The tragedy
1043 Words
Polux's Trial
As Polux stepped outside, two police officers were waiting for him.
Officer 1: "Are you Polux? Come with us."
Polux: "Huh? What's going on? I haven't done anything wrong!"
Officer 2: "We have evidence that you're an accomplice of the bandits. Cooperate and come with us peacefully."
Polux was shocked. The officers handcuffed him and forced him out of the house, but before they could take him away, the young woman ran to them, grabbing one of the officers' arms.
Alhena: "Wait! He's not a criminal! He's the one who saved me!"
Officer 1: "The bandits have already confessed that he's their accomplice. If it's not true, he needs to provide proof that he's a local-an ID or anything to confirm his identity."
Polux had no answer. Living a simple life in the mountains, he had no documents with him. The young woman froze, unsure of what to believe.
Polux: "Believe me! I didn't do anything wrong! I'm innocent!"
But the officers didn't listen. They forced him into the vehicle as he kept shouting. The young woman was left behind, stunned by what had just happened.
Doubt and Hope
In the midst of the chaos, the townspeople began to doubt. Polux's heroism was now overshadowed by suspicion. The young woman, watching the vehicle drive away, decided she wouldn't let Polux's story end like this.
In her heart, she knew Polux wasn't guilty. She hurried back home, determined to find a way to clear the name of the man who was growing closer to her heart.
Inside the Prison
Polux was taken to jail and placed in a cell with the bandits. As soon as they saw him, they burst out laughing.
Bandit 1: "Oh, buddy, you're here! Long time no see, ahahahah!"
Bandit 2: "Still pretending, huh? Stop acting-you're one of us!"
Bandit 3: "So, what's the plan, buddy? Ahahahah!"
Polux couldn't hold back his anger. He stood up, eyes blazing, and faced the bandits.
Polux (yelling): "I don't know any of you! I have nothing to do with your crimes!"
Bandit 1: "Oh, he's mad. So what if you're not with us? No one's going to believe you here!"
Overwhelmed with rage, Polux charged at the bandits, beating them one by one. With the strength of his punches, he knocked them out, leaving them unconscious on the floor. After the commotion, Polux slumped in a corner, tears streaming down his face.
Polux (softly muttering to himself): "Mother, forgive me. You were right-I should've never trusted anyone. The world is cruel..."
The Next Day in Prison
The following day, Alhena visited Polux in his cell. She saw the mess and the battered bandits but noticed Polux sitting calmly in a corner. She approached him.
Alhena: "Pol... What happened here? Why do they look like they've been beaten up?"
Polux: "I don't care about them. What matters is that I know I didn't do anything wrong."
Alhena sat beside him and held his hand.
Alhena: "I believe you, Pol. But I need to know the truth. Why don't you have any identification? Why can't you show proof to the police?"
Polux (sighing, staring into the distance): "Because... my parents hid me. For seventeen years, I never left the cave. They raised me in Mount Bathala to keep me safe. They decided to keep me away from the world."
Alhena (shocked): "Seventeen years? Why did they do that?"
Polux: "To protect me. I don't know the whole reason, but I know they love me. Tomorrow is New Year's Day. It's also my birthday. My parents will return from their work at sea to welcome the New Year. I need to get back to the mountain."
Alhena (worried): "How will you get out of here? Don't worry-I'll do everything I can to help you."
Polux (pleading): "Alhena, you're my only hope. My parents have the answers to prove my innocence. They can confirm that I'm from this town and not an outsider allied with the bandits."
Moved by Polux's words, Alhena took immediate action. She begged her father, the mayor, to release Polux. At first, the mayor refused.
Mayor: "We can't just release that man. We don't know the truth yet-whether he's innocent or guilty. If we're wrong, it'll be a disaster for us!"
Alhena (crying, threatening): "Father, if you don't help him, I'll end my life! I know Pol is a good man. He saved me, and I'm sure he doesn't know those bandits. Let him go so he can bring his parents, who will prove he's from our town."
The mayor hesitated but eventually gave in. He made arrangements for Polux's temporary release, under the condition that he must bring his parents by the next day. If proven innocent, Polux would also receive the 10-million-peso reward.
Back to the Mountain
As heavy rain poured, Alhena, accompanied by her bodyguards, escorted Polux back to Mount Bathala. It was already getting dark. Before Polux stepped out of the vehicle, Alhena kissed him on the lips.
Alhena: "Pol, be careful. You'll get through this, and I believe your name will be cleared. I'll wait for you and your parents in town tomorrow, okay? But please, be cautious-the weather is terrible, and it looks like a storm is coming."
Polux (hugging Alhena tightly): "Thank you, Alhena. I'll never forget what you've done for me."
As Polux got out, he was greeted by Sirio, holding an umbrella.
Sirio: "Brother Polux! You're finally here. It looks like a storm is coming. What happened to you?"
Polux: "It's a long story, Sirio. But I don't have time to explain now. I need to check the ship."
A Grim Discovery
Polux, filled with worry, sprinted to the highest point of the mountain and climbed a towering tree swaying violently in the wind. From there, he looked toward the sea. To his horror, he saw the fishing ship his parents worked on engulfed in flames and smoke.
Polux (screaming): "No... This can't be happening!"
He leapt from the tree without hesitation and dashed down the mountain.
Polux (repeating to himself as he ran): "I'll save you, Mother... Father. No matter what it takes!"
- Writer
