Her Obsession

Chapter 3

I tried to return to sleep, but the drowsiness had fled. My gaze wandered to the window. The horizon was painted in the fading gold of late afternoon, and the silhouettes of tall buildings loomed in the distance. Manila was near. I watched the scenery blur past, each moment pulling me closer to a city that promised both answers and uncertainty.

The bus slowed, pulling into a roadside diner. I nudged Lily awake.

“Lily, wake up,” I whispered. She stirred but didn’t open her eyes. I sighed, leaning closer.

“Lily… come on, wake up.”

This time she sat up, fixing her hair and adjusting her shades. Night had already fallen, yet she still wore them. I couldn’t help but think—maybe she was hiding more than just her eyes.

“Where are we now?” she asked, rubbing her eyes beneath the glasses.

“The bus stopped at a diner. Let’s eat,” I said, glancing at the crowded exit.

“You go ahead. I need to talk to someone first,” she replied. I nodded and stepped off the bus.

Inside, I ordered food for both of us. It felt wrong to order only for myself when she was part of this journey, even if only for now. I found a table for two and waited.

Moments later, Lily entered, scanning the room as though searching for someone. I waved, and her eyes found me instantly. She walked over, her steps quick, her presence commanding.

She sat across from me just as the food arrived. She looked at the rice and viand with hesitation, her lips pressing together.

“Thank you,” I said with a smile. The waiter nodded and left. I turned to Lily, who swallowed nervously. “Come on, let’s eat.”

She forced a smile, took a bite, and paused. For a moment, I thought she disliked it—but then her appetite grew, each bite more eager than the last.

“Good?” I asked, smiling. She looked at me and nodded, her eyes brightening. The simple joy in her face warmed me more than the food itself.

A sudden burp escaped her lips, loud enough to turn heads. I laughed, unable to stop myself. She blushed furiously, scanning the room, but no one seemed to care.

“Full, aren’t you?” I teased. She met my gaze and nodded shyly.

When we finished, I motioned for us to return to the bus. But she didn’t move. She stood there, smiling at me in a way that unsettled my heart.

“What is it?” I asked.

“This is where I stop,” she said softly. “Someone’s picking me up to take me home.”

Her words struck me like a stone. The joy she had brought me earlier dissolved into a hollow ache.

I stepped back when she suddenly leaned closer, rising on her toes. For a fleeting moment, I thought she would kiss me—but instead, her lips brushed near my ear, her whisper sending shivers down my spine. Then she pulled away, her smile enigmatic.

“Go on, or you’ll miss the bus,” she reminded me.

Without another word, I climbed back aboard, returning to my seat. I turned to the window, watching her. She smiled and raised her hand in farewell. My own hand lifted almost involuntarily, mirroring hers.

The bus roared to life, pulling away. I kept my eyes on her until she vanished from sight.

The road stretched ahead, but my thoughts lingered on Lily. I leaned back, staring at the air conditioner above me. Sleep refused to come.

Then a sleek car sped past, honking sharply. Our driver honked back, and the car answered. I couldn’t help but smile—it was a luxury vehicle, gleaming under the streetlights, its presence commanding.

It didn’t leave us. It stayed alongside the bus, shadowing us all the way to Manila, as though guarding someone inside.

When we finally reached the terminal, I gathered my bag and stepped out. The city air was heavy, alive with noise and movement. I didn’t know where to go. All I knew was that I needed a place to stay.

I could have gone to Uncle Ronald’s cousin’s house, but hesitation weighed on me. Instead, I wandered, searching for an apartment.

The streets grew darker, the city louder, and fatigue pressed against me.

By nightfall, I surrendered to practicality. I went to Aunt Jayse, Uncle Ronald’s cousin. She welcomed me warmly, her kindness a balm to my weary soul.

She led me to a small room, simple but safe. I set down my bag, the silence wrapping around me. For the first time since leaving Aklan, I allowed myself to breathe.

I sat down on the small but cozy bed, the quiet of the room wrapping around me like a fragile embrace. A heavy sigh escaped my lips, carrying with it the weight of everything I had endured.

“If only you were here beside me,” I whispered into the silence, my voice trembling with longing. “Guide me through the path I must take. Give me the strength to fulfill all the plans we dreamed of… and to find my father.”

The words hung in the air, fragile and aching, as though they might reach her wherever she was now. My chest tightened, but I forced myself to lie back, staring at the ceiling that seemed to listen in silence.

The mattress was firm yet comforting, and the faint scent of clean linen reminded me of home. Slowly, the exhaustion of the journey pressed down on me, heavier than grief, heavier than hope. My eyelids grew heavy, and though I fought to stay awake—clinging to the thought of my mother’s presence—I surrendered.

"I missed you, Mom"

Darkness claimed me, and in its embrace, I drifted into sleep, carrying with me the quiet prayer that somewhere, somehow, she was watching over me.