My cellphone rang after I've eaten the cup noodles brought by Sofia. I excused myself and put the cup in the trashcan before I went out of the hospital room and answered the call in the hallway. I looked around and there was no one except for some nurses passing by.
"Hello," I greeted the one on the other line.
There was silence, and then I heard my father's voice. "Wala kang planong umuwi, Azora?"
I blinked. Right. I did not tell father about me having some vacation in Badian. I peeked at my watch on my wrist. It was almost nine in the morning. I pouted. My vacation was interrupted by Japen's sickness.
"I'll be home later," I said.
"You're not suppose to go alone somewhere, Azora. It's dangerous."
I heaved a sigh. I remember that incident on Saturday morning when black cars were
