LOST IN THE MIST OF TIME

Lost In The Mist Of Time - 2

Maya's

7:00 AM

I'm walking on the road towards school since it's just a walking distance from our house. While walking, I couldn't help but form questions. These are the kind of questions that naturally come to mind when you're walking based on what you see. As I walk, I see children rummaging through trash bins, and I can't help but wonder, "Why are there children scavenging through trash bins just to find food? Why were they abandoned? Where are their parents? Do they still have parents?" And various other questions. Maybe I just can't help it; I have questions that I can't find answers to, or maybe I'm just too lazy to seek the answers.

I went to the bakery and bought some bread. It's not for me; it's for the children. When I bought it, I approached them and handed over the bag of bread, which they immediately took.

"Sister, thank you! We're very hungry." It's delightful because they know how to express gratitude unlike some others who can be picky when you give them something. I wanted to ask why they were rummaging through trash bins, but I chose not to.

"You're welcome. Eat plenty, are you still able to find something to eat? But even if I wanted to stay, I need to leave. Here, take this 100 pesos. It seems like you're siblings, so you don't need to divide it. Buy food for yourselves later. And tomorrow morning, wait for me here again, but don't scavenge through trash, alright?" I said a lot, running out of breath.

"Alright, sister. Thank you very much." They were very happy. It's good if that's the case. I left and continued walking, lost in thought.

I didn't realize I was already in front of the school. I pass by the guard who does nothing but poke my bag as if it were a fishball. I don't know why, but they seem foolish.

"Maya!" Ella called, my best friend since kindergarten, and now we're in our fourth year of college.

"Oh, Ella. Good morning," I greeted her.

"What good morning? We're late. There's something to be announced in the auditorium, hurry up." She said with irritation. I don't know, she could have just not waited for me, but I guess it's better to have someone with me.

"Sorry, don't be mad. I'll treat you later." I tried to coax her, and she bit.

"Chocolate roll and C2," she said. I know, as long as everything's free, everything becomes okay.

"Alright, let's go." I offered. After a moment, we finally reached the auditorium. Many students were there, each with their own world. Everyone is divided into groups, discussing their own topics, which makes me curious but I don't really care.

7:30 AM

After a while, the principal arrived. He's handsome, but you can also tell that he's getting old. I think he's in his 50s.

"Good morning students! I apologize for summoning you this early. I just wanted to make an announcement. We will have a school tour, which will last for 3 days and 2 nights. It's not required, but there will be accompanying activities. Those who join will be exempted from written works and activities. When you arrive in your classrooms later, you will be given a waiver, and those who join need their parents to sign it. That's all, have a good day." The principal made a long announcement, and the students had various reactions.

"Maya, are you joining?" Ella asked, seemingly very excited.

"Yes, I don't want to do written works." I replied lifelessly while yawning.

"You're so smart but lazy, and you're sleepy too." She teased me.

I didn't answer and walked straight to the classroom.

As I walked down the hallway, I observed the different kinds of students. The hallway was noisy with everyone talking and laughing together. Can they still understand each other? It gives me a headache, and it's deafening.

With each step I take, I observe them. They are too normal, their lives following a similar pattern. Why do they choose to be so alike? It's boring.

I continued walking when Ella suddenly shouted.

"Mayaaaaaaaaa!" She shouted from the corridor, so I looked at her and only then noticed that she was far away because someone was talking to her. When I looked ahead, I didn't expect that misfortune was waiting.

BLAGGGG!

I feel dizzy, I want to sleep. The impact of the collision with a figure is so strong that it feels like I'm being taken by Lord. Before losing consciousness completely, I heard it speak.

"Miss, are you okay?" It asked with concern. I don't know if they're stupid or pretending. I don't know what will happen next. Well, at least they smell good.

xxx

Note: FISHBALL is a kind of street food in the Philippines.