A Tale of Blood

The morning sun rose slowly over the small town of Elmare. The light touched everything—the tin roofs, the dusty streets, and the tiny room where Russel Blake Valerio sat on his bed. He was lacing up his old, worn-out shoes. They were too tight now, but he had no choice. His duffel bag sat on the floor, filled with only a few shirts, some pants, and his most prized possession—an old camera. Today was the first day of his new school. He was not excited. He was not nervous either. He just wanted the day to be over. There was a soft knock on the door. "Russel," a voice called gently. It was Aunt Leona, his mother’s younger sister. She stepped inside holding a plastic container. "Breakfast is ready. Eat before it gets cold." Russel stood up and grabbed his bag. "Thanks, Auntie." She smiled and handed him the food. "It’s just rice and dried fish. Simple, but it will help you get through the morning." He nodded. "That’s okay. I’m used to it." Leona looked at him with soft eyes. Her heart ached every time she saw him like this—quiet, serious, too old for his age. She wanted to say something more, but she didn’t. Russel ate quickly. There wasn’t much talking. Leona sat across him, watching. When he finished, he stood and cleaned his plate. "Let’s go," she said, grabbing her bag. She was going to open her bakery after dropping Russel off. They walked together to the tricycle terminal. The streets were already busy. Vendors shouted about their goods. Kids ran in uniforms. Motorbikes passed with loud engines. Russel kept his head down. He didn’t like people staring. When they reached the terminal, a tricycle was waiting. Leona spoke to the driver. Russel got inside, placing his bag on his lap. Before the tricycle left, Leona leaned in. "You’ll be okay. Just do your best. That’s all anyone can ask for." Russel gave her a small smile. "Thanks... Mom." Leona froze for a moment. Then her eyes softened. "You don’t have to call me that." "I want to." The tricycle started to move. Russel watched her disappear from view. He didn’t like goodbyes. They always felt heavy. San Ricardo Integrated High School was larger than his old school. The building was painted blue, but it was already fading in many parts. The gates were open wide, and students were pouring in. Laughter, shouting, and noise filled the air. Russel stepped down from the tricycle and fixed the strap of his bag. He looked around, trying to find the office. A friendly security guard pointed him in the right direction. At the registration office, a woman gave him his class schedule. She spoke fast, but he listened carefully. "You’re in 11-Rizal. Your room is on the second floor, left wing." "Thank you." He walked through the hallways, trying not to bump into anyone. Everything felt new and loud. His old school was small. People there knew him. Here, he was just another face. He found the room. A small wooden sign read 11-Rizal. The door was slightly open. Inside, students were talking and laughing. Some were eating snacks. Some were scrolling on their phones. Russel took a deep breath and stepped inside. All eyes turned to him. He froze for a second. The teacher, a woman in her 30s with glasses and a firm voice, stood up. "Everyone, quiet down. We have a new student today." She turned to him. "Please introduce yourself." Russel stood still for a moment. "I’m Russel Valerio... I’m a transferee." "Thank you, Russel. There’s a seat at the back by the window." He nodded and walked to the back. As he passed, he heard a few whispers. "He’s tall." "Is he cute or just serious-looking?" "Where’s he from?" Russel didn’t respond. He sat down quietly and pulled out his notebook. He stared at the cover for a moment. It had scratches and ink stains. It had been with him for years. Class started. The teacher talked about rules, upcoming quizzes, and a group project. Russel listened, though his mind wandered. He wasn’t used to being around so many people. During break time, some boys invited him to play Mobile Legends. He declined politely. He wasn’t good at games. A girl offered him bread. He thanked her but didn’t take it. He wasn’t hungry. That’s when he saw her. A girl with short black hair and a smile that made people relax. She was laughing with her friends. Someone handed her a chocolate bar, and she shook her head. "Sorry, but no," she said sweetly. The boy looked hurt. His friends laughed. The girl turned back to her seat and continued laughing. Russel watched quietly. Something about her was... different. He looked away. He didn’t want to be curious. He didn’t want to get involved. Later that week, Leona told him about a small photography job. "It’s a simple photoshoot," she said, handing him a piece of paper. "Big house. Rich family. They’ll pay well." Russel checked the time and address. "What kind of shoot?" "Portraits. Maybe a profile picture. Just be polite." He nodded. It wasn’t his first job. He’d been taking pictures since he was 12. His camera was old, but it still worked. On the day of the shoot, he wore his cleanest shirt and jeans. He arrived at the address by jeepney. When he got off, he stared. It was a mansion. Tall white walls. Iron gates. Security cameras. Flowers blooming in every corner. A guard asked for his name and checked a clipboard. "Go straight to the garden." Russel walked slowly. The air smelled like roses. A small fountain sparkled in the center. He adjusted his camera strap nervously. Then he saw her. The girl from his class. The one who always smiled. She turned and saw him. "You?" she said, clearly surprised. Russel blinked. "You’re the client?" She looked down, a little embarrassed. "Not really. My dad set this up." Russel gave a small nod. "I can cancel if you’re not comfortable." "No, it’s okay. Just... make it quick. I’m not good at this." He smiled slightly. "Me neither." They started slowly. She didn’t know where to look. He didn’t know what to say. "Look to your left," he said quietly. She did. He clicked. The light hit her just right. "Now smile. But not the fake one." She laughed. "How do you know it’s fake?" "Everyone has one. Yours is easy to spot." She gave him a real smile. He clicked again. The photoshoot ended after 30 minutes. He showed her some shots. "I look different," she said softly. "You look like yourself. Just... quieter." She handed him a cold drink. "I’m Ara. Ara Brielle Collins." "Russel. But you knew that already." They smiled. It was a small moment, but something started that day. Not love. Not yet. Just something. And that was enough.