16 years ago...
Reis's POV
The night is pitch-dark.
A busy road with revving engines and blasting horns create a turmoil inside me. A chaotic symphony that mirrors everything. The rain pours down mercilessly, it won't stop even after the car passed by the junction of the familiar street. From my seat, I can see the eatery where I used to hang out with my friends– busy as always– with lights hanging and people cheering from the inside. All those beautiful memories flood inside, the laughter and joy that seems to fade away. The carefree spirits feels like a distant world, one that I will no longer touch. Perhaps for eternity.
The air conditioning feels cold. The wind pierces deep into my bones. Is it the air conditioning, or my cold heart that cause the shiver? I rub my nose as my mind wanders, the stinging sensation from my lips and cheek makes me wince. A soft reminder of the wound that I got. I fight my tears, bravely holds them back.
"Are you alright?" the taxi driver's voice pulls me from my thoughts. I shake my head faintly, feeling the weight of his concern. My lips flash a smile, hiding the pain that floods my body.
"You're shaking, let me switch off the a/c..." the generous man flicks the switch.
"Thanks..." I reply as my sight goes back through the window. The air is not cold anymore, but it gets stuffy. So, I roll it down, letting the night air wash over me. Rama III bridge looks spectacular from afar. My mind suddenly wanders in the dark abyss.
What if I choose the place as my final destination?
"We're here, miss..." the man's voice jolts me from my daze. I look at the white and green building next to us.
"I'll wait for you at the parking–"
"It might take some time. You don't have to..."
"It's okay. Besides, finding a ride at this hour is a hassle. Take your time..." the man draws a smile, like trying to assure me with his kindness.
My throat feels dry. His soft approach makes me feel grateful; at least I have a glimpse of hope that there are still some good people exist in this cruel world. Somehow, I have a second thought about life.
"Is that your son?" I ask, pointing my finger at a small picture hanging on the rearview mirror.
"Yes. He lives with my ex wife. I can't provide him a good life, so the court gave him to her," he answers, his voice tinged in sadness. "But at least I know, she can give him a good quality of life. He can go to the best school instead of wandering around the street. It's all for his future that I can't afford to give him."
"Did you miss him?"
"There's no one day that I don't. But, for the best, I'm willing to let him go. Besides, I need to improve myself first, so I can be a good father to him. I might be broke, but I don't wanna be a failure, too..."
"Believe me, you're already a good father. At least compared to my dad. He's a one lucky boy," my head hangs low, feeling the bitter in my words.
"Here. Your tip..." I slip a 5000 bath note on the dashboard before opens the door.
"I can't accept this. It's too much–"
"Trust me. Compared to what I owe you, and what will I face later, this is nothing..." I slam the door politely, leaving him there and enters the building, straight away to the registration.
"Can I help you–?" the nurse gasps as soon as her eyes land on my face. I can see her judging eyes linger for a moment all over me– a girl with a bruised face and a black plastic bag in my hands.
"I need to seek a treatment for my face. And..."
My tongue suddenly feels numb. I can feel the irregularities in my breath– it's getting shorter– weight in all the pain in me. My eyes waver as I recall the traumatic experience.
But I muster my courage, inhale deep as I stare deep into the nurse's eyes in desperation.
"I need a rape kit test as well..."