PROLOGUE

"I have this condition called schizophrenia".

"Schizophrenia?" I stare at him at the moment with curiosity, since it was my first time to encounter the word.

"It's a mental disorder..." He paused and glanced at me for a second.

"Nagpa-check-up ka na ba?" Hindi ko alam kung tama ba ang reaction ko. I really don't know what to do.

Honestly, I'm only familiar with depression and anxiety, and based on my observation from the way he moves, I can sense that he's hiding something.

"May imaginary friend ako".

For a minute or two, silence swallowed the atmosphere.

I looked down.

"Maniniwala ka ba sakin?" He gently grabbed my hand to get my attention.

I looked at him directly in the eyes.

Even though I really don't have thoughts of what to respond. My lips automatically said 'yes'.

He smiled and locked his fingers into mine.

"I'll show you the mask that I made, soon." He stands up, still holding my hand.

"Mask?" I asked.

He brushed off the dirt on his pants.

"Claudio". He smiled at me and waved goodbye.

Claudio, his 'so called' imaginary friend.