———

The sea has a special power to calm people. There is something soothing about the blue sea, the sound of the crashing waves, the salt scent, and the sand below which tickles your feet. It alludes peacefulness and tranquility in a most distinct way. Maybe it has to do with the color of the sea; blue. It is calming and cool. Perhaps, it is the waves. The music it produce everytime it crashes the shore is beautiful. The ocean mist and the imperfect grains of the sand just completes the feeling.

Lyca stepped out on the sand, barefoot. The pepples were rough against her soles. It tingled as her feet made further steps to reach the shore. Slowly, she stopped midway.

"Do you really think you can save him?"

A voice sounded so calm like the sea, yet every words swirled from the tongue were like the waves in a raging storm. It didn't intend to hurt for it is a natural phenomenon, but if its the storm that speaks the truth balantly, it is inevitable.

"I don't know," Lyca paused. "But what if... I can do it? There this possibility that I believe will work. Might as well risked that instead of doing nothing."

"I always think you're foolish," she said. Unexpectedly, you seem to surpass my expectation. You are not just foolish... you are delirious."

"But what if?" Mabilis na giit ni Lyca.

"You can't. Don't be ridiculous! Gustong-gusto mo lang talagang ipahamak ang sarili mo. I always warn you, yet you won't listen."

"I maybe can't." Lyca clenched her bottom lip. "But I believe you can. You're his reaper, aren't you?"

The woman abreast her stayed silent. She was tranquil while watching the calm water before them. Ngunit alam niyang sa una lamang iyon dahil madilim at nakaamba ang pagbuhos ng ulan. Unti-unti na ring lumalakas ang simoy ng hangin, dahil doon ay bahagya siyang napapikit.

"What's the difference? That's that make any?"

"Y-yes!" She exclaimed. "It will— of course! Ibigay mo na lang sa'kin ang nalalabing tatlong araw! The contract will end in three days. If I manage to keep Judge alive, he will live... more. Please, spare me the three days."

"Do you actually believe that?"

"Shiloh won't fool me. I trust him."

"No, it's not him. It's you, Lyca." She paused. "You are fooling yourself. Hindi mo ba napapansin, o ayaw mo lang pansinin? Delaying his death is not the answer. Do you know what you're doing? You're putting everyone imperil." The woman beside averted her eyes on her. It bore on Lyca's subtle ones. Lyca didn't mind the sharp gaze piercing her like daggers, she accepted it wholeheartedly like a dart board. "Abala ka sa pag-ligtas kay Judge. I get it, but how about the other deaths? Collateral damages? Is that what you want to call it? Really Lyca?"

"I'm s-sorry..." she whispered.

"You can't runaway from death... 'cause you can't fool death."

It began to rain. It drizzled for a while before it became heavy raindrops. It touched her pale skin. It was cool and soothing. Lyca couldn't help herself but to lift his hands in the air and just savore every drop of it. Lyca even closed her eyes. She always like the rain... She always love everything about nature. The sun when it rises and sets. The sea and its waves and breeze. The rain and its dark clouds and raindrops. They are pretty things, she wanted to keep.

When Lyca opened her lids, the woman abreast her was gone. She believed Sadako disappeared in thin air like she always does.

"Putangina, ang swerte na'tin."

Napatingin siya kay Jung. Nakalapit na ito sa kaniya at nakatayo sa gilid niya. Nanatiling nakatanaw ito sa malayo habang hinahayaan ang pagpatak ng ulan sa ulo. Ilang sandali ay naramdaman niya ang presensiya ni Jon sa tabi niya. Pinagigitnaan siya ng dalawa. Sa hindi kalayuan, nakatayo sina Judge at Jeru sa gilid ng highway. Kinakausap sila ng isang traffic enforcer habang na sa harap nila nakaparada ang sirang mini van ni Lola Millie. They crashed it... Jung did. He lose controls and smashed the front part of the van to a big old tree. Luckily, they weren't hurt. They were safe. Iyon nga lang sirang-sira ang van. Hindi na ito magagamit.

"Anong sabi? Mukhang nagkakagulo roon." Sabi ni Jon nang makarating si Judge sa kanilang pwesto. Kasunod lamang nito si Jeru, ngunit nakapako ang tingin nila sa likod nito. Sa highway kung saan nanggaling ang dalawa, mayroong ambulansiyang nakaparada roon.

"What happened? Ba't may ambulansiya?"

"A lady collapsed," Judge uttered. "Mabuti na lang may dumaan na ambulansiya."

"Nakakakaba naman 'yan!"

Judge nodded. "Yeah, we kinda help her out. Kaya medyo natagalan kami. Teka lang bakit nagpapaulan ka'yo? Magpayong nga ka'yo." Inilahad ni Judge ang payong sa kanila. Madalian itong kinuha ni Jon at nakipayong naman si Lyca rito. Samantalang si Jung ay tumanggi.

"I want to swim."

"What?"

"Lalangoy ako. Ka'yo rin, to wash off the bad luck in our bodies."

Jeru snorted. "Right, aside from nearly killing us because of your bad driving. You want us to swim and die of hypothermia."

"Kaya tayo nilalayuan ng swerte kasi ang nega niyo," sabi ni Jung. Inuna nitong hinubad ang pantalon at madaliang sinunod ang t-shirt. "Kayo rin, kapag ako sinwerte, kiss my ass."

"Ikaw ang malas. Anong silbi ng pagiging Chinese mo kung ang malas mo naman," sabi ni Judge.

"Hindi ako Chinese!" Inis na sigaw ni Jung. "Pwede ba hindi lahat ng singkit Chinese! At hindi lahat ng Chinese swerte! May dad's Korean. My name's Jae Hoe Jung. Saan ang Chinese roon?!"

"Jae Hoe?"

"Yes! I'm a Korean—"

"Hoe..." Jeru said nonchalantly. "I mean your name."

"Fuck you!"

It continued to rain. It poured even more, soaking them completely. The sound of the crashing waves, the pouring rain and the four lads' giggles filled up the whole shore. They looked like carefree toddlers. Playing under the rain oblivious of what awaits them tomorrow. They were basically living the moment. That drew a huge curve in the corners of her mouth. As much as Lyca wanted to stare at them longer, yet somehow she couldn't take off her eyes from the distancing ambulance on the highway. Hinatid niya ito nang tingin hanggang wala na siyang makita kung hindi ang itim na usok na pinapalibutan ang buong sasakyan.

Collateral damage? Really Lyca?

--

"Just grab anything you can carry."

"Talaga bang iiwan na'tin 'to rito?" Tanong ni Jon habang nag-aalalang nakatingin sa drum set. "Kay Miss Millie pa naman ito. Paano kung mas magalit iyon? Sinira na nga na'tin ang van niya, iniwan pa na'tin 'to rito."

"Kaya nga eh. Wala tayong choice, i-lock na  lang na'tin ng maayos."

Mabilis na kinuha ni Jeru ang electric guitar at sinukbit sa likod ang bag. Ganoon din ang ginawa ng apat. Kaniya-kaniya silang sukbit ng bag at dala ng mga gamit sa kamay. Judge got his guitar. Since they couldn't carry the drum set, drum sticks na lang dinala ni Jon. Jung on the other hand have the little Jae comfortable in his arms.

"Correction! Binangga niya," turo ni Judge kay Jung.

"I get it okay. Tigilan niyo na, magigising si Jae!"

"Will you stop calling her Jae. Alam mo bang babae 'yan?" Judge said.

"Ano bang alam mo sa gender? Hindi mo nga alam na Korean ako. Wala kang karapatang alamin ang mga bagay na puro hinala ka lang naman."

"Dumbass, she's a girl."

"He isn't! He's a boy!"

They rode a bus. Sampong minuto silang naglakad papunta sa pinakamalapit na bus stop. Saktong-sakto may bus na nakaparada roon. Lyca sat near the window. The blackness of the clouds were still visible. It was gloomy for the cheerful sun hasn't come yet. Ever since the start of the day, she's been looking forward to see it shine, yet it looked like there's no sign for it to come though. Mag-aalastres na ngunit wala pa ring tigil ang pagbadya ng pagpatak ng ulan.

"Wala kang katabi?" Jon asked. "Pwedeng dito ako? Kasi..."

"Ang ingay nila?" Dugtong niya.

Kapwa silang napatawa habang sinisilip sina Judge at Jung. Magkatabi ang dalawa at nagbabangayan pa rin. Samantalang, komportableng nakaupo si Jeru sa harapan nila katabi ang isang estranghero.

"It is a girl! That's why they're called pussy."

"That's bullshit! Saan ka ba noong nagpaulan ng utak?"

"Ikaw saan ka? Huwag mo ng sagutin, halata naman sa mata mo. Mukhang nakapikit ka no'n kaya wala kang nakuha."

Napabalikwas si Lyca dahil sa ingay. Tuluyan siyang nagising nang maramdaman ang mahinang tapik sa balikat niya. Pagkatapos nilang sumakay sa bus ay isang sakay pa ng van ang ginawa nila. Isa iyong van na nakalaan para sa bandang sasali sa music festival. Bahagyang nakaidlip si Lyca at paggising niya nakahanda ng bumaba ang apat sa van. Sabay silang bumaba roon at agad na bumungad ang malaking bandana; Musika at Himig 2020. Sa likod lamang nito ang bundok kung saan makikita ang naglalakihang mga puno.

"At last! Nandito na rin tayo! Sakit na ng pwet ko kakaupo," hikab ni Jung.

"Hi! Pinky Swear?" A towering blond boy with a huge curve plastered on his face came rushing at them cheerfully. He immediately extended his arm, initiating a handshake. After they took it, another man arrived. He was a lot smaller and he barely smiles. "We are your assigned staff, tourguides, bellboys, waiters— name it! Kaya namin 'yan! By the way my name's Brix and this is my brother Yuki."

"Sorry? Who the fuck is Pinky Swear?" Jung asked curiously.

"Pinky Swear... I mean Jeru, Jung, Judge and Jon? Kayo ang nag-viral last week 'di ba?"

Jeru nodded. "Yes, but why Pinky Swear? Saan nanggaling 'yan?"

Napatikhim si Brix. Tinignan pa nito ang dalang tablet para siguraduhing tama ang binasa. "It's your band's name. Ito ang pangalang ini-register niyo."

"Lola Millie!" Sabay nilang sigaw.

It was dusk when they arrived. The lanterns lined up on both sides of the path way were already lighted. Bukod sa mga nagkalat na mga halaman, maraming tao sa lobby. Brix and Yuki accompanied them to their room. The place was a breathe of nature. The wooden walls, mostly made up of bamboo tubes created a cool and soothing atmosphere. After being mesmerized by the beautiful interior, they proceeded to their room. Jeru and Jon were at the same place while Jung and Judge got the room next to them. Lyca on the other hand, got a room all by herself.

"This is unfair!" Jung stubbornly stomped his feet. "Ayaw kong kasama si Judge! Tabi na lang tayo nosy wimp!"

"No way." Salubong ang kilay ni Judge. Matigas ang boses nitong hinarap si Jung. "Pwede ba 'wag ka ng mag-inarte."

"Gusto-gusto mo pa talaga akong kasama Judge. 'Wag mo namang ipahalata."

They ate dinner. Delicious Filipino dishes such as Sinigang, Sisig, Tinola and many more were served right on the table. Lyca's favorite dish was the Binakhaw, one of the town's fineness delicacy. It is a fish dish. They genuinely enjoyed the meal. Actually, they are loving the place! The staff were very accomodating and even their fellow participants were cheerful with them.

"So five years na kayo?"

"Yes, we met in our freshmen years in highschool. Pareho naman kaming tumutogtog kaya naisipan naming bumuo ng banda," sabi ni Sawyer. Kasama nila ang banda nitong 'Class A' sa iisang table. "Kayo? By the way, I saw the video! Man! Ang galing niyo! Gaano na kayo katagal na tumutogtog?"

"Actually, we met three weeks ago," Jeru said.

Three weeks ago, they were strangers. Five different souls, trailing different path in their lives. Who would have thought that one day their path would cross? From meeting and getting to know each other to chasing their carefree dream together. Who would have thought that it would be this meaningful? Life's filled with wonders. In the start, Lyca only wished for Judge's life, yet she was given a chance to meet four souls, four beautiful souls to accompany her bittersweet journey.

"It was nice talking to you guys!" Sawyer exclaimed. "I still can't believe that kakabuo pa lang ng banda niyo, but bro you guys clicked so well. Perhaps, kita tayo pagkatapos ng music festival? Any social media accounts? So that we'll contact each other." Tumingin si Sawyer kay Jung kung saan ito ang pinakamalapit sa binata. Agad namang umiling si Jung.

"I don't have any social media accounts," alangang sabi ni Jung. "Perhaps, I can give you my digits. That will do right?"

--

"Seryuso wala kang social media accounts? Kahit Instagram? Facebook?" Judge tailed Jung. Jeru and Jon stayed a head of them while Lyca settled at the back.

"Yes. What's wrong with that? I have let go of the things that were toxic for my well being."

"Dang! May mga tao pa palang katulad mo?" Judge said, amused. "Katulad mong outdated. Saan naman kita i-cocontact? Email?"

Pagkatapos ng hapunan at pakikipagbatian sa ibang banda ay naglakad na sila pabalik sa mga kwarto nila. The music festival would officially start tomorrow. Their schedule was pretty packed. They needed energy for all the future activities they would do and sleeping early would be very helpful.

"You know what Judge you should actually try contacting me in Email. Alam mo naman siguro ang Email Address ko 'no?" Jung asked. "Isasara ko ang pinto at doon ka sa Email magmakaawang buksan ko 'to."

Jung slammed the door. Dahil sa bigla, hindi napigilan ni Judge ang tuluyang pagsara ni Jung ng pinto. Sinubukan niyang kalampagin ito, ngunit walang Jung na bumukas.

"Tangina! Open the door!" He yelled. "Jung! Buksan mo na— Ano bang Email Ad mo... Where are you going?"

Lyca halted from her walk and turned around to face Judge. Tumigil na ang kamay nito sa pagkalampag. Sa halip ay naka-ekis na ang braso nito sa dibdib habang masusi siyang tinititigan.

"Sa pagkakaalam ko, matutulog na tayo. Are you trying to sneak out?"

"I'm n-not!"

Judge squinted his eyes. "Saan ka pupunta?"

It was chilly outside. The outdoor night breeze and the rain from the all day downpour kept the air cool and humid. Mabuti na lang at bahagyang tumigil na ang ulan at kaunting pagpatak na lamang natitira.

"There's no stars," Judge whispered. "Natatabunan pa rin ng mga ulap... Perhaps, is that a star?"

Lyca shook her head. "I think its... a lighthouse?"

"It is indeed a lighthouse!"

The towering lighthouse stood in front of them. It looked really old. Some woody vines were crawling in its body like a canvas. It covered the whole exterior of the door which Judge was trying to open for quite a minute, but he hasn't succeeded. Lumapit na si Lyca at tinulungan na si Judge sa pagbukas. Isang subok lamang niya ay nabuksan na niya ito agad.

"Wow. Okay you're strong."

"Pwede ba talaga tayong pumasok dito?" Pag-aalangan ni Lyca.

"Takot ka lang ata pumasok eh."

Lyca followed Judge inside. As expected, it was pitch black. Only the weak light from their flashlights helped them find the stairs to climb up. Napaatras pa siya dahil bahagyang tumunog ang hagdanan ng umapak siya roon. Habang pataas ng pataas sila ay palakas ng palakas ang tunog ng hagdanan.

"Fuck! Halaman lang pala," singhap ni Judge.

"Sino ngayon ang takot?"

Finally, they reached the top. Medyo mataas ang lighthouse kaya inabot ng ilang minuto bago sila nakarating sa tuktok. Doon ay bahagyang maliwanag na dahil sa ilaw na nangagaling sa ibabaw ng lighthouse. Isang hakbang ang ginawa nila at dahan-dahang inihilig ang magkabilang braso sa railing. Tahimik ang gabi. Tanging ang marahang tunog ng mga dahon dahil sa malamig na hanging nangagaling sa 'di kalayuang dagat ang maririnig.

"Wala pa ring mga bituin," buntong hininga ni Judge. "Pero napakaganda ng dagat. It sparkled too against the moonlight. Just like the stars... Sometimes God gave us blessings and we don't appreciate because we desired for something else."

Judge smiled. "You're right Lyca."

"About what?"

"About Him... about His ways. It's not that he didn't listen to our desires or refuse to fulfill our wishes, the thing is it's already there. And yet, we don't see it, we refuse to acknowledge it," Judge said. "Thank you Lyca for helping me see my blessings. As I look at it now, I think you are one of those... for that I'm very thankful."

###