CHAPTER 3: TEARS IN THE NIGHT
1282 Words
Since that day, Zaldy has always brought food to the basement. With each visit, it seems like my food isn't just sustenance but also a symbol of his care. During quiet moments at night, while most are asleep, we have time to talk and share our feelings. Our conversations are like stars in the dark night, giving light and meaning to every moment of silence. I don't know why, but I feel extremely happy when it's seven in the morning, twelve noon, and ten at night because those are the times he arrives, and we meet. Maybe it's because of my loneliness that I feel happy when I have someone with me. I also appreciate his actions because he became even kinder to me, and he has shared almost every part of his life with me.
An hour passed, and he hasn't shown up today, not even leaving any food. I've called out several times, but he didn't come. The excessive joy in my heart was replaced by sadness and longing for him.
Why did he suddenly disappear?
Why didn't he show up even once today?
Did he leave me too?
That can't be true, right?
It's already midnight, so I temporarily opened the small window and looked at the sky. The sky tonight reveals its true beauty. The dark black color slowly fades away, and amidst the stars, it's as if a miracle is happening. The stars are like diamonds sparkling in the kingdom of the sky, giving light and hope to hearts waiting for comfort like mine, alone. They're like the stars of our dreams, inspiring and empowering every step we take. The wind kisses my skin, and the views become deeper and more mysterious. The moon, with its beauty, illuminates the darkness and tells its own story. The sky tonight inspires hearts longing for the beauty of the world. It's a time for silence and reflection, where the stars become guides to the dreams we chase. The sky tonight is a reminder that amidst darkness and trials, there's still light and hope waiting in our hearts.
With every gaze at the sky, I experience a unique sense of freedom and connection to the universe. Is the sky tonight a reminder that amidst the darkness, is there a sudden light that will save my sorrow tonight?
After ten minutes of contemplation, I arranged my sleeping area. I took the four boxes for my bed and laid them on the floor. I also took the small pillow Zaldy brought me the other day and placed it there.
I lied down, but Zaldy is still on my mind.
Where could he be?
Did he forget to come to me?
It seems impossible because he said he would help me.
But why isn't he here?
Did something bad happen to him?
Sh*t! I hope not!
I suddenly got nervous with what I was thinking, so I stood up and took a deep breath.
I decided to grab a book and read it to calm my nerves. I read the book by Fearlesspen️ titled 'Love's Complicated Path'. It was the first gift given to me by Caely, Casey, and Keziah on my 15th birthday, so it's a bit old and worn out, but I can still read every page of it.
I was on Chapter 3 when I suddenly heard Zaldy's voice outside.
"Ah, sir, I-I'm just patrolling around." Zaldy nervously said.
I peeked out the window and was happy to see Zaldy there, but that turned into anger when I saw my dad talking to him.
What is he doing here?
Is his work finished?
"Oh, is that so. Do you have something to do right now? I wanted to ask for your help." Dad said.
"Sure, sir. I don't have much to do right now. What do you need help with, sir?" Zaldy asked.
"In the basement, I need to get something from there." Dad's response surprised Zaldy.
"The b-basement?" Zaldy asked in disbelief before looking at where I was.
Just like Zaldy's reaction, I was also surprised because I didn't expect Dad to say that.
What does he need from the basement and why does he want Zaldy's help?
There's not much in that place except books, boxes of old stuff, and me being the only one here.
What could Dad possibly need from there?
Books?
But he's not fond of reading.
Old stuff maybe?
What would he do with those?
Could it be possible that he's referring to me?
Is he going to take me out of the basement because he sees me as well-behaved and not causing trouble anymore?
Oh my!
Am I going to leave this basement?
Thank you, Lord!
I happily returned to my bed and tidied it up. I also placed the book I was reading back into its box. My heart raced when I heard footsteps and my dad's voice talking about work. My knees trembled, so I sat down on the floor. I remembered what happened before I ended up here. I closed my eyes and felt the pain I experienced. Tears welled up again, but I quickly wiped them away because I didn't want Zaldy to see me crying. I didn't want to appear weak in front of them.
With my eyes closed, I felt my world spinning. The heaviness in my chest and the sting in my heart seemed unbearable. However, despite all this, I tried to stay strong and calm myself down. It's not easy to battle the pain in our hearts and minds. But with every trial we face, there's an opportunity to become stronger and continue facing life's challenges. This is part of our journey towards healing and hope.
I slowly raised my head when the basement door opened, and the first thing I saw was Zaldy's smiling face.
I'm happy to see you again, Zaldy!
"Do you two know each other?" Dad asked seriously, causing our smiles to fade.
"D-daddy." My voice suddenly faltered.
"You've been secretly helping my child, haven't you?! Did you think I wouldn't find out?!" Dad angrily exclaimed, glaring at both of us.
"I-I'm sorry, sir. I just wanted to help your child." Zaldy nervously replied, and I could feel he was also afraid of Dad, so he slightly moved back towards me.
"You have the audacity to help! You're just an employee here!" Dad grabbed Zaldy's collar tightly, pulling him away from me.
I covered my mouth as Dad suddenly punched Zaldy in the face. He did it multiple times until he got tired and called our guards. While Dad was occupied, Zaldy approached me and handed me a small box. I quickly accepted it and hid it because I couldn't bear to see his condition. I felt sorry for him. I wanted to help and defend him against Dad, but I couldn't because I couldn't even defend myself against Dad.
Refusing oneself to defend others is a challenge that's not easy to do. In the case of this only child who wants to help and defend their father against himself, it's a situation that brings doubt and concern. Feeling weak and not having enough strength to defend oneself against family is a deep emotional problem. The feeling of being incapable of fighting against the person who provides for needs and protection is a challenge to one's identity.
What should I do?
I'm already struggling, and now he's causing harm to someone who only shows care for me?
Doesn't he have any mercy?
Isn't he hurting from what he's seeing?
If I had accepted Zaldy's offer to marry and go with him, would this not have happened?
What kind of life is this?
- Writer
