3

"There's nothing special or important thing happened in your life before the accident, Yula. So if I were you, I wouldn't even bother to think about my past. I and Papa are both farmers. We are poor. If there's anything we can consider special, that is when you became the mayor's mistress," my brother casually said.

I pursed my lips as I tried to decipher his words. Why did I do that? I've been hearing about this many times but I can't make myself believe in any of those rumors. I can never accept that I once ruined a family. I heard that the mayor has three children and his wife has a chronic disease. 

Why did I let that happen? What was I thinking? 

Whenever I try to remember anything, even just a bit from my past, I never succeeded. It just gives me a severe headache.

"That was a long time ago, Kevin. It was your sister's mistake. We should forget about that." My father emphasized each word.

"What? I didn't say anything! It was not my intention to offend her. I'm just trying to tell you, Yula. And besides, when you became his mistress, we were able to pay our debts! We were able to buy two carabaos! You know what? I've been thinking that if ever you weren't got into an accident, we might have been living in a mansion right now. But well, life sucks."

I didn't bother to say anything after what my brother said. His words kept on playing in my ears, almost making me feel awful.

I couldn't even get my eyes off the pictures that were hanging on the wall. There was a picture of me when I was five years old. Even the day when I graduated from senior high school. I always stare at these pictures everyday, hoping that it would give me even just a glimpse of my life before. 

I spend most of my time making colorful crochet pouches. Because I do not have anything to do, I thought of something that would entertain me and make profit out of it. I searched on the internet the things which are easy to learn, and crochet pouch caught my attention. I watched tutorials until I perfectly learned how to make one. And now, it somehow became my small business.

"I just can't believe that you accused Rael! Does he look like someone who would break into someone's house? My god, Yula!" Lucille laughed annoyingly.

I pouted. "I don't know him personally, Lucille. And that was the first time I ever saw him," I said defensively.

"Well. I can't blame Yula, though. We couldn't tell just by someone's appearance if he's capable of commiting a crime. Even if they're ugly or not!" Nessa shrugged.

I didn't say anything. I continued crocheting a small pouch.

"But Rael is such a hottie, right, Yula?" Nessa smirked at me.

I furrowed my brows. "I'm not even thinking about that." 

I don't care about people's physical appearance. If you're beautiful, fine. If you're ugly, it's even more fine!

"What do you mean you don't think about it? I don't believe you! Why? Do you like Simoun that much that you don't even find any other guy handsome anymore? My gosh! I'm sorry to say this but Simoun is worst than a monsoon!"

"Simoun is kind, Nessa."

"Of course, he would only show you his good side! But I know and I can feel it that he looks down on people like us! Don't you see it?"

"But you and Rael would be a perfect couple, Yula," Lucille muttered all of a sudden.

"What are you even talking about?" I felt a bit uncomfortable about what she said.

"Nothing. I just thought about it." She was still smirking at me.

I just laughed it off. 

"You should sell these online, Yula! I'm sure a lot of people will appreciate it. They are so beautiful. Look! I love this one! I will buy this."

I've also thought about posting my products online but I'm still hesitating. I know that selling online has a lot of pros and cons, and the process is a bit complicated for me. Our neighbors buy my products and some of my mother's friends. I can only sell few because I'm the only one who makes these.

I saw a cute image of a bear on the internet. I became determined to make my own little bear crochet pouch.

It was kinda hard for me to follow its small diagram. I really wanted to finish it but I failed twice. I ended up starting from scratch to make my own pattern. 

I sewed the bottom of the two ovals together with a long strand of yarn. I left a small yet enough space for the mouth and nose after sewing the buttons on the bear's face. This resulted in an adorable bear pouch. This is designed to hold phones but also works for other small items. 

Probably around next week, I will sell these.

"How have you been, Yula?" That is what the owner of the store always says whenever she sees me. 

"I'm doing great," I responded quietly because I do not even know how I feel. 

"Do not worry, dear. God will never leave you. You will remember everything when the right time comes. Just have faith in Him." 

All I can do was to offer her a smile. I muttered a small thank you when she handed me my change. 

It was still six o'clock in the morning. The rising sun emitted a rosy hue across the sky. 

"Good morning, Yula! What did you buy?" Nestor greeted me with a smile while sweeping their garden. 

"Good morning! I just bought coffee and few eggs for our breakfast." 

"I see! Don't forget your birthday gift for me, okay?" He was referring to the crochet pouch. 

"Of course, I won't." 

It was just a short walk as the store was not that far from our house. 

I walked slowly when I saw the house that's almost across ours. I can't help but look at it.

A very tall man was topless. It was Rael, Sol's nephew.

He was trim build, not overly muscular with a disheveled dark brown hair. His complexion was warmer than gold. And like any other day, I noticed that he was watering their plants.

Embarrassment filled me whenever I think about what transpired few days ago. I feel so ashame that I accused him. My parents were disappointed when they heard about it. They said that Rael is such a nice guy and will never do such thing.

They said that it was probably some dude who has nothing to do in life. 

I already apologized to Rael for what happened. He was not mad nor anything. He said that he understands. But recently, I can feel that he's been trying to avoid me.

I saw his aunt who just got out from their house. She was holding a cup. I think it was a coffee. When she saw me, she waved her hand and smiled. I responded in kind. 

My gaze turned, once more, to her nephew. He was still looking at me so I smiled a little but I felt cold when he didn't reciprocate it. His gaze remained cold and impassive. I felt a bit of awkwardness.

He was so rude.

I just avoided his eyes and continued walking.

I thought that I would have a peaceful sleep tonight but I was completely wrong. I never expected that I would have this kind of dream after dreaming about a certain name recently.

But this time... it was not just a whisper. 

It was a man.

I couldn't see his face. The only thing that was vivid to me was the dark woods. I do not understand what was happening. I do not understand why I keep on running... away from the man. 

My heart was throbbing in my ears. I wanted to scream but something was stopping me for my mind was clouded with fear. The beast holding me captive took control of my entire being. 

All I want was to get away from him. But it feels like I cannot able to escape from him even how fast I tried to run. He was just standing there, watching me, while I keep on running and running... and running. Our distance remained the same. Everytime I look over my shoulder to see if he's gone, he was still there.

And the gun that he was holding was the only thing I could remember.