[September 11 part 3]
★–[Cascina Della Luna, Rome | 1:03 PM | De Gracia Residence]--★
The sea shimmered quietly under the afternoon sun.
Mara stood alone on the terrace, arms folded, staring at the distant horizon where sky and water blurred into blue.
A cold breeze passed through her silk robe.
Her eyes, however, weren't looking at the sea—
They were searching for answers.
Inside the house… silence.
Selena had passed by earlier.
Didn't greet.
Didn't eat.
Didn't even glance.
Just a ghost walking in flesh.
[Flash backs triggered]~~
***[ FLASH | December 25, 2012 ]**
A church bell echoed in the winter air.
A golden coffin stood beneath the arched ceilings.
Candles flickered. Flowers wilted.
Mara sobbed into Rechard's chest.
> Rechard (whispering):
"It's okay, honey… we can always try again."
> Mara (shaking, broken):
"But that was our child… our only one…"
The world faded to black.
~~~
***[ FLASH | Welfare Office ]**
A tired looking woman spoke to Mara, fingers flipping through worn files.
> Woman:
"You're looking for a girl to adopt? I… I know one."
> Woman:
"She was abused. It's confidential, but… she's been in and out of shelters.
Mara said nothing. Just stared at the photo on the desk.
~~~~
***[ FLASH | | Weeks Later ]**
The girl stood still—thin arms clutching a stuffed bear.
Mara knelt down, holding out her hand.
> Mara (gently):
"Hey… You're safe now, baby. Okay?"
The girl didn't speak. She just stared.
Then, slowly, she took Mara's hand… and cried.
Rechard embraced them both.
And in that silence—
A broken family quietly began again.
***[ FLASH | January 2015 ]**
> Young Girl:
"Mommy! I want steak! I'm hungry!"
"Ooh—ooh! That shoe, please? Can I get one pair?"
> Woman (soft):
"Okay, okay… Just promise me you'll behave, alright?"
> Young Girl (grinning):
"Promise! Yeehhh!!"
She laughed. Ran ahead.
A moment of sunshine in a broken timeline.
She lowered her voice.
[FLASHBACKS END]
★–[ RETURN TO PRESENT ]--★
Back in the terrace, Mara blinked as the wind kissed her cheeks.
Her lips parted… but no words came out.
Mara closed her eyes.
And let the sea keep the questions.
—
★–[Luce Veritas Academy | School Lobby | 1:50 PM]–★
Charlie (arms crossed, skeptical):
"Do we really want Jacob and Selena to represent our section?"
Calie (smirking, flipping her hair):
"Yes, why not? I mean, it's not like we have a record of winning anyway. Our section's known for being weak—eww!" (laughs)
Sarah (hopeful):
"Maybe we could help them. Right? Like… support them."
Calie (grinning):
"Hmm. Maybe. But I doubt those two will agree that easily. Heh."
---
★–[Outside | Street | After Class | 3:40 PM]–★
Selena (calling out):
"Hey! Idiot! Hey—!"
Jacob keeps walking, hands in pockets. No reaction.
Selena (gigil, louder):
"Hey! I'm talking to you! HEY!"
Jacob suddenly stops, spins around, and gently places a hand over her mouth.
Selena (shocked, muffled):
"Mmm?!"
> Jacob (calmly, with a polite smile):
"Can you please shut your mouth for two seconds?"
Selena jerks his hand away, furious.
> Selena (snapping):
"Hey! F*** you, pervert!"
She punches him—straight in the shoulder.
Jacob (blinking, surprised):
"..."
He says nothing, just stares as she rolls her eyes and walks away, her long hair swaying with every furious step.
Jacob (muttering):
"What's with her…?"
★–[Palawan, Philippines | Female Prison Facility | September 11, 2030 | 9:07 PM]–★
A woman in her 50s sat alone in her cell.
Her eyes—glassy with tears—held not sorrow,
but desire.
A twisted kind of hunger.
***[Flashback triggered]**
> "Hey, Sister… what happened to your face?"
"Was it your husband?"
"No… I'm okay."
"Huh?" (Confused pause)
Flash.
> A woman weeps into her pillow.
"Sis, what happened? Is this… because of your husband again?"
"You're too overprotective of your son… that's why he hurts you…"
The woman cries louder, unable to reply.
[FLASHBACK INTERRUPTED]
CLANK.
A metal gate screeches open.
Footsteps echo down the hallway.
> Jail Guard (firm, impatient):
"Oi! Mrs. Dagasdas, may bisita ka. Tumayo ka d'yan!"
She remains seated.
No flinch. No reaction.
Her eyes—still lost in that memory.
The guard bangs the bars.
> Jail Guard (louder):
"Hoy! Naririnig mo ba ako? May bisita ka nga, dali na!"
Slowly… she stands.
But still, no emotion.
As if her body obeys,
but her mind never left that room…
where her sister died.
---
[CHAPTER END]