Night had fallen and the sky was a vast and empty expanse with only a sliver of moonlight to dispel the darkness. The same places that Ash found wondrous and beautiful in the bright light of the day could be cold, rough and terrifying for someone lost and maybe hurt. There was no comfort, no hope glimmering out in the inky night. Ash said a silent prayer as she got into her car, asking God to guide them on their way home. She is working as an English professor at a famous university in Bicol. Working, standing and talking the whole day is quite stressful. After a minute, I finally got in to her car and said "Lets' go". On our way, Ash asked me about my past experiences as a teacher. The both of us became closer when we began to work in the same department. "It's been a stressful day, Art." Ash said. "Yup, I feel so tired and Iâm very hungry." I replied as I touch and feel my tummy "Me too. Wait, why donât we pass by at the restaurant nearby?" Ash added. âGood idea, let's go." We stop at the restaurant, ordered our favorite dinner and had our meal together. We shared stories and finished our dessert when a woman wearing a black dress came in the restaurant. She looks so familiar to me. Her hair was black as her dress. With her is a black sling bag decorated with black feathers. She is wearing high heeled shoes which made her taller. She walked straight in front of us. I look into her face. Our eyes met and suddenly, a memory from long time ago began to unfold. It was summer. The sun shines brightly and the air is warm. Ares and I are at the living room and watching our favorite TV show. We are silently watching the program when Ares heard a voice. It is their parent's voices at the garage. "We're home!â Mom said as she opened the door. "Mano po". We greeted. "Howâs' your day Dad?" I asked. âWell, itâs great. Weâve enjoyed our visit with your Lolo and Lola. How about you both?â Asked Dad as we put their pasalubong at the dining table. "So, howâs Lolo and Lola Mom?â Ares asked. "Both of them are fine. They're doing great". Dad answered. "Oh! This is so delicious. I really like this!â I exclaimed as I open the bottle of sweetened pili nuts. "Son, please arrange the groceries that we bought. We just have to go upstairs and have some rest". Dad explained. We arranged and cleaned up the kitchen.. Then, we also prepare for our lunch. We cooked Mom and Dad's favorite dish. Ares fried the tilapia while I am cooking the laing. After an hour of preparation, the table is ready for lunch. "Ares, go tell mom and dad its' time for lunch". I said. "Oh! This is so yummy! Thank you sons for doing all the efforts. We appreciate it so much!" exclaimed mom as she tasted the food we served. "Its' nothing mom". I said as we seat. âThat is our only way of thanking you both for being our parents. Right Ares?". I said. "Yes Kuya. Come on. Lets' eat. Iâm hungry." Ares answered. After our lunch, Mom and Dad again leave the house for a new business meeting. Both of them are working as an employee of a private company in Naga City. After an hour, I've seen Ares putting his shoes on. "Bunso, where are you going?" I asked. "I will go to my classmates' house Kuya. We will have a practice of our play tomorrow". Ares answered. "Take care of yourself. Just be sure to be back here before six in the evening." I said. âSure Kuya." Ares answered. "Kuya, I have to go. It's almost 1:00 p.m." added Ares as he opened the door. âTake care, Bro." I replied before closing the door. I went straight upstairs at my room. I opened my Facebook account. After a minute of browsing and looking at the posts, I felt like I want to read stories. So, I opened the closet under my cabinet and get a book entitled "The Flight of The Raven". I went downstairs and took a seat at the sofa and started reading the story. It was already dark. I glanced at the clock and found that it was almost 3:00 a.m. I turned at the right side of my room. I looked at the big mirror placed at the cabinet. Since it is dark, I couldnât' clearly see the silhouette at the mirror. Out of curiosity, I quickly removed my blanket. I went at the mirror. And suddenly, an image appeared. Surprisingly, what Iâve seen is a woman wearing a black dress. All in her is black. Her dress, shoes and even her make up. Being frightened I quickly ran at the switch to turn my lights on. As I turn on my lights, I felt like I was shaking. And the light quickly spread at the four sides of my room. I hysterically looked at the dresser, the cabinet, the drawer including under my bed. I found nothing. I can still remember what I saw a while ago. The woman, her looks, her eyes staring at me. Her eyes which made me frightened. Thinking that I was just dreaming or imagining, I stand, put my shoes on and opened the door. I quickly ran at Mom and Dad's room. I knocked. No one answered. I called âMom? Dad? Ares? Where are you?". No one answered. "Where are you?" I whispered. I turned and slowly walked downstairs. I turned the lights on and walked into the kitchen. I was very surprised to know that the lights are already on. Once again, I called âAres.. Mom. Dad.. Are you there?". Still, I failed to get any answer. "Help, help!!" a voice shouted coming outside the house. "Can anyone help me please?" Its' Ares' voice. âAres...Ares.. Where are you?" I shouted as I open the main door. But before I finally made a step, the woman I saw at the mirror appeared right in front of me. She grabbed me and put her hands at my neck. "No! No! No! Heeelllppp!!!" I shouted as loud as I could. "Kuya, Kuya wake up! Wake up!" Ares shouted as he wakes me up. âThanks God, all of that was a dream!" I exclaimed as I close the book that I am reading a while ago. âArt, Art, did you know her?" asked Ash as she look at me interrupting me from reminiscing. I tried to keep my eyes off the woman in front of me. "I donât even know who is she." I answered. âPlease take a seat. Can we know your name Mam?". I said. âI am Ms. Paloma Dela Cruz Sobeyala." the woman answered. âNice meeting you Mam Paloma. What can we do for you?" I asked. I can still remember her. She is the woman that I've dreamed of when I was young. Her looks are still the same. Her very dark looks still frightens me. âMay I know your name?" she asked interrupting my thoughts. " Sure. Mam Paloma. I am Art Albert Nuel and this is my best friend Ash Sarah Naz" I said as I hold Ashs' shoulders. "We both are teachers from BSU". I added. âNice meeting you both" she said as she shake hands with me and Ash. After an hour of talk and swapping stories, we decided to go home since it is already late and we have still classes the next day. We bid goodbye to Ms. Paloma. On our way, I ' ve told Ash about my dream, about rs. Paloma. She can't actually believe my story. After a minute of driving, we finally reached Ash's apartment. âGood night Bess". Ash said after getting off my car. âGood night Bess. Donât be late tomorrow". I replied. I continue driving and finally reach home. I went straight at my room. Iâve been thinking how wonderful and great my day was. After a day or two, Ash and I met again Ms. Paloma. It became more frequent. We share each otherâs' problems. We cry and laugh together. We became friends, close friends, and best friends. We enjoy every moment we are together. The three of us became closer and we became more than friends. I am happy with her. Although we have so many differences, we found friendship between us. A year has come and many more years will pass by. But the friendship that we had becomes stronger day after day.
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