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826 Words
Tahimik ang gabi sa siyudad. Sa maliit na condo unit ni Aurelia, kumukulo ang sabaw sa kaserola habang abala siya sa kusina. Sa labas, kumikislap ang mga neon lights mula sa mga gusali at naririnig ang mahinang ugong ng mga sasakyan.
Cooking was always her escape. Kahit stress sa trabaho, kahit pagod sa dami ng deadlines, she always found peace in cooking her own meals. The sound of sizzling garlic, the rising steam, the warmth of the stove it made her feel at home.
That night, she was just cooking dinner. Simple lang: sabaw na pampalipas gutom after a long day. She stirred slowly, tasting the broth.
"Konti pa sigurong asin." bulong niya habang inaabot ang garapon.
Pero bago pa niya maidagdag, biglang nag-flicker ang ilaw. A cold wind rushed into her condo kahit sarado naman ang bintana. The pot began to glow. Steam rose, not white but golden, shimmering as if it carried tiny sparks of light.
"Hala, ano 'to?!"
Bago siya nakagalaw, lumiwanag pa lalo. The glow expanded, surrounding her entire body. The condo walls melted into a swirl of colors, and the smell of garlic and broth mixed with something strange fresh earth, wood smoke, and a hint of magic.
Then silence.
Pagdilat niya, she was no longer in her condo. Instead, she was standing on uneven cobblestones. Around her, wooden carts rolled past, pulled by horses. Vendors shouted to sell goods, and the air smelled strongly of baked bread and fruits she didn't recognize.
Aurelia froze. Nasa kamay pa rin niya ang sandok na hawak niya kanina, basa pa ng sabaw.
"This hindi na 'to Manila." she whispered, voice trembling.
People had started to notice her. Ang mga vendors at dumadaan ay tumigil, their eyes fixed on her unusual clothes plain t-shirt at shorts. Unlike their tunics and cloaks, her modern outfit stood out, confusing everyone.
Walang tumawa, pero may nagbubulungan. Curious looks followed her every step, whispers spreading quickly.
"Why are they all staring? Do I look that strange? Oh no, parang bigla akong napunta sa pelikula o video game. what's happening to me?" - Aurelia.
Her heart raced. She wanted to run, pero saan? She didn't know this place.
Then, isang matandang babae ang lumapit. she carried a basket of fruits apples and something that looked like pears. her face was weathered but kind, her eyes curious.
"Iha." the old woman said gently.
"bakit ganyan ang kasuotan mo? Para kang galing sa ibang dako. Hindi ba malamig para sa'yo 'yang suot mo?" The old woman said.
Aurelia's eyes widened. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
"What do I even say? Na galing ako sa condo at bigla akong nilamon ng liwanag? They'll think I'm crazy! " - Aurelia.
She forced a small, nervous smile.
"Ah, medyo kakaiba lang talaga ako magdamit." she stammered.
The old woman tilted her head, studying her. she didn't look convinced, but neither did she look threatening. After a pause, she sighed softly.
"Halika, iha. Hindi ka pwedeng manatili rito nang ganyan lang. Mukhang wala ka pang pupuntahan." The old woman said
Aurelia hesitated. "Should I follow her? What if it's dangerous? Pero I can't just stay here. Everyone's staring. I don't even know how I got here."
"Sige po." Slowly Nod.
The old woman gave her a small smile and started walking, carrying her basket. Aurelia followed closely, clutching the spoon tightly as if it was her lifeline.
They left the busy market street behind, turning into quieter paths lined with small gardens and wooden fences. The sounds of merchants faded, replaced by the chirping of crickets and the soft rustle of leaves.
Habang naglalakad, hindi mapigil ni Aurelia ang takot at pagkalito.
"This doesn't make sense. One moment I was cooking dinner, then suddenly I'm here. Is this another world? Did I just get isekai'd like in those stories I read?" Aurelia.
Her chest tightened at the thought. "If this is real, what's going to happen to me?"
After a while, they reached a small clearing. There stood a humble kubo, made of wood and thatch. Its roof was uneven, and the walls looked worn from time. A faint light glowed inside, flickering like a weak fire.
The old woman stopped and turned to her.
"Pasensya ka na, iha." she said softly.
"Ito lang ang tirahan ko. Hindi marangya, hindi maganda pero mas mabuti na ito kaysa nakatayo ka sa kalsada at giniginaw." sabi niyang muli.
Aurelia looked at the kubo. It was simple, almost fragile-but after everything, it felt safer than the open street full of strangers.
Her eyes softened.
"Salamat po." she said, voice quiet.
The old woman gave a small nod.
"Tara, pumasok ka."
And for the first time since she arrived, Aurelia felt a faint sense of relief. Maybe, just maybe, she wasn't completely alone in this strange new world.
⋆˙⟡🪶─ .✦📜⊹₊ ݁.⋆˙⟡🪶─ .✦📜⊹₊ ݁.
End of Chapter 1
- Writer
