Chapter 4: The Guardian

“nothing.” I simply answered.

“it is awesome right?”

I just nodded with a half-smile. I already knew that this is the exact same car that drove past off me recklessly but when he gave me a tour and showed be a few things that Uncle Bien also bought for him in the trunk of his car, I felt irritation coming to life when the plate number actually confirmed it.

I heaved out a sigh trying to ease the tension that is building up inside me. I just smiled and nodded as he continued giving me a “tour”.

“by the way, I went to see the Eiffel tower last night.”

I decided to tell him in the middle of our lunch. He stopped biting his sandwich and tried his best not to laugh so hard but failed so bad. I was surprised to see him happy. I smiled. Right! He is as overwhelmed as I am.

“Where did you get the money to travel? And that fast?!” He laughed deliriously.

My smile faded. My smile is replaced by a frown. “it is a joke man. Come on!” He lightly nudged me on the shoulder. “I was just kidding.”

“I dreamt about it.” I seriously said and decided to tell him anyway. I want to tell him my escapades this past month, but enthusiasm get the best of me and slipped right through my dream last night. i went to many places and was about to tell him my other trips too but like a candle, my interest slowly melted away and just decided to not tell him anything at all but the Eiffel Tower.

“I knew it.” He said suggestively and rather dismissed the topic. “come on, man. Let us just eat. The bell is about to ring.”

The closer I get home, the more my heart flatters with excitement. I hope mama is already home. I kind of want to see her immediately today. But to my dismay, when I opened the front door, silence welcomed me. Empty, hollow silence. She is not yet here.

I saw some covered food on the dining table together with a note when I was about to go to my bedroom.

Mom will be out for a while. The neighbor has a pile of laundry. I will be back before sunrise. Eat your dinner.

Love you,

Mom

With shoulders sagged, I forcefully grabbed a chair and ate my dinner. I suddenly thought if mama already had her dinner. Is she okay? Did she have enough sleep? I heaved out a sigh and went to my room after washing the utensils I used.

I threw myself in my bed and closed my eyes. Still on my uniform, I felt alone and empty. Thinking that this is not a nice day.

I was awakened by a cold breeze. Everything smells foreign. My dream always begins with darkness, then sudden light. When all my senses are active, I gasped when I suddenly fell. Like a pulled string, I go deeper and deeper into the abyss. I closed my eyes, letting everything take place. When my strength started fading another bright light appears, blinding me for a moment.

I closed my eyes shut and when I opened them I fell on the sand at the same time.

Sand?

I gasped when I felt the scorching sun burning my skin. I ran to a nearby tree, the only one I found, and took shelter. I touched the sand, using my feet, feeling astonished. This is my first time having to see and touch the sand. The beach is hours away and we do not have the luxury to go to there. I only see it at our small television when the news is on, but other than that, nada.

I look round, trying to figure out where I was but my jaw dropped the second, I saw a big statue a few feet away from me. I run towards it, not minding that I am barefooted, and my feet is stepping on a hot million hectares of sand. In pure bliss, I lifted both of my hands to touch it, and when my skin and the Great Sphinx of Giza had its first contact, I almost cried.

This is the place that I daydreamed about, earlier. So, does this mean that whatever and wherever place I desire to go to, I will achieve in my dreams? Or is this just mere coincidence?

I ran back and forth, all over the place. I was in daze for thinking how big and wide this limestone statue. I am overflowing with emotions thinking that I am standing below the one of the oldest and largest statues in the world.

According to a book that I read; the great sphinx is 800,000 years old and is facing directly from west to east to guard the pyramid tombs and temples; and to meet the sun as it rises. The great Sphinx is a mythological creature and was believed to be a spiritual guardian, in the ancient Egypt.

I sat under the tree I found and looked for an oasis. The sun beats a thousand times here compare to where I came from. I smiled as an idea popped up. I walked to the area to find a rock, then I went to the cactus I found thriving beside the great Sphinx. I read and heard the news that this spiky plant can produce water. I wanted to try it the first time I heard about it.

I slid the sharp-edged rock I found into the cactus’ flesh, making a hole enough for the “water” to flow out. I gasped in dismay and annoyance when I found no water. I felt like my throat became drier. I guess the news is fake after all.

I woke up feeling a light kiss on my head. When I opened my eyes, I saw my mother looking at me. Now that her face is nearer, I noticed the dark circles forming under her eyes. She looks groggy and a bit pale.

“mom!” I exclaimed and got up quickly.

She noticed me watching her that is why she stood up straight and moved her face away from me. I looked at her full of worry and was about to ask her if she is alright; but before I could finally open my mouth, she turn around and just stopped midway.

“sorry if I wake you up son. Get back to sleep.” She said before finally leaving my room.

I walked to the bathroom suddenly feeling the urge to pee, but I stopped getting out of bed when I saw the time in my alarm clock. It says five past midnight. Did she sleep?