Both of us were silent, still rowing down the shallow river. The rushing water was music to my ears. It relaxes my very soul and at the same time, it calms me down. I’ve never felt such anger before, rage against people who’re close-minded. They just couldn’t comprehend things when it would turn out twisted. Turn it into another weird angle and everything would have a drastic change. POOF! You’d lose everything.

The reflection of the stars and the moon illuminated with the clear water. All the fireflies followed and danced with grace as we continued our rowing. I could hear them giggling happily. Moreover, it was merely a myth to believe that they were. The midnight breeze was followed by the eerie whispers of the wind.

“We all have to take a moment, even for a short time. Just to forget all the vicious beasts in our lives. Like my family… My love, Kiko, and my children, Theresa, Rexel, and Winwin… They are on their longest break. I know it hurts to lose ‘em, but I don’t want them to hurt any longer.” Manang Mayana began to look up onto the dark skies. Her tears dripped down across her loose cheeks.

I knew what she’s feeling. I missed everyone I loved as well, including my family that were long gone.

“You know, Manang. I am sick of what’s happening in our land. I promise you, I’ll take down those Germans and win justice for your family.” I said and tried to hug her. She hugged back so tight, as if you could really feel how she’s dejected.

We’re in the middle of our ride and we were almost there when… 

“Wait, I… sense… something.”

I didn’t know why I could even feel something bad happening at the moment. It’s kinda odd but I could literally hear heartbeats.

“Two men… I’m not sure.” I said zealously, although confused.

(Behind the tall grasses near the river)

“Shit… How come she knows we’re here?” A man hiding in shadows told his partner.

“We better go ahead before she’ll totally spot us here. We’ll just find the place tomorrow at sunrise.” The other one said and then both of them left with no single trace.

(Back to the river path)

Those heartbeats… It went slowly fading as if they’re gone for an instance. I just hope that none of them will come back and follow us.

“It’s okay. It’s just a false alarm. Let’s just go ahead.”

We continued until the morning star peeped the skies. And not a little while, we’ve reached our destination. There were two sturdy warehouses here. Seemed abandoned, but I bet there were some peeps here to lend me a hand.

Manang Mayana smiled at me all of a sudden as I got down from her boat. She didn’t seem to follow me right after.

“Wait, you’re not going? But it’s not safe out there anymore. Ya know, if you’re plannin’ to head back.” I told her, worried sick about the men that could be possibly following us a while ago.

“Ineng, don’t worry about me. I have done my mission. And now…” She held my hand and continued, “You have to accomplish yours. I am not frightened of sleeping eternally anymore, my child. Besides, I wanna be with them there.” Pointing at the beautiful skies, she again smiled. “Have courage, my child. All of these will go back to its normal shape.”

Then she left rowing away. I hadn’t even managed to thank her for bringing me here. I hoped she’d get back to town safely. 

Anyhow… Here’s the warehouse. Wow! It was really near a waterfall. Falling right down there could be my drowning dead end.

“Why do some idiots try to build a warehouse right beside this leap of faith?”

Knocking wasn’t a good idea to enter here. Probably I’d be caught by a bloody surprise knowing if the bad guys were hiding here.

“So, here you are. Are you ready to begin your mission? … Yes? I guess.” I mumbled just to find courage and wipe out the fear inside.

I tried finding another way to get in the warehouse. It could probably have windows, right?

So I walked around observant until I reached the back of it. Aha! The window’s wide open.

I successfully entered the warehouse when…

“Who are you?” A not-that-deep man’s voice came in and filled my ears.

I felt a sudden chill upon my spine and became frozen standing still. “Did I just enter the wrong window err what?” I just said as an idiotic excuse, hoping it was effective.

I wasn’t moving a muscle, or even daring to breathe. Then he saw me wearing a lab coat and abruptly, the yellow-ish lights went on.