And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim.
Joel 3:18

Melchour

"Are you alright?" I gazed at her from head to toe, my hands upon her shoulders as I spoke. Johanna's head lifted, her tear-stained cheeks gleaming in the moonlight. I was taken aback, unsure of how to respond.

"You're bleeding," she whispered. Her hand gently moved to my face, brushing my forehead with the back of her hand.

"Hey, don't cry, Anna. It's nothing serious," I said softly. She took a deep breath, lowering her gaze as she held my arm.

"We need to take care of this," she said quietly, her hand still clutched to mine as she started to walk.

"Where are we going?" The familiar view of her apartment filled my vision as we walked, the tall structure becoming clearer with each step.

"My apartment," she said. I turned to look at her. "We need to clean your wounds."

"Oh, Johanna," I stopped. "There's really no need. I can take care of this when I get home."

"Please, Manung," she said, her grip tightening. "It's the least I can do..." Her gaze met mine, and I found it hard to resist.

"But didn't you say you live alone? Won't that be—" A soft laugh escaped her lips.

"What exactly are you trying to say, Manung?" she said, looking at me playfully.

"N-nothing," I stammered, lowering my head and following her in silence, not wanting to invite more questions. I sighed. What was I thinking anyway?

"So," I said, breaking the silence as we climbed the stairs, "I'm guessing you've lived in this building for four years now? You came to the city four years ago, right?"

"Yeah, that's right, Manung," she confirmed. "But I've only lived in this apartment for two years. For the first two years, I stayed with Aunt Riza."

I nodded in understanding, watching as she opened the door.

"My aunt hated having me around, so she sent me to live on my own where I wouldn't bother anyone," she sighed. "But it's fine. I've gotten used to it. Being alone isn't new for me..." she said, removing her shoes and slipping into a pair of flip-flops. "...and besides, there are plenty of people living in this building, so I guess I can count that as company. Come on in, Manung!" She gestured for me to enter. I took a deep breath and stepped inside.

"Wow." I blinked, amazed as I looked around her spotless apartment.

"Huh? What's wrong?" Johanna's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"Nothing, it's just..." I scratched the back of my head. "Your place is so clean, it's almost embarrassing to walk in."

She chuckled, shaking her head slightly. "Oh, come on, Manung. That's nonsense. It's just a habit. I've been cleaning in a restaurant every day for years, so I sort of brought it home too." She turned away as she spoke. "Please, have a seat, Manung. I'll be back in a minute."

I nodded and sat down, my gaze still wandering over the gleaming kitchen counter. The apartment wasn't big—just right for someone living alone. The kitchen and living room shared a single space, divided by a long cabinet in the middle. A few minutes later, Johanna returned with a bottle of Betadine and hydrogen peroxide in hand.

She sighed as she sat beside me, her eyes focused on my face.

"I'm so sorry, Manung." She soaked a cotton ball in the hydrogen peroxide. "I really am."

"Don't apologize, Johanna," I said, feeling the cool cotton against my skin. "It's not your fault. Just... be more careful about who you trust, alright?"

A small smile crossed her lips as she nodded, soaking another cotton ball and leaning closer. "I will, Manung."

My eyes widened at her nearness, a strange sensation stirring in my chest. As much as I tried to resist, I couldn't help but notice her delicate features. Dark strands of hair framed her face, her lovely upturned eyes focused intently as she dabbed at my wound. I lowered my gaze for a moment, then lifted it again. How lovely.

"Manung... is something wrong?" she asked. I quickly looked away, drawing a deep breath as I prepared to answer.

"No, Anna. Nothing's wrong," I said. "I was just wondering—where are you from exactly?"

"Ah, I'm from Banaue, Manung. Home of the Glorious Rice Terraces."

"Really? You're from Ifugao? Wow." I nodded, smiling.

"Yup, pure blood," she confirmed. "There, all done." She patted my shoulder and began to gather the supplies.

"Oh, thanks. I'm curious—how long does it take to reach your hometown?" She looked up and began counting on her fingers.

"About eight hours by bus and two hours of walking. Quite far, isn't it?"

"Wow, that is far. How much do you usually spend to get there?"

"Hmm, why are you asking? You're not thinking of going there, are you?"

"Oh, who knows... maybe?" A wide smile spread across her face at my words. I've always wanted to go and minister in the mountain provinces... Somehow, despite coming from there myself, my heart longs to see it revived and saved.

"Oh, really?" she said, amused. "Well, it usually costs around four hundred pesos... or something like that," she said, walking toward the kitchen. I leaned back in my chair, watching as she poured coffee from a thermos. I heard her sigh as she returned. "It's been a long time since I've gone home."

"Hmm. Thanks. You really didn't have to do all this..."

"U-uh, it's nothing compared to what you did earlier. Thank you, Manung..."

"Well actually, you should be thanking God for giving me strong arms to fight..." I joked. Her mouth dropped open as she scoffed and looked away.

I smiled at her reaction, watching her speak with a smile that reached her eyes. The more I looked, the more I felt a growing admiration for the woman before me. My coffee slowly disappeared as time passed, and by the time I'd finished, it was already around ten p.m.

"Hey, I've had a great time here, but it's getting late..." I said regretfully, placing my mug on the table in front of us.

"Ah, yes, of course. My, I lost track of time."

"So, I guess we'll call it a night then?" I stood, extending my hand to her.

"Yes, and... thank you again, Manung." Her eyes reflected the sincerity of her words, and I couldn't help but smile.

"You're welcome," I said, walking toward the door. "Good night, Johanna." With a slight bow, I gave her one last glance and shut the door behind me, letting out a satisfied breath as the events of the day filled my mind.

I closed my eyes for a few moments, calming my heart as I counted each breath.

Lord, whatever this may be, if it is from You, then lead me. But if it's from the enemy... deliver me.