THE FLOWER IN THE GARDEN I DO NOT OWN

Heavy rain accompanied with occasional thunder that makes the streets seem dark and empty, in a dark alley a petite woman wearing tight pants and sweater was panting like she had been running for her life.  With her clothes soaking wet and sprained ankle, the woman staggered to her feet. She keeps on glancing on her back knowing as if anytime now someone or something might show up. As if on cue, footsteps were heard heading to her direction, panic was evident in her deep hazel eyes, not having any choice due to her sprained ankle she stayed still in the farthest corner hoping the darkness will save her from who or what tragedy she might be. With her eyes tightly closed, she prayed that just this once she hopes the heavens are watching over her, like an answered prayer she heard the sound of the footsteps away from where she was and soon enough it was quiet and nothing but the sound of wind and rain could be heard.  Still reluctant to move, she listened again checking if it was really okay for her to move now. When it was quiet enough, she began to move still in panic and pain. She saw an open nearby convenience store, with a glint of hope she hurriedly run-walk dragging her ankle, in one final step—swoop! A sturdy figure caught her in surprise covering her mouth; she didn’t even get to scream! Fear, panic and anger were evident in her bulging deep hazel eyes…. *Sound of rain pouring   Bzzt! Bzzt! Heavy breathing and cold sweats.. I woke up, still in a daze I look up my phone its 7:00 am.. again. Oh no, I’m lateeee! I hurriedly prepared myself as I remember I have work today, Oh my gosh! It’s not a Sunday~ My days have always been like this, I didn’t get to eat breakfast as I woke up late again. These days I’ve been waking up in cold sweats and sometimes even with tears but I barely remember a thing about what my dream has always been. I shrugged off the thought of anything negative; it’s not a good way to start my day. I waited for the company car with coffee in my hand. “Good morning, Kita!” said Gen our company driver. With a smile I greeted him back; this is how my life has been for the last few months. I’m new to the job and still adjusting as an office worker. Well, I’m not supposed to be in a company office, I am a teacher in profession but I decided I wanted a career change at the last minute. Everyone was against it, but still I pursued; this is my life after all. I barely made it in time, a red hair woman with a black coat greeted me with a smile "Good morning, Kita~ it's pretty cold today don't you think?" Ingrid a woman with a smile that compliments her red hair and slender body, indeed, she is a beauty. With a smile I answered her back and nod. “Oh! Today was the submission of our monthly report. You have it ready, right? They said a new management is going to take over so they needed the reports, I wonder what’s going to happen now?” “Don’t worry it’s not going to affect us that much I guess.” And I flashed a reassuring smile. She nod and smiled back. “I hope so.” We were called for a meeting after that to meet the “new management”, Manuel the former secretary of the CEO introduced the new management that’s going to take over, and I glanced and went back to what I was doing. I was too focused on writing my minutes that I didn’t notice the new CEO walking my way, “Well, what do we have here?” With that he took my paper away. I was taken aback with creased eye brows I look at the person who took my paper away.  He smirked “Angry?” I sit up straight and look him in the eye as I answered him back “No, sir. I apologize I was just surprised.” He gave me back my paper and I felt the warm air brushed against my ear as he whispered “It’s good to see you again, Kita……”