C1. Cemetery

As I ascended, the ambient sounds of civilization gradually reached my ears, indicating that I must have been buried in a location where people were present. 

Curiously, upon turning my body, there were bustling noises of cars, jeepneys, and motorcycles behind me, suggesting the proximity of a nearby road.

The pit where I am at currently is a little too deep for me to climb out of, of course, this must be the way a coffin must be buried. Consequently, the only accessible side appeared to be the front side.

Before I start to lose grip on all the surfaces around me, I hastily escape the confines of the coffin and embrace the muddy terrain.

*splash*

As I stepped into the muddy water beside the coffin, my worn-out black shoes made a small splashing sound. 

Walking with a slight limp, I still struggled to fully regain my mobility and activate the muscles and nerves in my legs.

Shivering in the cold, I reached out my hand and grasped at anything I could find to lift myself up. 

Thankfully, the surface wasn't too slippery yet. With all my strength, I began to climb, relying on my arms and hands. 

I carefully placed my feet on stable spots, ensuring they wouldn't give way and cause me to slide back down. Meanwhile, the rain continued to pour, unfortunately leaving unmistakable brown stains on my jacket and vest, as mud adhered to the fabric.

I ascended to the top, utilizing the last remnants of my strength, I exerted myself one final time.

With outstretched palms, I widened my grip to create more leverage and successfully hoisted myself upward, ultimately emerging onto the surface.

Carefully, I maneuvered on all fours, purposefully distancing my self from the treacherous pit to avoid any unintended descent caused by the slippery mud.

Finally, finding solid ground, I positioned my body, adjusting to the harsh surface.

I struggle to recall many things, except for my name and a handful of familiar faces. Although, I find it puzzling that I cannot remember anything recent. The memories appear vague and indistinct, making it difficult for me to retrieve clear recollections.

As I finish thinking my thoughts, finally getting used to getting myself up, I was met with a scenery I was already expecting to see.

The landscape before me consisted of numerous graves, each represented by flat marble pieces bearing intricate engravings about the individuals laid to rest below. 

While most of the gravestones were meticulously arranged in perfect symmetry, a few deviated from the pattern and held their own isolated positions.

As anticipated, I found myself within the grounds of a cemetery. Stretching out in front of me was a sprawling field adorned with gravestones, some of which were partially shaded by nearby trees.

I took a step forward and start walking, I couldn't help but notice an unusual fractured marble gravestone resting next to where I was buried. My name was written on it, unfortunately, due to extensive damage, I was unable to make out any additional details.

Who would do such a thing!?

Something I should be bother more for now is my health. Am I even alive!? Does that mean I'm considered as a zombie!?

I proceeded with a slow stride, still on a slight limp and reserving some energy in case of sudden action, I noticed a handful of covered tombstones to my right. 

Those who can afford even a modest roof for their loved ones' resting place tend to enjoy more plentiful meals.

Though, I cannot state this with certainty.

On the other hand, as I turned my gaze in the opposite direction, a series of stacked burials came into view, representing those who could not afford even a small plot of land for their departed. 

This stark visual presented two distinct social classes on either side of me as I walked along the gravel path, encountering occasional deep puddles.

The entire expanse of the sky was covered with thick layers of gray and scattered patches of white clouds, leaving no room for the sun to peek through. Despite its presence, the faint glow of the sun's light managed to shine through.

*Arf Arf Arf* 

A loud series of barks coming from a distance sounded. Looking towards the source, there were two dogs, one brown and one black, without collars, they were probably strays.

The two strays were running around aimlessly, accompanied by a young child wearing a tattered shirt, shorts and plastic sandals. 

Despite the rain pouring over his head, he didn't seem to mind and continued around without an umbrella. 

Suddenly, a bright light from behind him cast a flash ahead of me, revealing a large vehicle that looked like it was designed for off-road use.

Its massive wheels left tracks in the muddy ground due to its weight. The silver color of the vehicle blended with the gray clouds, and its tinted windows made it difficult to see the passengers inside.

The two canines stepped aside to allow the vehicle to pass through as it approached the child.

The vehicle drove over the muddy puddle where the child was playing, resulting in a splash that covered the child and the stray dogs with mud, completely soaking their clothes. 

Instead of getting upset, the child became filled with joy and started playing even more in the puddle. The vehicle continued on its path, heading in my direction.

With little time to spare before it reached me, I had nothing to cover myself up before they see me. Luckily, as the vehicle reached my point, it only passed ahead of me and continued on.

I thought they might get suspicious of me because of how I look. 

I eventually arrived at the cemetery's entrance/ The weathered cement bricks and rusty iron gates greeted me as I approached.

Aside from a child who had sought shelter from the rain, there was no one else in sight. 

As I neared the gate, the child's attention shifted towards me, likely due to my unconventional appearance in the rain. 

The child seemed confused and slightly taken aback before being called back inside by his mother. 

Adjacent to the entrance, there was a small residential area, likely where the cemetery caretakers reside. It must be a challenging life, but at least they have a means to make a living.

A caring parent emerged from their modest dwelling constructed out of cement bricks, plywood, and an iron rooftop.

Calling out their child's name for the third time, the mother's gaze shifted towards me upon spotting her little one in my presence. In an instant, she reached out and firmly grasped her child's arm, swiftly pulling him back to her. 

"E- excuse me, but do you know where I am?" I asked.

"Who are you? And… Why do you look like that? are you a part of a family registered in this cemetary? If so, have you made an appointment already? If you haven't, I'm afraid you have to register an appointment first beforehand otherwise I cannot let you enter further." The old parent said.

"No- I uh, I'm not from any family registered here-" I said.

"Sir, this is a private cemetery, you must have a family registered. This could be considered as trespassing." She said.

"No, I'm not trespassing I came from one of those coffins-" I said honestly.

"What? Inside a coffin? Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave." She said.

Immediately, as our interaction ended, she firmly clasped my arm and forcefully led me beyond the gate, devoid of any evidence to substantiate my claims. There was nothing more that I could do.

In the midst of the downpour, I found myself wandering aimlessly along the roadside. Exhausted and at my breaking point, I pleaded for assistance, unsure of what was happening to me. Suddenly, a figure emerged on my left, walking the same path.

Due to my blurred vision, I was only avle to discern a subtle glimpse of their appearance.

Carrying an opened umbrella in her right hand, the person holds a paper bag, seemingly filled with bread, in her left hand/ She wears a backpack and the typical school uniform of a skirt and blouse. Engrossed in music, she wears blue earphones connected to her phone placed in her right pocket.

As we cross paths, I fell flat to the floor in an instant, losing consciousness without delay.

"Ah!- E-excuse me!? Hey!? Are you alright!?" A girly voice said from the person I just ccrossed paths with.

As my eyes gradually shut, my face pressed against the damp stone floor, the girl's worried voice grew louder, until finally pitch black.

Hey!

Hey!

HEY!