Within the Walls

Chapter 4

Lamp posts lined the uneven bricked pavement we walked on. My arm strapped on Aurelio's as his other hand held the cane that guided us throughout the city. Head turning in every corner as there was no convenience stores, electronics, not even cars that roamed the streets. Kalesas, a chariot-like vehicle, with the charioteer wielding a paper lamp on a stick that brightened the dark night. 

At first, I thought the man next to me was overdressed. Isn't it a bit hot? Until the gentle cold breeze swept my skin that made me shiver.

"Mabuti ka lamang ba? (Are you okay?)" Aurelio asked as he looked at my direction. 

I nodded but the concerned look he has didn't waver. He retracted his arms and shimmied his coat out of his body. Placing it behind me, making me clutch the fabric closer. I looked back at him and both of us smiled. A crimson red rushing through my cheeks from the unique act, looking away as he gave a slight chuckle. 

We passed by another church which was much smaller than the first one. Colors consisting of oranges and whites but the stone carvings matched with the cathedral's. 

"Ano'ng tawag diyan? (What's name of that church?)" We paused in our walking as we gazed upon the holy place.

"Iyan ang Iglesia de San Agustin (That's the Iglesia de San Agustin)" He replied as he pointed his fingers onto the bright tower that hosted a cross on top.

From this, I pieced it together. I did went back in time. It was different from the one we visited as a child. The church in my time was a pale grey concrete with a large wooden double door with beautiful stone carvings. Now, it was much more brighter and detailed, peering from a distance, several statues of holy figures stood watching over the people that walked in and out. Some wearing suits like Aurelio, some white chino shirts, while women wore blouses and skirts that reached their feet. 

We passed several houses all having stairs that preceded wooden doors, rings hung near the handle that acted as a doorbell of sorts from what I think of. Stone made, just like the ones I've seen in textbooks. Walking much further, the uneven path was replaced with a dirt road surrounded by grass and trees. A large stone arc with different seals, and stone works loomed over a bridge with water underneath. 

"Narito tayo sa Fuerte de Santiago (We're here in Fort Santiago)" A scowl formed on Aurelio's face. 

I looked at him with a questioning look, tilting my head as well. He looked back at me and the scowl lifted from his face. He asked me if I would like to look further, I nodded. He led me on to the bridge, making me see the fort in its full glory. Cannons lined the wall to which I tugged at Aurelio's shirt, the look of horror on my face as my heart raced. He laughed as the clopping of heels behind me echoed in the quiet night. I looked at him and he just waved at the uniformed guard just like before. The guard waved back and disappeared into the dark. Still not shaking the feeling I am in the place where people get killed by the Spaniards in this year.

"Wag kang mag-alala, binibining Ligaya, kilala ako ng mga guwardiya rito dahil sa aking gobernador na ama (Don't worr Miss Ligaya, I am known in this area because of my governor dad)." He assured me.

I looked around and it was much more, rundown. Pondering from the thought it was from the wars that may have transpired here. I shook the thought away as I looked at the historical fort. This would look good on my assignment. Positioning the camera, I pressed my eyes on the viewfinder as I felt for the shutter. A loud click and a flash of bright light momentarily blinded my senses. 

~2019 - Tuesday - Intramuros, Manila~

Bringing the camera down, a spotlight of sorts presented the wall. The cannons that lined the wall were gone, the mossy walls reappeared from my memories, and the moat underneath the bridge had murky waters where lily pads started to grow. I looked around for Aurelio but no one was there. I examined the camera and noticed that the photo was already done processing. The photo I took was from the old times, rather different from today's. 

"Anong ginagawa mo diyan! (What are you doing there!)" A bellowing voice made me jump, thrusting the photo on my pocket.

I felt myself go cold and sweat started to trail down my temple. A flashlight pointed at my direction, jarring my vision until he went closer. Wearing the same uniform as before, but he spoke Tagalog instead of Spanish.

"I--uhh." My heart on my dry mouth that was beating abnormally. 

"Mag-aalas onse na oh! Umuwi ka na! (It's about to be 11:00 PM, go home!)" The guard commanded me.

I shakily nodded as I walked away from the fort. I saw that the light was moving as I walked further away. Reaching the entrance, the guard called on a kalesa where the driver woke from his slumber and headed towards my direction, flaunting its colorful design that was completely different from the ones I saw before. The guard talked with the driver and handed a red-colored bill, the driver nodded and gestured for me to write at the back. Placing the camera first, then my bag, I climbed at the back to which I almost fell forward. I scrambled to sit to act like I was composed. 

"Saan tayo miss? (Where will we be going?)" The man asked as he held the whip of sorts for the horse in front. 

"Sa may sakayan ng jeep na lang po (In the place for jeepneys)."  I muttered and the driver whipped the horse, carrying us into our destination. 

We passed by the church once again and saw how dull it really was. The streets were like the mainstream ones and only one particular block had those uneven bricked path. Then, I was back at the place where I came from with the vintage building. I thanked the driver as they drove into farther away. I stood at the green-hooded shed where jeepneys are supposed to arrive. 

It was about 5 minutes until a jeep passed with the signboard heading to my house. I climbed on and examined the camera once more. Mesmerized on how it brought me back in time to look at those old buildings. Everything my father described when we went here as a child was much more vivid. A mix of excitement and curiosity flooded through me as I can't wait to go back for more. Plus, Aurelio might be shocked as to where I went. 

The jeepney driver broke my pondering as he shouted the place where I lived. Walking to my apartment, my mom hugged me in surprise. 

"Where have you been! I've been calling you all night!" Her harsh voice resonating in my ear as she lets go of the hug and crossing her arms. 

She won't believe me if I tell her I went back in time. I tried to think of an excuse but my brain was filled with the thoughts of the buildings during their prime as well as the lives of the past. She broke the lingering silence with a sigh. 

"Good thing you're okay, are you hungry?" She asked. 

I shook my head, still full from the thoughts. She nodded and proceeded to the couch once again, grasping a pen as she wrote something on a piece of paper. I headed to my room and placed the camera on the dresser and my bag on one side. 

I looked at the ceiling as the events from last time flooded my mind. My eyes went heavy all of a sudden, my vision fluttering into the darkness. I have to think about this tomorrow. All my body was telling me was to sleep. Then, the next thing I knew, I already drifted asleep.