more
stressed Dani gets. “Noong sabit palang ako sa kaso na ‘to, mukhang ibibigay
mo ang lahat para kay Dea. Pero ano na? Haggang salita ka na lang ba?” Dani
was ticked off and snarled at him saying, “Wala kang alam.” The investigator
grinned and replied, “Kaya nga ako nandirito para alamin ang lahat diba?”
 CHAPTER TWO

2018

As the night falls inside the restaurant which Vin booked for him and Mica,
a strange atmosphere envelope the both of them. Vin looked at Mica as if
he’s worried about something. So, he began to ask away. “Mica, what’s
up?” Mica sighed and gently reached for his hand. “Vin, mabait kang tao,
alam mo ‘yon.” “Mica?” Mica continues, “It’s just that sobrang busy
natin these past few months, kung nagkikita man tayo e saglit lang, I
don’t have enough time for you, for us.” Vin stopped him in his tracks and
said “Kahit na Mica it doesn’t mean na-” “But still Vin, mahirap din ang
ginagalawan nating mundo, you’ll find someone better than me, someone
who deserves you.” Mica let go of Vin’s hands. “I’m sorry Vin, kailangan
ko lang gawin to, para din sa ikakasaya mo.” Vin suddenly snapped at
those words and punched Mica on the cheek. He grabbed his clothes and to
which he replies, “For my happiness? Do you get what you’re saying right
now Mica? You are my happiness, that’s why after tonight I was supposed
to introduce you to my family-”

Mica was surprised by his words, but he knew it was too late. Vin is
trembling while tears ran down his face. Everything started to sink in. His
memories with Mica, how they made each other happy, their relationship,
down in the drain just like that. “I’m sorry Vin, kailangan mo kong
pakawalan.”

2023

“Nag break sila noong 2019…” The investigator takes notes in his laptop
while Dani stared at him. “Sa wakas naman ay nagdesisyon ka ng
tulungan ako, ang problema lang ay kung nagsasabi ka ba talaga ng
katotohanan?” Dani replied. “Ayaw mo ba o gusto? Madali lang akong
kausap, tutal ikaw naman ang may kailangan sa’ting dalawa.” The
investigator gulped, and then cleared his throat as a signal to start over as if
nothing even happened.
“Samantalang si Luke… yun yung bestfriend niya na ayaw nahihiwalay
sa kanya.” The investigator suddenly questioned Dani’s statement. “Kung
ayaw niyang nahihiwalay sa kanya si Mica, bakit parang ayaw niyang
ipaglaban ang kasong ‘to? Katwiran iya sa’kin ay parasa katahimikan na
lang ng kaluluwa ni Mica.” Dani continued after she was stopped in her
tracks. “Totoo naman kasi, nandito na ako diba, kaya nga dapat nakasara
na ‘yang kaso na iyan.” Even if everything seems to be clear, to the
investigator, it’s just a mere façade to cover the whole scenario. The tip of
the iceberg.

2018

“Bars, tumahan ka na, tama lang naman ang ginawa mo. Papunta na sila
Dani at Dea dito oh.” Luke sat beside Mica while tears were streaming
down Mica’s face, and then plopped down on the bed to bury his face under
the sheets. “Lumabas ka muna Luke, saka nako makikipag-usap kapag
maayos na ako, sorry pero pauwiin mo muna sila Dani.” Luke replied,
“Sige, take care bars, kung kailangan mo lang ng kasama, nandito lang
ako lagi, alam mo yan.” Luke stood up and walked towards the door and
gently closed it as he went to the living room.

Mica heard the door shut behind him, he began to get up slowly and made
his way to the bathroom. There he stood in front of his mirror and placed his
hand on the cold surface of the mirror, making it seem that he’s connected to
his reflection. He stared at himself. Mica looked empty, but he knew he had
to move and work. It’s the choice he made after all, career over romantic
relations. He combed his hair with his other hand while sighing, and looked
over at the reflection there he saw his bottle of anti-depressants which his
doctor prescribed. He took one pill and washed his face in the sink. Slapped
his face using his hands and said, “Ngiti lang Mica, kaya mo ‘to.” Even so,
a tear made it out of its way from his eyes, making him slump down to the
cold hard floor of the bathroom, lying down from his side as he murmurs
Vin’s name, endlessly apologizing until he fell asleep.

While Luke was waiting in the living room looking worried for Mica, his
aunt arrived at the house. His aunt, tita Beanie arrived carrying numerous
bags. Luke saw her and immediately stood up to help her. “Uy Luke? Ang
aking junakis na saan na? Ang dami ko pa namang pasalubong para sa
inyong dalawa.” “Eh tita, nasa kwarto pa rin po si Mica maghapon na,
parang wala pa rin pong balak lumabas.”
“Check mo nga Luke neh? Aayusin ko muna yung pinamili ko.” Luke
nodded and he walked to Mica’s bedroom door and knocked. When he
noticed that there was no response at all, he opened the door to find Mica.
Worried eyes filled the room. He flipped the covers, checked under the bed,
yet no Mica. So, he hurriedly checked the bathroom, only to find Mica
sprawled over the bathroom floor passed out with a red puffy face that he
got from crying. Luke was surprised and at the same time, he expected this
nightmare of a scene to be found. He then gently picked up Mica and made
his way to the bed to lay him down there properly. Luke laid out the sheets
and noticed that there was a bruise that formed on Mica’s cheeks. He knew
he was going to ask about it later, or maybe not, thinking that it was
obviously related to the breakup last night.

Luke caressed Mica’s hair and noticed that Mica was mumbling Vin’s name
while he slept. Luke whispered, “Mukhang malapit, pero sobrang layo.”
He got up, and decided to leave and smiled sadly while holding the door as
he was staring at Mica.

Luke talked to tita Beanie and bid his farewells. “Tita, okay naman po si
Bars, uuwi na po ako.” To which tita Beanie replied, “sure ka hijo? May
sobrang upuan pa para sa hapunan.” Luke gently smiled and still insisted.
“Hindi na po tita, ikumusta niyo na lang po ako kay Bars pagka gising
niya.”

“Sige Luke, ingat ka sa pag-uwi mo ha.”

Tita Beanie closed the door and turned on the tv to tune in for the news. She
prepared the dinner table and went to the kitchen counter to start cooking.
She listened to the news while she was cutting vegetables.

“SUSPEK SA PAGPATAY SA PITONG LALAKING KABATAAN,

HINDI PA RIN NAHUHULI. NABANGGIT NG PNP CHIEF NA
MASYADO RAW ITONG MALINIS, AT NANANADYA PANG MAG-
IWAN NG MGA SULAT NA NAGBABADYANG, SIYA AY HUWAG
NANG HANAPIN PA, AT ANG BUHAY NILA ANG MAGIGING
KAPALIT. HINDI PA RIN ALAM NG MGA PULISYA KUNG ANO
ANG DAHILAN NITO SA SUNOD-SUNOD NA PAGKITIL NG
BUHAY NG MGA BINATA.”

Tita Beanie was distracted by the news and didn’t notice that she cut herself
while she was chopping. She gruntled and noticed that her index finger was
lightly bleeding. She then scolded herself for her mistake, and proceeded to
clean her wound. After she was done, she sat down on the couch, her eyes
not getting off the news, as if she was in a trance.

“Ang anak ko! Kung sino ka man, napaka baboy mo, walang ginawang
masama ang anak ko!”

Tita Beanie looked very much worried for the mother in the interview ho
grieved for her child. The killings are very disturbing, and not for the faint of
heart.

“Ano ba naman ‘yan, kung makapatay ng tao akala mo insekto.”

“Oo nga e ‘ta.”

Tita Beanie jumped at the sudden response. She immediately turned around
and saw Mica with a puffy eyes and ragged hair.

“Anak ka ng tokwa! Ah, ikaw pala anak, ginulat mo naman ang tita mo, o
ano, okay ka na ba? May masakit ba?”

“Yung puso ko po tita.”

“Ano ba talaga ang dahilan kung bakit ka nakipag-break?”

Mica felt his tears on his eyes again.

“Wag kang umiyak anak, sumasakit din ang puso ko. Kumain muna tayo
at saka mo ikwento.”
 CHAPTER THREE

2023

Dani arrived at the interrogation room once again. And as usual, the room is
dimly lit with the fluorescent light refusing to give up. Looking at the dreary
walls of this room is one of the things she hates the most. Suddenly, the
investigator asked her a question just right before she was going to sit down.

“Naalala mo yung sedator?” Dani seemed dumbfounded at this question.

Then she realized the sedator is the notorious serial killer that hunted young
men and drugged them to death, Dani was still confused on how thisis
connected to the case…But she thought of something else, her expression
somehow changed.
“Anong meron sa kanya?” Dani asked. To which the investigator replied,
“Noong una, akala ng lahat nagpakamatay si Mica diba? Pero noong
naghihinala na ang pulisya sa foul-play, bigla kang humarap at umamin.
Binigay mo pa nga yung kutsilyo sa amin. Pero ang nakalagay sa autopsy,
si Mica ang gumawa nito sa sarili niya, kaya, paano mo ginawa to Dani?
Ginaya mo ba ang sedator? O may pinagtatakpan ka?”

Dani went silent. There were too many holes in her reasoning.

“Alam mo Dani, sabihin mo na kung sino ba talaga ang may gawa nito,
makakasama mo pa si Dea at magiging malaya ka pa.”

“Wala akong tiwala sa inyo. Lalo na sa mga katulad mo. Ako nga diba!
Ako ang may sala, wala nang iba pa, di mo na kailangang maghanap ng
kung sino pa.”

A sudden knock was heard and the room went quiet. The investigator sighed
and stood up to tend whoever is calling him. An officer stood on the outside
and told him something, to which Dani didn’t hear.
“Dani… mukhang may bisita ka.”

The investigator smirked at Dani and proceeded to go outside for a smoke.

2018

“Nakipag-break ka dahil sa tatay niya?”

“Opo tita, nagsulat pa nga ng check para layuan ko si Vin. Pero ginawa
ko yung pinaka cliché na bagay sa lahat. Pinunit ko yung check, kaso
sinabi ng tatay niya ipapadala daw si Vin sa abroad kapag di ako
kumalas.”

“Ano ba naman ‘yan anak, stereotype much ang pudrabels ni Vin, ano
sabi? Sisirain ang buhay natin gano’n? Patawa kamo siya. Wag ako, wag
tayo.”

Tita Beanie comforted Mica with her utmost care while they sat on the
couch. Tita Beanie noticed him fall asleep on the couch with a single tear
making it out of his eye. She felt like everything bad is seeping through her
heart. After all, she treats Mica like her own son. Through good times and
bad times after he got disowned by his parents.

Mica may look like he’s sleeping soundly at first, then he began dreaming.

Mica’s lying down on the ground with a knife on his chest, while looking at
the shattered mirror that’s beside him. He tried to scream but he couldn’t.
Then, there was a figure who slowly walked up to him, he couldn’t see the
face of this unfamiliar figure. His vision was blurry and he suddenly felt a
cold palm caressing his cheeks, the unfamiliar figure kissed his forehead and
smiled as he looked in the mirror with Mica. The figure smiled. The smile
that terrified Mica, the smile that is now engraved in his mind until the day
he passes.
“Mahal kita Mica, kaso ganito naman ang nangyari. Susunod na lang
ako sa’yo.”

Mica suddenly jolted and realized that he finally woke up. He was utterly
terrified that he even forgot about him and Vin. He then looked at the
window and saw that it was already morning. He tried to clear his head when
he saw Luke and Tita Beanie chatting early in the morning. Because he
suddenly got up after he woke up, he felt a sudden migraine hit him
knowingly.

He then made his way to the both of them to greet them.

“Morning ‘ta, morning bars.” He placed his hand on the side of his head,
feeling the migraine oozing in. Luke noticed and touched Mica’s forehead,
looking greatly concerned about the situation Mica’s in. Same with Tita
Beanie, she made Mica sit down on the table, and served him a glass of
water.

“Ayos ka lang bars? Inom ka muna ng gamot kung sobrang sakit ng ulo
mo.”

“Nak, kumain ka muna oh, yung tamang kain lang, wag pilitin kung di
kaya.”

Seeing how worried they both were reminded Mica of reality. Vin. Yet he
pushes through. He knows he will push through, like what he always did.

“Okay lang, masakit lang ulo ko kasi nabigla lang ako ng gising. Ano ba
kayong dalawa, oa gurl ha, di naman ako na admit sa ospital at parang
pasyente na ang trato niyo sa’kin.”

They shared a nice breakfast after that. It was very peaceful. It’s like the
calm before the storm.
 CHAPTER FOUR

2023

“Nandirito si Luke at Dea, gusto ka nilang makausap daw para sa kasal.”

Dani looked like she was lost when she heard it. But she had to bear it. She’s
atoning for the sins she didn’t do? Or did she? Only Dani knows. The
investigator went out to give them privacy.

“Dee, musta ka na?” Dea started off with forcing a smile in her face. Dani
stared at her with awe, she was still the woman she fell in love with. But
she’s with Luke now. Luke reached out to Dea’s hand to show Dani the
engagement ring. Dani’s became even more irritated at Luke.

“Ganda ba?” Luke initiated. “Nagpropose ako sa kanya two days ago, at
ikakasal na kami next week. Such a shame na di ka makakasama, ikaw
sana ang maid of honor ni Dea.”

“Luke.” Said by Dea. “Could you give us some space? Alam mo namang
na miss ko rin si Dani.”

“Sure.”

Luke went outside the room. When Dea heard the door shut behind her, she
slapped herself as if she wanted to clear her mind and snap herself back to
reality.

“Dani… Bigyan mo ko ng dalawang linggo.”

“Dalawang linggo? Para saan? Dea kung ano man ang binabalak mo-”
“Dee, may alam akong paraan kailangang mo lang akong
pagkatiwalaan.”

“Dea, kaya nga ako nandito diba, dahil wala nang kailangang gawin pa.
Ako na ang nagbabayad dito.”

“Nagbabayad? Sa kasalanang hindi naman ikaw ang may gawa?”

“Kaysa ikaw ang mapahamak?”

“Dani ako na ang pagbayarin mo, nagmamakaawa ako. Wag mong akuin
ang lahat.”

“…”

“…”

“Dea. Umuwi ka na. Tapos na ang usapan.”

 CHAPTER 5

It was the usual night for Wen at the Busy Bean Cafe.

The cafe was empty since it was thirty minutes before closing time. Things
usually sail smoothly unless there’s a random customer that comes in late.

“nine-thirty na pala.”

Wen then proceeded to clean the counters and tables and prepared for
closing. As he was about to flip the tables and chairs, a familiar customer
suddenly went in. This random customer walked up to Wen, to which Wen
noticed.

“Ikaw ba si Branwen Diesta?”

“Uh, yes po?”

“Sabi nila ikaw ang kailangan kong kausapin.”

Wen gestured Mica to sit down. Wen felt something was off. Mica just
popped up out of nowhere and the café door didn’t ring. They faced each
other in a small table in the café. Wen offered mica a drink but he politely
refused.

Uknown to Wen, Mica actually died back in 2018.

“Kausapin po…? Para saan?”

“Um, Branwen, sumakabilang buhay na ako. Sabi nila kaya naki-”

“Ha? Ano? Prank ba ‘to? HAHAHA. Nasaan mga camera mo?

Magcclosing na ako sir Mica, bukas nalang ha.”

Mica sighed at Wen’s reaction. He knew that this was going to happen so he
grabbed Wen’s face using his hands on each cheek, and tilted his head to the
side, making him face a mirror. Wen screamed.

“HOY! MULTO! BA’T GANYAN A-ANO BA YAN?”

Wen obviously panicked, while Mica sat there waiting for Wen to settle
down. It went quiet and Mica wondered why. He found Wen passed out on
the floor.

Wen fainted. Mica being the dense person that he is, kneeled down and
poked his cheek, and checked if he was alive. He put his ears on Wen’s chest
to hear his heartbeat. He sighed in relief when he heard it.

Mica sat down on the floor and placed Wen’s head on his lap to provide
support, and to wait for Wen to wake up.

Moments later, Wen finally woke up. He saw Mica’s awkward smile, and
realized that he’s on his lap. Wen’s emotion was a mix of embarrassment
and being horribly terrified of the sight that he just saw. Wen got up fast and
crawled away from Mica. He gathered his thoughts and breathed in and out
in exaggeration.

“So, ayos ka na?” Mica initiated.

“…”

“Branwen?”

“…Wen na lang.”
“Okay Wen. Sorry kung natakot kita. Pero ikaw ang kailangan ko, para
makatawid nako sa tulay.”

“Tulay?”

“Ah, ganito kasi yon.”

FLASHBACK:

“Dapat ata dito ako pumunta.”

Mica wandered endlessly during the night. His instincts told him to go at
some place where his soul will lead him. He eventually ended up in a road
where he can see a bridge far away. He was about to head towards the bridge
but it seems like he can’t go there. The more he walks, the foggier and far
the bridge gets. It was like he’s stuck inside an illusion he can’t get out of.
He tried to run, but he still ended up in the same place. He was about to try
another lap but an old woman stopped him.

“Hoy baklang ligaw!” The weary old woman pointed at Mica and walked
slowly to him.

“Ay aray ko ha.” Mica responded.

“Bawal ka pa pumunta sa kabilang dako.”

“Kabilang dako? Bawal ho ba doon ang mga bakla nay?”

“Ikaw bata ka… Di naman sa ganoon. May kailangan ka pang tapusin

dito. Hanapin mo si Branwen Diesta.”

“Branwen Diesta?”
“Ulit-ulit?”

“O sige po nay. Bran-wen Di-es-ta.”

CHAPTER SIX

“Tapos…Ayun na ‘yun?”

“Hmm, oo. Wala na akong maalala bukod doon. Ang naalala ko lang
yung mga kaibigan ko noon. Pero yung mga alaala ko bitak-bitak.”

Mica and Wen were still discussing about his life when he was still living.
Wen was reminded of how his bloodline has encountered supernatural
things.

“Mica, di ko alam kung anong klaseng unfinished business ang meron ka,
pero naaalala ko ang sinabi ng tiyahin ko. Saka sinabi mong ako lang ang
nakakakita sa’yo?”

“Oo. Wala nang iba pa. Mukha lang akong tao sa paningin mo. Kaso pag
nakaharap nako sa salamin… Nakikita ko na naman yung nangyari
noong gabi na ‘yon.”

“Sinabi ng balita noon na-”

“Nagpakamatay ako? ‘Yun din ang akala ko. Di ko lang maalala kung
sino ang may gawa. Pero pakiramdam ko talaga Wen, hindi ako. Alam
kong hindi ako ‘yun.”
Mica looked devastated. Yet Wen didn’t know how, or what to do. It was a
lot to take in really, he’s just observing it all, even though it can make
someone’s brains to flip off the switch.

“Susubukan ko Mica. Pasensya na Mica pero hindi ako mangangako,

pero susubukan ko hanggat kaya ko. Ayos ba ‘yon?”

“Oo Wen! Tatanggapin ko lahat ngayon. Di rin naman ako makakakilos

ng mag-isa. Pipilitin kong makaalala.”

“Pedeng magpahinga muna ako ngayon? Di pa nagsisink in sa’kin ang

lahat Mica.”

“Sige. Magiintay lang ako.”

After they said their goodbyes to each other, which leaves Mica to tend to
his own things, meaning that he will just aimlessly wander around searching
for the ones that he lost.

Wen closed the café, and made his way back to home.

“Tawagan ko na lang sila Mama at Papa. Siguro alam nila ang sagot sa
lahat ng ito… Di naman ako pwedeng bumalik ng Bicol. Wala pakong
pamasahe.”

“Uuwi na lang ako sa apartment.”

Then something popped up in Wen’s head that made him hurry back home.

“Yung libro..!”

Wen arrived home scurrying and tossing his thing around the apartment. He
was finding a certain book that could be the answer to all of his problems.

Then he found the dusty book under his bed. He removed the dust and wiped
it off. He flipped the pages one by one in search for something while
mumbling.
“Tulay…tulay… Hindi ito yun… Nasaan na?.... Ayun!”

He read it out loud.

“Hinding hindi makakapasok ang mga naliligaw ng landas sa tulay na

magdurugtong sa kanilang panibagong buhay…”

Wen wondered what that is.

“Sa kada pagpalit ng buwan…Unti-unting maliligaw ang katauhan ng

isang anyo hanggang sa ito ay maglaho at magwakas ng tuluyan.”

Mica paused for a brief moment. But he knew what to do.

“Kailangan kong hanapin si Mica.”

 CHAPTER SEVEN

Wen rushed to the door while trying to fix himself. There’s a time limit that
Mica needs to abide unless he will disappear.

Wen opened the door and he almost stumbled when he saw Mica standing
there. Their faces were inches apart and Wen was flustered and stood there
for a few seconds. Mica cleared his throat to break the ice. Wen was
distracted for a bit.

“Wen? Bakit nagmamadali ka?”

“Ah, Mica! Pasok dali-dali.”

Wen was in a hurry that he grabbed Mica’s hand to drag him inside the
apartment. Mica was surprised that Wen touched him. Mica paused.

“Nahawakan mo ‘ko?”

“Uh..Masama ba ‘yon? Sorry di ko na uulitin-”

“No Wen. Nung unang buwan palang… Basta ganon.”

“Hmm?”

“May sasabihin ka diba Wen?”

“Ah..Ay oo nga pala!”

“…”

“Kailangan nating magmadali Mica. Para makatawid ka sa tulay at

magsimula ng bagong buhay, kung di mangyari ‘yon…”

“Kung hindi?”

“Tuluyan kang maglalaho at hindi na marereincarnate muli.”

Mica paused yet again. He needed to take in what’s happening right now.
And what’s going to happen to his soul. He sat down and stared at the mirror
from the bed. He moved closer to the mirror. He saw his true form. Stabbed
right in the stomach.

Wen noticed and he turned away from the mirror. He was still terrified from
what he saw earlier.

“T-tatakpan ko na lang yan, s-sa-saglit.”

Mica caressed his face. He always feels empty when he sees his body in the
form of a bloody corpse.

“Wala akong maalala noong gabi na ‘yon Wen.”

Wen was about to cover the mirror but Mica stopped him.

Mica continued.

“Kung sa tutuusin tapos na sana ‘to lahat kung naaalala ko lang.

Gusto ko lang matapos na ‘tong bangungot na nakikita ko tuwing
humaharap ako sa salamin. Pero alam kong kailangan ko ‘tong makita.
Parang pinapaalala lang na wala na talaga ako. Tama lang palang
nakipag-break ako kay Vin. De baleng magalit na siya sa’kin, ayoko lang
makita na umiiyak siya ulit. Sila Dani..Dea, Luke…si Tita Beanie. Wala
naman akong ginawang masama pero bakit nandito ako?”

Wen listened and realized Mica was done. Wen stood up and reassured
Mica.

“Kaya ako nandito diba? Kung tinuro ka man ng matandang ‘yon sa’kin.
At sinabi niyang ako ang kailangan mo, tutulungan kita.

Aaminin kong natatakot pa rin ako sa mga nangyayari ngayon… At sa

repleksyon mo sa salamin, pero kakayanin natin to.”
CHAPTER EIGHT

“Mag fifile muna ako ng two weeks leave. Bago natin puntahan yung mga
kaibigan mo. Pupunta muna tayo ng Bicol.”

“Bicol?”

“Pupuntahan natin mga parents ko.”

INTERROGATION ROOM 2023

“Sasabihin mo na ba ang lahat?”

“Oo.”

“Mabuti naman. Tama ang naging desisyon mo.”

Dani confessed to everything about Mica’s murder. The real truth this time.
The investigator was shocked. Hours has passed and Dani finally finished
her statement.
“Andito na talaga tayo sa puntong ito ano…Dani?”

“…”

“Tapos na ba?” Dani responded with tears in her eyes.

She confessed everything. The case will now be opened again due to the
change of the tides. To the investigator it’s only building up to the point
where everything can be with them, or antagonize them.

The investigator went out and entered his office. Grabbed a telephone to call
his boss.

“Sir… Buksan niyo na.”

“Nagawa mo?” The unfamiliar voice on the telephone asked.

“Opo Sir. Mas nagging malinaw na ang lahat.”

“Sige Valencia maganda yan. Magmemeeting tayong lahat mamaya.”

“Okay po Sir. Noted.”

The investigator went back again towards the interrogation room, where
Dani was held in. He greeted Dani.

“Bubuksan na nila ang kaso.”

“Si Dea?”

“Ako ang bahala kay Ms Dea. Wala ka nang kailangang ikabahala pa.
Pangako ko ‘yan.”

“Dapat lang.”

MEETING ROOM 2023

“We we will now discuss the opening of the case of the murder of Mr.
Mica Gurland.”

The meeting room went silent after the officer started. The meeting went on
about the cause of death of Mica. Then the officer proceeded to announce
the suspected people involved in the crime.

“Vin Barcelon, Luke Asuncion, Daniela Araque, Amadea Ynate. Isa sa

kanila ang maaaring sangkot sa pagpatay kay Mr. Gurland, o maaari ring
isa sa kanila mismo ang pumatay kay Mica.”

“Si Vin ang ex ni Mica. Si Luke Asuncion ang matalik niyang kaibigan
pati na si Daniela at si Amadea.”

“Nangyari ang krimen sa bahay ng kanyang tiyahin. Nakalagay sa

imbestigasyon na sila lahat ay kakilala at may kakayahang pumasok sa
bahay ng kanyang tiyahin. 9:30 ang time of death at natagpuan ang
katawan mga tatlong araw na ang nakalipas ng bumalik ang kanyang
tiyahin mula sa isang business trip sa Cebu.”

“Naisara ang kaso na ito dahil inakalang si Mica Gurland ang tumapos
ng sarili niyang buhay.”

“Ngunit umamin at isinauli ni Ms. Daniela ang isang botelya na may

traces ng hallucination drugs. Sinabi niya ring tinago niya ito para sa
kanyang sariling buhay at para kay Ms. Amadea.”

“Drug induced death ang nangyari kay Mica. Siya ay pinaniwalaang

kumitil ng kanyang sariling buhay pagkatapos nitong makakain ng isang
dessert. Siya ay naghallucinate.”

“Dagdag ni Ms. Daniela, ang inamin niyang pumatay kay Mica ay si-”

“Di pa naman tayo nakakasiguro diyan, tama?” Another investigator cut

the discussion.
 “Yes Sir. Pero siya ang sinabi ni Ms. Daniela kanina sa interrogation
room.”

“O ‘sya. Dapat pala kumilos na tayo.”

CHAPTER NINE
BICOL 2023

“Anong kailangang gawin ni Mica?”

Wen asked his parents.
“Kailangang maalala ni Mica ang lahat anak.”

2018
Six months after Vin and Mica broke up, they were good as friends again. The
group got back together as if nothing happened. They shared a laugh while having
a picnic at the park. Vin, Mica, Dani, Dea, and Luke.
“Huy Nakita niyo ba yung sa balita? Mga binatang eklabu daw ang tinatarget ni
serial killer.” Dea initiated.
“Mhmm. Mica alam na. Tago na bago mag hating-gabi.” Vin jokingly said to
Mica.
Mica laughed.
“Pero seryoso, nakakatakot ‘yun ah.” Mica replied.
Mica noticed Luke. “Earth to Luke?”
“Nasa Earth pa.”
Mica didn’t notice much but Luke got clingier to him after the issue. They were
always together. From breakfast, Luke would always stop by and grab Mica and
his aunt some breakfast. Then he would fetch Mica after work. From his modelling
jobs, to his meet ups. Even his social following speculated that he and Mica may
be in a relationship. Mica didn’t give it much thought since Luke and him were
best friends since they were a bunch of little kids. Even when Mica got disowned,
Luke took Mica to his home that Luke shared with his sister. Now that his sister is
gone abroad, Luke often spends some time alone working from home and only gets
out of the house when its time to pick Mica up, or to spend some time with him.
Dani and Dea noticed. Then they decided to gang up on Luke and called him out.
“Huy Luke! Pedeng samahan mo muna kami ni Dea saglit? Medyo
maghahapon na eh, alam mo naman ang daan.”

“Sige. Saan ba?” Luke agreed and the two dragged him away to give him a pep
talk.

“Ahem. Luke umamin ka nga, gusto mo si Mica noh?” Dea initiated.

“Huy hindi ah. Baka nga magkabalikan pa sila ni Vin eh. Saka friends naman
talaga kami simula noon pa.” Luke replied.
“Nako excuses.” Dani cited to which Dea agreed.
The two of them bugged and begged Luke to the point Luke confessed.
“Oo na. Dati pa.”
The two squealed and shushed each other for the other two sitting on the blanket
might notice.
“Teka baka mahalata na tayo. Chat mo sa’kin ha? OR I could come over at your
place.”
“Come over? Hala wag na.” Luke immediately disagreed when Dea suggested
they come over at his place.
“Ayyy, bakit? Sa’yo na lang yung hindi namin napupuntahan.”
“Ah, e kasi makalat. Saka may inaayos pa ko sa bahay namin. Medyo di pa rin
sanay sa buhay mag-isa.” Luke tried to reason.
Dani somewhat agreed when Dea was trying to push the topic.
“Ganon talaga Dea, kaka abroad lang ng kapatid niya last month remember?”
Dea pouted but eventually agreed.

The picnic ended and they all bid their farewells. But Dea had a secret plan, She
begged Dani to go to Luke’s house to surprise him.
“Sure ka eto yung address ng bahay ni Luke? Yayamanin!”
“Iyan ang Nakita ko sa info niya. Saka nabanggit noon ni Mica yung address
niya.”
They both stared at the house. They knocked on the door and Luke immediately
answered.
To their surprise, they saw a groggy Luke yawning. And broke into his senses
when he saw the two.
“Hi! Akala mo ah. Di ka makakatakas samiiin.” Dea laughed and entered the
house as if it was her own.

Dani shrugged and told Luke that she was only forced to do it. Luke was left with
no choice and let them in.
“Sige lutuan ko muna kayo ng hapunan, tutal andito naman na kayo.”
“Luke! Nasaan ba c.r niyo? Tinatawag nako ng kalikasan.” Dani called out to
Luke.
“Nasa taas, tapos kumanan ka.”
“Sige ba.”
Dani immediately went upstairs to take a leak. After exiting the bathroom. She was
supposed to go downstairs but she noticed something on the wall of the hallway.
There’s a gap which looked like it was supposed to blend with the walls but it was
left wide open.
Dani smelled something weird coming from the secret room. She felt chills down
her spine.
It was a dark room but had a small light. There was a bed with a person lying on it.
It was a lady that looked like she was sleeping. There were petals on her bed. Dani
tried to call out to her. She flicked on her flashlight and looked at the body. It was
cold but preserved. She knew it was familiar. It was Luke’s sister. A corpse in his
house.
Dani wanted to scream but she couldn’t. She stumbled down and tears started
running down from her eyes.
Dani looked around and tried to calm herself down. She and Dea will get killed if
they don’t get out of the house if Luke finds out she was there. She was
hyperventilating but she’s trying to calm herself down. She looked around again.
And she saw pictures of men who are corpses. Dead. Pinned on the corkboard like
they were just silly old collections.
Dani was going to pretend like nothing happened but-
“Dani.”
Dani was frozen solid. She wanted to face the man who owns the voice but she
couldn’t. Luke walked up to her and whisphered.
“Wala kang nakita. Nag-iintay doon si Dea. Ayaw mo naman sigurong sumunod
na siya?”
Dani slowly nodded. They both got out of the room. And this time, Luke sealed it
shut. Dani looked over and saw how it blended with the wall. As if it never even
existed.

“Dumeretso ka lang. Umuwi na kayo pagkatapos ninyong kumain.”

 CHAPTER TEN

“Wen… Si Luke ang gumawa sa’kin nito.”

Wen was shocked. To Wen, it seemed like Mica trusted Luke with his life.
Mica proceeded with his explanation.

2018

After a few weeks of Dani’s discovery about the truth. The group noticed
that Dani and Luke grew closer. But the truth is, Luke is just trying to
monitor Dani, in case she spills the truth. After the group split up, Luke
called Dani.

Dani felt her heart beating fast. She still can’t get used to the fact that there’s
a killer a few feet away from her.

“Bakit… Luke?”

Dani noticed Luke was taking out a small box that was gift-wrapped.

“Gagawin ko na mamayang gabi.”

“Huh?”
“Samahan mo ‘ko mamaya. Pupunta tayo kila Mica.”

“… Ah. Ako na pala ang alalay mo ngayon.”

“Hmm? May usapan tayo Dani. Walang kakanta.”

Dani was nervous. She became someone’s slave.

2023

“Noong gabing ‘yun Wen. Umamin sa’kin si Luke. Di ko man lang

inakala na sa simpleng hindi ko… Nagwala siya pero bigla na lang
nanahimik.”

“…”

“Nag dinner pa kami before that. Napaka sabaw ko at hindi ko man lang
alam na aamin siya ng gabing yun. Noong nanahimik na siya, mga ilang
minuto lang nahilo na ako. Hinarap niya ako sa salamin at binulungan.
Unti-unti na lang akong nawala sa sarili noon Wen. Sa dulo, nakangiti na
lang siya at samantalang ako, hawak ko ying kutsilyo na nakasaksak sa
dibdib ko.”

It was in the middle of the night in Bicol. Wen and Mica were lying down
together on the grass while staring at the night sky. Mica was venting right
now and Wen is just simply listening. They bonded for two days after Mica
remembered everything. Being there every step of the way, and he was just
there for him. Wen nodded in agreement while Mica was explaining.

“Ang kaibigan moang nakakulong Mica, hindi si Luke.”

“Ginamit niya lang pala si Dani dahil gusto niyang protektahan si Dea
Wen. Nakita ko lahat yon habang naliligaw pa’ko… Hindi ko lang
maalala noong umpisa kung bakit ako nandoon.”

“Mareresolba din natin to Mica. Pangalawang palit na ng buwan. At

naaalala mon a lahat.”

Wen reassured Mica.

“Alam mo Wen, sana nakilala na lang kita noong buhay pa ‘ko.”

“Ako rin Mica.”

They paused. With the both of them turning slightly red.

“You’re a good friend Wen.”

“Siyempre ako pa. Kung buhay ka pa sana edi nilandi na kita.”

“E bakit hindi pede naman- Wait… Ha? Wait di ka straight?”

“Hmm? Oh… Oo nga noh.”

“Ngayon mo lang narealize Wen?”

“Kama kalian lang.”

Then a comfortable silence enveloped the two of them. Mica and Wen
thought it was nice to have a simple connection. Moments later, Mica
remembered the mission he had to fulfill.

“Kung naaalala ko na ang lahat… Bakit di pa ako nakakaalis?”

“Kasi di pa napagbabayaran ni Luke ang kasalanan niya.”

“Bumalik tayo ng Manila bukas Wen.”

 “Sige Mica.”

Wen was going to head in the house but Mica called him out.

“Wen sa susunod na buhay ko, gusto ko ikaw… Na ikaw ang makilala

ko.”

Wen was surprised at the sudden remark but he smiled and responded,

“Ako din Mica.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN
2023
“ULAT NG PULISYA, LUMABAS NA ANG TUNAY NA PANGYAYARI
SA PAGPATAY SA ISANG BINATANG SI MICA GURLAND AT AYON
SA KANILA, IISA LANG ANG SUSPEK SA PAGPATAY SA BINATA AT
SA NATAGURIANG SERIAL KILLINGS. PINANGALANAN ANG
SUSPEK NA SI LUKE ASUNCION, DALAWAMPUT ISANG TAONG
GULANG NA NGAYO’Y NILILITIS NA SA HUKUMAN.”

It was nine thirty in the morning when they heard the news on the radio. Wen
immediately turned on the television and saw Luke on a handcuff being taken to
court. Media men and protesters surrounded him, even with other policemen trying
to bring him to court safely. Many family members were crying and shouting at
Luke.
And when they noticed that Luke only smiled, the aggressiveness of the crowd
grew larger and threw things at him.
Wen didn’t know what to feel. The case has already been solved.
Wen was startled when Mica suddenly spoke with tears in his eyes.
“W-wen umalis na tayo. Bumalik na tayo ng Manila.”
He only nodded in response and immediately packed his bags. This is it, the
endgame. He’s now going to say goodbye to Mica. He still feels frustrated,
because he’s going to bid farewell to his friend, the one he likes.
Wen said goodbye to his parents, and went on with the journey.
The whole trip was silent. Hours of Wen taking naps and Mica just staring outside
through the bus window.
They never spoke a word through it.
Mica only spoke up when they arrived at the prison where Luke is held inside.
Only Mica went in. Wen stayed outside.
“Sure ka ikaw na lang ang papasok Mica?”

“Oo Wen. Kaya ko naman ‘to.”

Mica went inside and looked for the cell Luke was in. Down the hallway, he saw
Dea and Dani hugging each other. While Vin was just staring at a prison cell. Vin
was crying. Dani was taken away by one of the policemen.
“Ms. Daniela, dahil sangkot ka pa rin sa krimen, limang taon ang iyong
nalalabing oras sa kulungan.”
Dea wanted to hold Dani’s hand as she was being taken away, but Dani reassured
Dea with a hug and said,
“I love you Dea. Makakasama din kita, okay?”
Tears finally made it out of Mica’s face as he witnessed the two hugged for the last
time. His friends finally had their peace.
“I love you too Dani.”
Meanwhile Vin couldn’t take it anymore as he walked away sadly. Mica went to
Luke’s cell.
“Luke… Maayos na silang lahat. Sila Dea, Dani, at si Vin. Napatawad na kita.
Ang mga naiwan ko, sila na ang bahala.”
Mica sighed. Then he saw Tita Beanie rushing down the hallway and making her
way through just to get to Wen’s cell.
She bawled at the sight of Luke tucked away in a corner.
She then grabbed the iron bars trying to tear it apart. Screamed and cried in grief of
Mica.
“Luke tinuring kitang anak! Ano ba, bakit, bakit, bakit mo nagawa sa’min to ni
Mica?”
Luke still didn’t display any emotion nor any comments.
After her aunt calmed down, Mica began to walk away silently. He saw Vin at the
door entrance murmuring.
“I’m sorry Mica. I should’ve stayed.”
Mica responded even if he knew Vin wouldn’t hear him.
“Ayos lang Vin. I’m sorry too. And goodbye. Alagaan mo silang lahat.”

Mica cleared his head and went outside. He then saw Wen waiting patiently and
greeted him back.

“Wen, tara na? Maghahapon na.”

He only nodded in response and they proceeded to take a long walk. They went to
a park where there’s no other people around.

“So, kumusta ka na Mica?”

“Tanggap ko na Wen. Kung malungkot man sila ngayon, alam kong papanatag
na rin ang loob nila, at alam ko ring magiging masaya sila. Matibay yang mga
‘yan.”
“…”

“Kaya wen-”

Mica was about to say another word but he saw the old lady again. Smiling at him.
Waiting for Mica.
Mica started to feel his tears build up again.

“Wen, oras na.”

“Ayoko pa Mica. Paano ako?”

“Ganito na lang. Tutal nasa park tayo. Takpan mo ang mata mo-”

“Mica ayoko.”

“Please Wen?”

Mica begged Wen to close his eyes, so he held his hands and covered Wen’s eyes.
Wen was crying.

“Bibilang ako ng sampu.”

“Isa… Dalawa… Tatlo…”

Mica took his hands away. And began gently walking away.

“Apat… Lima… Anim… Pito…”

“Walo…”

“Siyam…”
.
.
.
.
“Sampu.”

Mica vanished.

Wen was left all alone. He stumbled on the ground and began crying.

He still had to accept his fate.

Then the old lady appeared in front of Wen.

“Sa susunod na buhay hijo. Magkikita kayo muli.”