SEVEN DAYS SINCE DISSAPEARING IN THE FOREST

“ CLUELESS AND HOPELESS”

Lola Amira tended to Felimon’s wound as he sobbed uncontrollably, overwhelmed by pain. According to her, the mark on his skin was left by an Aswang, a sign that the creature had no intention of giving up on taking them. Felimon then revealed that after Lola Amira left, he saw the Aswangs and the Giant Lizard—a black maligno. These creatures, he explained, were allies because they shared the same dark intentions. Just like the Mambabarang who inflicts harm, the Aswangs are the killers, while the Maligno takes souls, benefiting from each other’s wicked deeds. But Lola Amira reminded him that not all dark-colored beings were evil. Kapres, for instance, looked terrifying, yet they were protectors of nature and enemies of the Aswang.

Felimon’s condition was pitiful, but there was nothing they could do to speed up his healing. They had no choice but to treat him little by little. Federico, unable to hold back his tears, was reminded of the time he lost his parents. He was terrified of losing someone again, and seeing his brother in pain made his heart ache. The thought that their current situation might take Felimon away from him was unbearable.

“Don’t cry, Federico. I know what you’re thinking,” Lola Amira said gently. “Felimon won’t be taken. That mark only means the Aswang wants him, but they won’t succeed. You trust me, don’t you?”

“Yes, but I’m really scared. I can’t stop thinking about it. If someone must be taken, I’d rather it be me. I’d rather disappear than see my brother suffer,” Federico admitted in a broken voice.

“Don’t say that. No one is leaving. The Lord loves you both. You are good children, and He will use His instruments to keep you safe. You will have a bright future once you leave this forest. Everything will get better.”

Lola Amira’s words always had a way of easing his worries. Federico sighed, exhaustion settling in. He had played in the stream earlier and was drained. He asked Lola Amira if he could rest for a while so he could regain his strength and help take care of Felimon later. As he lay down, sleep quickly took over him, leading him into a dream.

In the dream, he found himself in the same forest, but everything looked different. His body felt light, almost as if he were floating. The trees and plants seemed alive, with creatures resembling oversized insects and walking plants moving around him. They paid him no attention, as if used to his presence. As he walked further, he saw a beautiful fairy—the same one he had glimpsed in Lola Amira’s reflection when she submerged in the stream. She smiled at him and said:

“Keep walking, and you will learn more.”

Federico nodded and moved forward. He spotted Felimon playing with tiny creatures that looked like dwarves. His brother seemed normal—happier than he had ever seen him. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed movement. A tail. It belonged to the Giant Lizard that had been with the Aswangs. Without hesitation, he chased after it.

He felt brave, unafraid, as if nothing could stop him. The creature led him to a dried-up part of the forest, where the air smelled of rotting wood. The trees were old and lifeless, and the once vibrant atmosphere had turned heavy and suffocating. He found a cave and stepped inside, only to discover bones—both animal and human—scattered across the ground. He continued deeper and saw the Aswangs sleeping in their lair. There were so many of them, and the stench was unbearable.

Panicking, Federico turned to leave, but suddenly, shadows surrounded him. Dark figures moved swiftly, emerging from the trees. They were horrifying, demonic beings, crawling and snarling. But strangely, none of them attacked. They only watched him, filled with rage but unable to get closer.

Then, a voice whispered in his ear. A decayed, foul breath brushed against his skin:

“Federico, give us Amira. We will bring your brother back to life. We will grant you unimaginable power.”

“Who are you? Why would I do that? Felimon is alive! Don’t try to deceive me!” Federico shouted.

**“That’s what you think. Felimon is gone. The one with you is not really your brother.

“The true deceiver is Amira. She is not an old woman—she is one of the diwatas who have made our lives miserable. If she is not the price, then your brother will be.”

The voice hissed with venom, and Federico’s breath hitched. His mind reeled at the revelation. Was it true? Was Lola Amira lying to them? He clenched his fists, trying to push the thought away.

“I will tell Lola about you!” he yelled, his voice defiant despite the fear crawling up his spine.

As soon as he spoke, everything around him dissolved into darkness. He felt himself falling—plunging into an abyss—until his eyes snapped open.

Federico woke up drenched in sweat, his chest rising and falling in heavy breaths. His throat was dry, and a deep thirst burned in his mouth. He hurriedly looked around, searching for Lola Amira. When he found her, he wasted no time recounting his dream, every detail pouring out of him in a frantic rush.

Lola Amira listened, her face unreadable. Then, she let out a soft sigh. “Dreams are not always just dreams, Federico,” she murmured. “But you must remember—darkness thrives on deception. It will twist the truth to make you doubt the ones who protect you.”

“But… they said you were a diwata,” Federico hesitated, his voice almost a whisper. “And that Felimon… isn’t really Felimon.”

A flicker of emotion crossed Lola Amira’s face—something ancient and knowing. She reached out and placed a gentle hand on his head. “I have never lied to you, child. And your brother… he is still here. But the Aswangs and their kind have ways of planting fear. They want you to question everything, to weaken you. Do not fall into their trap.”

Federico swallowed hard, glancing at Felimon, who had just woken up and was sitting up, looking curious about their conversation. A part of him wanted to believe everything was fine. But deep inside, doubt had already begun to take root.