Chapter II.7: One of Many Sleepless Nights

I gently laid her down to an infant, soft bed while I lean on its top rail and held her little hand gently.

I brushed her soft hair on her forehead.

Her eyes are tightly closed.

She snores like a mermaid's melody.

I lean on her, kissed her on the forehead.

I hymned softly and covered her with blanket. "Goodnight, my princess."

Now, that she's asleep, how can I invite the sleep to take me?

I stretched a bit and walked towards the glass window that reflects the vast, heavenly land of this villa.

I shivered, even though the air conditioner was off and only the night and misty breeze wanders in this room, my room is still frosty and yet warm at the same time.

I looked where my baby is and I'm so relieved and occupied.

She's my little sunshine at cold nights.

She's my warm flame of a lit candle in an icy palace.

I think I can face any nightmares head on even with no armor.

I turned my head and directed my eyes on the telephone sitting at the side table.

I stare at it.

I breathe out, sweating in cold.

I grabbed the handset and placed it to my ear and dialed the only numbers I've imprinted in my mind.

*KRING* *Ba-dump* Each sound was like the beat of my heart.

*KRING* *Ba-dump* It continues.

It rang then gets disconnected.

Again.

It rang then got disconnected.

Again.

It rang then got disconnected.

I put it down. I knew it.

My attempt was never successful.

She never answers my call.

Not even once, not even for a millisecond, not even in a different time, nothing worked but I wonder why I never stopped trying.

*Pak* *Pak*

I slapped my cheeks with my cool hands that was warm few minutes ago. "Aguyyy, sakit pala."

"Positive lang Bryan, bawal ang nega." I say to myself then I breathe out deeply.

Alright, ways to fall asleep.

I looked at my list.

Lower room temperature – It was already cold.

Do not look at your clock – Hard to resist.

Avoid naps during daytime – Applicable when Althea's with me.

Exercise during the day – I did more than that.

I tapped the hard buns on my stomach.

Okay Yoga, I quietly did all the dance steps and yet…

"Haaaa, I'm sweating and my body feels tired but my brain is still pumping too much thoughts."

Not enough.

Moving on, Meditation.

I see her.

Focus.

Her hair.

Erase it, focus.

Her lips.

*Ba-dump*

I scrubbed my hair crazily.

I can see her.

Why can't I sleep? Althea is here, I even followed some of the tips I've read on the book.

I stole a glance on her, she sleeps peacefully as if she's fully immersed on her own dream world.

I turned on my 85" Sony LED/LCD TV and starts to scan my all-time favorite old Disney and classic movies but I've watched all of it.

I opened a literature book, maybe reading and understanding complex compositions will tire my head out until it stops functioning, good idea.

Back in highschool days, I usually fall asleep while pounding myself on heavy, hard-bound books.

It seems to be easy.

The countdown begins.

.............

*Sniff* *Sniff* Seriously? That was the ending? How could they just tear those lovers apart? It was really sad, she should have listened to him even without evidence, feelings are sometimes the best proof---

*Ding-Dong* *Ding-Dong* The clock ticks.

Wait-What? I wasn't supposed to look at the clock but I did and two hours have passed already?

Haaaaa.

My dear brain when will you allow me to sleep?

Maybe I need a walk, but I still have one last ace in my hand.

Use the 4-7-8 Breathing.

Okay, I laid down, cover my half-body with blanket, placed my hands on both sides and closed my eyes.

*Buzz*

I ignored it.

*Buzz*

It continues.

*Buzz*

A sound circling around in my ear.

I abruptly opened my eyes, clapped my hands near my ear and looked at my palm.

It is clean.

No.

No.

No.

The Horror.

I looked around anxiously.

It can't be.

There can't be a mosquito in here.

I don't believe it.

But I'm not playing mind games, aren't I?

I'm desperate to get some sleep but not to this point.

I got up and ran towards Althea and inspected her exposed skin carefully, she's vulnerable enough to take the damage.

Her porcelain, white skin shows no redness or swelling.

Her breathing is quiet and steady.

I sighed in relief.

Now, now, I looked around with the soft lights reflected by our bedroom lamps, I have to maximize my four senses, touch, smell, sight and hearing.

I can try to call out for help but they might be asleep, I can't wake them up when they have to be up early in the morning.

And besides, moving Althea on another room might disturb her deep and sound sleep.

Not good.

How can I even find a small mosquito in this large room?

After walking back and forth, thinking of a solution to this tough problem, battling my own opinion against each other.

"I have decided."