Chapter 4

It may sound rude to others but it's a way to encouragement and relief for Jewel, knowing that we need her despite her short comings.

I go to the sink and put down the pan. Used plates, pans, spoons, laddles, knife, and other utensils were placed all over the sink.

More utensils she use when cooking means one thing. 'Jewel really out done herself again.'

We all know that she always put her best to everything, more specially when she cooks. It's her way of showing her feelings and sincerity. So if ever a day comes when the foods isn't in its right taste, it's either her first time or she's been through to something.

As I am washing the dishes I heared Jeo ask. "What's for today?" as he walks towards Jewel.

No one bothered to reply but seeing Jewel preparing foods and dishes Jeo immediately helped out.

After minutes of preparing, the foods are now well set on the table, as the kitchen and wares as well are now cleansed.

"Is there any thing I can help or..." Kuya Eco asking as he walks towards the kitchen. Wearing mint color plain korean loose shirt and now in his pajamas, big loose peach patterned pajamas.

Kuya Eco likes colors that'll make him glow and fresh looking, colors like pastels, blacks, and whites. But He still looks fine with other colors, all of them at that so it doesn't really matter what color he wears, he'll still be better and handsome.

"It's all prepared." Jewel continued and confirmed.

"Come'n let's eat." Jeo exclaimed, rushing over to his sit.

Our rectangular 2.0 x 0.9m wooden brown table is facing horizontally on the wall and has 6 wooden chairs along with it.

Jeo sat on one of the chairs near the wall. I sat across Jeo while jewel sat beside me, and kuya Eco sat at the end side.

"Okay let's pray." When everyone were all seated Kuya Eco volunteered to lead for the blessing of food. We all clasped our hands, closed our eyes and have put our selves in the presence of God.

"In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Dear God. We thank you for the food. Thank you for all of what you have done for us 'till this very moment. Thank you for always watching over us. Thank you also for guiding us as we venture our selves to unknown journeys and challenges. We Thank you for everything. We will forever put our faith in you." As every word delivered with full of focus and sincerity, neither loud nor soft just right and clear.

"In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." We prayed altogether.

There are placed white ceramic plates, clear cylinder glass, metal spoons and forks, each one for each of us. Hot dishes all stationed at the center such as chicken curry, fried chicken, and seasoned garlic rice.

"mmh. Looks delicious." Kuya Eco commented.

"And taste more better." Jewel nonchalantly added.

"More better? Is there even a word?" Jeo asked while serving himself a rice.

Kuya Eco chuckles and Jewel smile.

"There is dummy." I exclaimed as I busied myself putting curry sauce on my rice.

"Oh. I thought- then it really taste more better." Jeo stuffed some food and commented.

Kuya Eco and I burst out laughing while Jewel chuckles.

Jeo looked at us confused then asked for concern "Why? Is there something on my face?" Jeo not knowing what it is makes it more funny, as we laugh much louder.

An hour forward in time

"Hurry! Get in." Urging to make haste. With the expression this young man is having, one could totally make assumptions on what he's into. Maybe he's in a state of emergency or he and those with him are in situation where they are most likely in danger.

Worry, fear, anger, and confusion can be seen in his face. Like he's in distress. Controlling every bit of emotion. Stabilizing every second as he breath. Wanting to stay calm and acted.

From his hair to his face, from arms to his knees, they are all covered in sweat. He's tired, want to take a breather. But his eyes, it tells all, he is determined to stay wake and sane. Cause he knows that a single mistake can lead them to unthinkable danger.

"Upstairs, and stay quiet as possible" whispers as he order. While looking at a boy holding onto the girl's hand.

He then turn to the other boy patiently waiting behind him and gives a nod as if telling to go after the other ones.

The boy along with the girl strated to move towards the stairs. Being more cautious, they lower their stands as they walk fast paced towards the stairs.

Seeing the two already on stairs midway to the second floor, the young man also started his move. He goes straight to the refrigerator and opens it.

"Kuya." seeing that he didn't follow after Jeo and Jewel, I called softly.

"Foods. Medicine." Kuya Eco replied and lip sync a word 'go'. Then he turns and started looking for stuffs.

Inhales deeply and exhales it all in a go. Looked at the stairs and saw Jeo and Jewel's figures as they finally got to the second floor.

I started to walk but not fully straight. I lowered my body more, an act that is done by those whose cautious as they move.

I get to inspect around me as I move straight to the stairs. The stairs is just right beside the door. The door isn't shut but it is already a luck that it's closed.

I'm already one step towards the stairs. Right in front of door when I heard footsteps outside. Not loud, not made by humans. I can tell.

A scratch on the ground came along with it after a step. Just like a dog with long sharp nails walking on solid cement.

'monsters.' is what I thought.

The footstep are getting clearer and clearer.

'the-they're getting close' I concluded.

I can now hear screeches as they get closer.

My heart beats faster and faster. I can't make a move. I'm being paralyzed by fear.

Just the thought of those monsters flooding inside. No one can make judgement to those who can be in panic in that situation. Cause they will surely know what'll be of to them If that may happen.

'I-I have to close the door.' I forced my self to move even just my arm will do. All I have to do it close the door.

My right arm move as I wanted and grab the handle, right before I make a push, a hand gripped my right arm.

The grip was strong. Veins are bulging as the grip is getting tighter and tighter. He's retaining more strength just to halt my move.

I turn to face him. It was Kuya. His brows are knitted close to each other, eyes focused on me and his index finger vertically positioned on the surface of his lips. Telling me to not make any noise.

In that moment I got reminded that if the door were to shut it'll make a sound. And by that, I don't know what'll happen to us.

I nodded in response. Thinking what should have happen. I tried to keep myself calm. That I have to be rationale in any situation, or not just me but my family might really meets our end.

Kuya Eco noticed my change of confidence, move his eyes upstairs then back to mine.

Yes we have to quickly get to where Jeo and Jewel at. We shouldn't afford to take our time here where we can get attacked by monsters at any time.

Then I turn and readied myself. As I'm about to take a step the door shut and a thud of noise were heard.

I turn my head and saw Kuya Eco shocked. His hand pressed on the door. "Run!" he whispers and breathing heavily out of fear.

I immediately, no hesitation, run even though I'm producing heavy foot steps. Not just me but Kuya as well. Rushing over, following my pace.

Midway on the stairs. I heard the monsters screeching as they scratch the doors. Ramping the door wanting to breakthrough.

I continued running rashly. "sh*t." I instinctively cursed.

40 minutes before present

'ugh...' 'I can't see. It's all dark.' 'I have to keep looking, maybe there's light out there, yes let's just keep looking'

'I also have to look around me, I'll turn only my head.' 'huh!' 'why can't I turn my head.'

'wait!' 'I can't feel my arms!' 'a-and, and m-my legs!' 'hah hah hah' 'm-my eyes I-I can't open them' 'I-I can't move.' 'hah hah hah!' 'I-I can't talk. c-can't make any noise at all!'

'what's happening?! KUYA! JEO! JEWEL!' 'what's happening, why can't I scream?' 'Heeelp!'

'hah hah hah!' 'Rio, Rio, calm down.' 'yes, let's calm down. breath in.' 'then exhale.' 'let's calm down first, it's not you, panicking is not what Rio do, right?'

'yeah, if we can calm down and focus we can atleast get to know this somehow.' 'We can assess this situation.' 'Now, let's think, just keep thinking.'

'what happened?' 'how did I become like this?' 'I can't move, can't even make an utter noise.' 'it seems like I'm paralyzed.' 'but I'm conscious.' 'so what's the case then?'

'I'm having sleep paralysis? That'll be one.' 'but what happened before this?' 'I can't remember anything.'

'remember it Rio, remember it, little thing will help.'

'let's retrace our step. What happened today.'

'This day is, just like normal other.' 'and? was I doing something?'

'I was, I was doing something but not totally big. I am cleaning and after that, I was dilly dallying.'

'Jeo came and we both look for Kuya. We came home and had lunch.'

'we're all just having our lunch. It was fun.' 'then what?'

'I can't remember.'

'I can't remember after.'

'I can't. I can't. I can't'

'w-wait. Earthquake, there was an earthquake.' 'we all got outside. There were also a lot of people outside. And they were, we all were looking at something.'

'What are we looking at? Where are we loo-.' 'Above.'

'it was huge. It was close. It was glowing.' 'what is that?' 'then-'

'hah hah hah!' 'I-it e-exp- exploded.' 'and that purple flame rush towards us as it explodes.'

'A-am I dead?'

'F*ck it hurts.' 'it's hot, so hot.' 'it's all over me. it's within me.' 'what's with this?'

'Sh*t. It's still hot. Am I burning?' 'wait that can't be.'

'it's fading slowly. Warm, it's just warm no-'

'bright, bright, it's so bright.'

As I open my eyes, ray of light was what welcomed me. It was hot as hell. Maybe this was the cause of the warmth I felt earlier. It was all just because of the Sun.

The Sun is still up and burning. So noon time? Around 2 or 3? maybe.

I can't see clearly. It's all blurry. I tried to enhance my vision by closely making my eyelids close to each other. But all in vain, it didn't improve my blurry sight.

I can see figures. It may not be clear but this is better than having no sight at all.

I scan more of my surroundings. There, I can determine which figure is who. They are all around me, Kuya, Jeo, and Jewel. They are not moving, non of them are conscious.

I have to check them then I'll be free from worries, if my suspect is correct. Surely they're fine right?

What's with you Rio, ofcourse they are!

First, let's try getting up.

I'm still supporting my wavering half laying position with both of my arms. A couple of second of trying, by then I saw other people. They are all unconscious. Non of them are conscious, yet. Maybe I'm the first one here to woke up.

Unconscious? Maybe they're in the state as me like before. Maybe they're awake but not entirely. Paralyzed is what I call.

I'm still doing my hardest to stand up. While doing so I noticed a movement in my blurry figures.

Groaning that seems like in pain. Expression that makes it like he's having a nightmare. It's all blurry but I can clearly tell cause it's my brother, Kuya Eco.

Thank God my suspect is correct. So they're just unconscious or paralyzed.

"Kuya." I call, worried.