The Untold Chronicle: Fire and Rain

“Finally, the final day of work for this week,” I grumbled as lean on my swivel chair and extended my arms to do stretching. I shut off my computer and rose up, ready to leave, I took my bag beside me. My co-workers watched me leave my workplace and bid me farewell as they saw me go. “Take care,” I replied to them, sternly, and they smiled and nodded. As I walked in the corridor, the sound of my stilettos filled the whole area. I rushed to the elevator and pushed the button. Someone stood next to me, and she seemed to be taking the lift as well. As I approached the bottom floor, the elevator bell sounded. I, along with my coworkers, stepped out from it. It is already Friday afternoon, and I am free from work. It was too early to go home, so I went out for a coffee. As soon as I exited the building, a typical chilly air enveloped my body. I took my hair tie and began tying my hair into a bun to keep it from being tangled in the wind. I took a deep breath and exhaled it while smiling. Gladly, the wind is clean and neat where I used to work. I looked up and started staring at the skies, I can't help but feel satisfied. The sun is already setting right now, and the sunset is painting the sky in orange and crimson colors. I can also see people capturing this pleasurable and calming view. Since I’m so fascinated with the view, I took my phone out also and quickly took a picture of it. I chose to walk from here because the shop is just nearby to the building where I typically work. I don't have a vehicle, since I'm still working to pay for it. Not only that, but I observed a couple of girls who were pleasantly conversing with each other, they started laughing at each other when the other girl told something. I just knew that I was smiling while watching them, I suddenly missed my friend. I shifted my eyes to the city's buildings, which were all very towering and well-structured. Some employees are leaving the building, just like me, to head home after a long day at work. You may anticipate tall structures and towers throughout the city. Everything was very filthy the first time I came here; there was a lot of trash all over the place, and the smell of jeepneys filled the air. However, as time passed, things began to change. They began to restrict the use of outdated jeepneys that emitted bad odors. There’s a school two bus stops from here, and several of the students came here to relax because there were a variety of booths and standby spots. I continued strolling alone by the roadway until my foot twisted, and I winced. It appears that I stepped on a pebble. Before I started, I massaged it a little. The pain was still there, but I wanted to get moving since I am blocking the way. I had just been walking for a few minutes when I came upon the Starbucks. As I opened the door, the bell loudly chimed, and I carefully closed it as I walked in. I saw few people took a glance at me. Since the place is air-conditioned, it gave me a sudden chilling vibe. I looked about for a seat and, as predicted, several of them were taken. I just noticed a seat by the window that was empty. I walked towards it and placed my bag there on the chair to indicate that it was already occupied. Before I started lining up to order my beverages, I double-checked that I had my money and phone. Most of the students are here in Starbucks. It was Friday anyway, a perfect time to unwind. On the other side, a few students were gathered here with their laptops, which seemed to be filled with schoolwork or research. I instantly thought back to when I was still a student. I was just like them, killing the time with a cup of coffee or sleeping under a tree. It'll be my turn in just a few minutes. The cashier welcomed me with a friendly smile and questioned me about my order. I placed my order for one latte. “We'll make your Latte in five minutes and call your name when it's prepared.” I nodded in response to what she said. I returned to my seat and checked my wristwatch; it was already 6 p.m. I'll probably sleep late because I'll be drinking coffee right now. I waited for my order, and my name was called after 5 minutes. I got back up and accepted my order. I place it back on my table with care. When I noticed the pattern on my latte, I grinned. It has the appearance of a fern with a heart on top. I giggled and took a photo of it through my phone. I placed my phone on the table and a calming music was played all over the café. I looked at the window in front of me and watched the people who were passing by. Some of them are employees, students, couples, and kids. I got shocked when my phone vibrated and I received a text from Zoelle, my best friend. I smiled as I read her text to me. -- From: Zoelle Hey! I know you’re off to work now, can I call?” -- She was sick so she needed to take a leave from work. She had a high fever last night, so I told her not to go to her work today, that is why I am alone today. Furthermore, she’s my friend when we're still young and our friendship is still strong till now. In just a few seconds, she called. I just took out my earphones and placed them on my ears before I answered her call. “HI!” She greeted in a cheerful way. I let the smile formed on my face when I heard her lively voice. Like she didn’t have a fever, huh. “Hey, looks like you’re fine. Huh?” I said in a playful tone. I heard her chuckles over the call before she answered me. “Yes, my temperature is now normal,” she said, and I sighed in belief, Thank God her fever is now gone. I just had no idea why she had a fever, maybe it was just because of her overwork. She was so workaholic and I think this is the result of it. “That’s good, still drink Biogesic. To make it sure” I said, and I heard her agree. I started sipping on my hot coffee before looking at the window to stare at the view. It is starting to get dark, but this is my favorite time of the day when the sun is down. “Where are you right now?” She asked on the other line. “At the Starbucks. Having a coffee.” I told her “Wow, you’re not inviting me, huh?”I was caught off guard. “You were sick. Do you want me to visit you? I’ll buy some fruits too.” I continuously said and I heard her laughs. “Just kidding! My brother sent some fruits here already. But I’m craving for coffee”. She said, and I playfully rolled my eyes even though she can’t see me. “Have you seen the skies earlier? The sunset was so beautiful.” I informed her which made her sadly reacted. “Really? Can I see? You should have video-called me! You knew that it was our routine whenever we’re going out of our building!” She ranted and I laughed, too bad you had a fever. “Let me send you a picture,” I told her, so I sent her the pictures I captured earlier. “Gosh! I love it” She said and amazement was heard in her voice, I know right. “That’s the effect of working so hard.” I teased her, pertaining to her fever. “No, I took a bath in the rain.”She said and I knew she was pouting now. I heard that she turned on the thermos. Her phone was just near her, so I can conclude that she was making her own coffee. While waiting for her to finish, I saw a group of students leaving the cafe. It is dark already and students like them should go home already, here in the city you can’t say whether it is safe or not. Riding in tandem and snatchers were just around. You just need to be alert. “Still there?” Zoelle asked so I respond quickly. “Yes, so what did you do the whole day?” I asked her, starting a conversation. “I woke up late in the morning since I’m not really feeling well, then at exact lunch, my brother came and brought me food. But he immediately left after he dropped the food. He still needs to go to work” She stated, and I was just nodding while slowly sipping on my drink. “And in the afternoon? Don’t tell you just slept the whole day?” I asked her, while slightly raising my one brow. “Of course not! I watched Netflix too! I just finished watching the first 2 episodes of Hotel De Luna.” I heard her tiny laughs like she enjoyed watching it. “Korean dramas again? You should be watching documentaries, not dramas or romance.” I hissed and she gave me a short laugh. “My brain was so drained at work, I just wanted to chill!” She grunted so I frowned. Unlike her, I’m more into documentaries and short clips about the world. What’s with romance or drama? I frowned with that thought, I just can’t find it interesting. The silence ate us after what she said until I heard her stirring her coffee. “How about you? How’s your day?” She suddenly asked. “Wow, you sound like my boyfriend” I joked which made her chuckled. “How did you say that I sound like a boyfriend? You didn’t even have one! What a virgin.”She annoyed. “Your mouth Zoelle!”I said in my embarrassed face. “Hahaha! Now answer my question”. She said but the teasing voice was still there. “As usual a tiring day.” I simply said, because my routine every day was still the same. She already knew about it. “Anyways, what should I cook tonight?” She asked again. “Something with vegetables,” I said which made her groaned. Obviously, she doesn’t eat vegetables so often. Zoelle has been one of my close friends when I went here to Manila, she entertained me at work and as the day goes by I became comfortable with her. I don’t know why she approached me, I’m really a quiet person and not that good at socializing. Otherwise, she was so bubbly and talkative. She doesn’t want silence and she’s a curious person also. She can even notice a little thing. We’ve been friends for years and I knew, she already knew me well. She can tell whether I’m good mood or not. She didn’t end the call, but I heard her slicing something on a chopping board and looks like she’ll cook something. I didn’t bother to ask her what she will cook because I already knew the answer, either chicken or pork. It was dark when I finished my coffee and some of the customers left already. I just fixed my hair and put it in a bun again. I also pulled few strands of hair in the front, so I won’t look serious or what. A cold breeze greeted me as soon as I went out of the cafe. My blouse was able to move because of the wind. I roamed my eyes, and they were still some people spending the night with their friends or family, I looked up at the sky and I felt awe while staring at the round silver disc floating beside the clouds. The moon was in its perfect shape, I didn’t know that it will be a full moon tonight. “I’m so in love with the moon right now,” I told Zoelle while still staring at it with sparkling eyes. “Unfortunately, the moon doesn’t feel the same to you.” She backfired, now she just ruined the moment! “You really love ruining the moment, isn’t it?” I said in an irritated voice, but she just laughed at me as she replies. I started walking beside the street, I just felt like I was having a great moment while the moon was following me. The night was my favorite time of the day because that was the time I can clearly see the moon and the stars. I just can’t appreciate the sun because it was too bright. “So delicious!” I heard Zoelle talked on the other line. “Just got finished cooking?” I asked her. “Yes, I’ll gonna hang up now. I’ll just eat,” she informed me so I immediately agreed. Right after she ended the call, I already put my phone back in my bag, for its safety. My apartment where I live is just 2 streets away from here. Not that far but I still grab a tricycle whenever I’m going to work. So, I won’t waste my time. I felt the coldness of the night while walking, despite the fact that I was only dressed in my working attire. I needed to embrace myself while walking because I didn't have a blazer or anything to cover myself, and I softly caressed my arms because I was getting goosebumps. While I was walking, I saw a lady sitting beside the road, holding her baby. The lady was struggling with how to cover the baby because of the cold wind. In just a few seconds the baby started crying and its mother started to panic about how to calm him. “Shh, stop crying. I have nothing to feed you, shh” The lady hushed and gently swayed the baby, but it didn’t stop crying. She looked helplessly so I had the urge to walk towards them. I have nothing to give but money. I took out my wallet before getting a 200-peso bill. I think this is enough for her to feed her baby. I stood in front of them, and the lady stared at me like she was asking for help. I knelt a bit before I handed her the money. I looked at the baby who’s still crying. “Shh, now. Your mommy is going to feed you.” I smiled at the baby, and he stopped crying like he understood what I said. I turn my gaze to the mother and I saw her teary eyes before she took a glance at the money I gave. She slowly reached for my hand, I know she had dirty hands but I don't want to show her discrimination. “Thank you, ma’am. Thank you so much” The lady continuously thanked me. I just gave her a warm smile before I decided to stand up. They also stood up I watched them walking towards the open stall beside the road. She bought a soup so the baby would be able to eat it. When I already saw her feeding the baby, I had decided to leave. I smiled at myself in an instant, like I did a good thing. “Great job, Theia.” I can't help but complimented myself. Nothing, I just felt proud of myself because in just simple ways I am helping people who were asking for help. Here in the city, you'll be able to see beggars; children or adults. Some people are discriminating against them but some are helping them every day. I reached the first street and entered it, I decided to go here since I knew a shortcut there to my apartment. Before I continued walking I took a peek behind me to see if anyone was following me, and thankfully, no one was. Because it was already dark, the residences here turned out their lights. My phone vibrated so I took it out of my bag, I saw Zoelle’s name. I pressed it so I could read her message. -- From: Zoelle Are you home? -- She was born thoughtful and sweet. In her simple gestures can comfort and will make you feel loved and cared for. She always does this whenever we parted ways from work, so I’m already used to it. I smiled before I typed a reply to it. -- To: Zoelle Nah, I just walked from work. Don’t forget to drink your medicines. Sleep early, huh. -- I didn’t receive a reply from her, so I just put it back in my bag. I continued walking and started humming my favorite song to entertain myself. I think I really did the craziest thing; I am wearing stilettos and now I walked home from work. Good luck to my toes. I was about to turn right as I reached the end of the street when I saw two men who were just near me. The guy was lying as the guy started beating him. The other man shouted in pain and he looks helplessly. I hid behind the tree, so they won’t catch me. I gasped when I saw the man pulling his knife. I saw how the beaten man’s face turned into an afraid face. I looked away when the man acted that he would stab the guy. The silence covered the whole area after that scene