4 •CHAPTER 4: GRIEF•

22nd of June 1812

Disruptive news came to us this morning. A young woman was found lifeless in an alley in town.

According to eyewitnesses, many red roses surround it and there is a stab in the chest. "Who would commit such a heinous crime?" I whispered to myself.

I also felt a strange nervousness in my system. Maybe later we will know who the victim is, extra caution as well.

*****

There is no school today but I am still glum, mom did not come or even call on my birthday. I was waiting for her until midnight and she was still nowhere. Even after three days, I didn't hear anything from her.

I am really worried for her. She may be sick, she is not answering my calls. I feel so uneasy.

"Ms. Hermosa kindly proceeded to the dormitory's office at the ground floor" I heard Ms. Monclair from the speaker. I rose from my bed and wore my slippers since it was just inside the dorm.

I clicked the elevator and wait. My heart is beating so fast, I can almost hear it. It looks like something bad is going to happen. As the elevator opened for the third time, I immediately went out and made my way to the office.

I knocked three times then I came in.

"Goodmorning ma'am, is everything alright?" The gloomy atmosphere welcomed me. I just swallowed and slowly went to the front of Ms. Monclair's table.

"We have received a call from the police department near the town they are on their way here to talk to you." I can't sense any emotion from her statement.

She motioned me to take a seat at the couch to wait and brought me a glass of water. After a few minutes the police arrive. They sat in front of me and say the purpose of their visit.

"No ... n-no it can't b-be my mother is alive! I don't believe you!" I am almost deaf and all I could hear was crying.

I do not believe my mother is dead.

She even said that she would visit here and I can bond with her. "I'm sorry for your loss Ms. Hermosa. The school will give you permission to attend your mom's wake and funeral. Our condolences"

I absent-mindedly got back to the room. Sandra and Kristie put their efforts to comfort me but I don't care about anything at all. It hurts so much. My heart is shattered to pieces.

"Eve, eat first, you haven't eaten even this morning, it's already dark. Don't starve yourself to death. You'll get sick of that." Kristie put food and water in front of me.

"We know you're hurt but please don't punish yourself like this." After Sandra said that, they left again and left me alone in the room.

I looked out the window and the light from the bright moon shone on my face. I can also see the garden and the tree that is not accessible to us.

There's something went through my mind and I left the room. I want to go near the tree. No one seems to notice me because everyone is busy going to the dining area.

I got out at the back of the dorm and I felt the cold air, swaying my hair. As I walked towards that part, there was a strange presence around me. Something I can't see but gives strong feeling.

I passed the lush grass that reached my waist. I did not look where direction I came from, as if someone were urging me to go straight.

I was doing the wrong thing but at that time I feel I had no choice but to go where I wanted to go. It seems to alleviate the sadness and resentment I feel.

Mom ... why did you leave me so soon? I can't leave without you. I miss you so much

The happy memories of mom and me flashback this time. I don't think my tears are running out even if they just keep on coming out. My eyes are tired and swollen but I want to release my pain by crying. Crying is the only thing I can do.

If only I could forget instantly. Get rid of all the pain or just think of everything as a dream and tomorrow when I wake up I will be happy again.

WE will be happy again...

"I love you so much Eve..."

My sanity escape from what I heard. It's my Mom's voice! Unconsciously looking at every direction just to find where the voice came from.

It comes from near the tree. All my logical thinking was gone and I just wanted to see him again.

I know she is not dead yet! I ran a little distance up to the tree. Breathlessly, I observed the beautiful fruits of this apple.

Inviting my eyes. I feel the dryness of my throat for this.

"Eat a fruit my child... we will meet again" I heard my mother's voice again.

"Just one bite of an apple and we'll be together again"

Trembling, my hand reached for a fruit. There seemed to be a hand guiding me to swallow the apple. I brought it to my mouth and bit.

Gradually the wind changed. The previous mild is strong and disappearing as if a storm is coming.

"The curse is repeated! And this time I will succeed again. I have your life for the sacrifice of my child! Life for a life. What a beauty of death!"

I can no longer hear my mother's voice. It sounds like a witch's voice. I can here its laughter, makes me feel horrified.

Before I lost consciousness, I said the only word I can manage to say right at that moment.

"Help ..."

*****

I am deeply mourning by the news I found out. Ysay was the victim who was reported this morning. I was sitting under a tree while writing this because I felt she was still here.

Even though my tears are dripping on every page, I still can't describe the pain I feel.

"Why did you leave me without saying goodbye Ysay? I thought your are my friend?" talking to myself as if the person I care about is still here.

An apple fell from a tree. I picked it up and bit it after I wiped it off.

"Nirvana ... you swear" that voice seemed to repeat itself in my head. I unconsciously make my way going home.

Ysay's voice is still what I hear. The voice of my best friend.

Grieving,

Nirvana Hermosa