Barangay Kappa

     As I opened the bus window, a cold breeze caressed my face, leaving a sense of satisfaction in me. Watching the endless expanse of meadows outside, I was captivated by their shifting hues. The forest carried a different scent when rain embraced its terrain—a fragrance that might not appeal to many, but for me, it was invigorating. Even though raindrops still gently tapped on the window, I couldn't resist keeping it open, eager to take in the magnificent sea of green. This new scenery felt familiar to me.

     The rain became hard and it soaked my face, prompting me to reluctantly close the window. Sighing, I shifted my attention to the bus, which has no air conditioning. Thankfully the rain had cooled the surroundings sufficiently. When I examine the interior of this bus, the worn-out seats with cushion holes seemed to be a testament to the bus' age. It appeared as if maintenance had been long forgotten. Notably also, the bus carried only a handful of passengers, likely due to the rain's effect and humans becoming lazy. Those who did board seemed driven by a purpose, a determination that even the rain couldn't hinder them. 

     My own reason for riding this bus was equally significant—I was embarking on a migration from the city I had called house for a years, to the barangay I was born in. Gazing at my outdated phone, I noticed that it was already 3 pm. The journey had commenced at 6 in the morning, and now, after enduring the discomfort of the ride, I had reached my destination: Kappa.

     One of the barangay of Sagrado. Kappa is the first barangay of Sagrado, situated near the borders from other cities. Kappa is the largest barangay in Sagrado and hosts a sizable population. This barangay is where all rice in the whole Sagrado and other cities has been yielded. Kappa is a well-off but wordless barangay. Not because they are humble but the residents here kept a certain distance from interactions with humans. 

     Kappa was, after all, a haven for werewolves—a secret that our pack or barangay held close. 

Stepping off the bus, I carried a backpack in my back, a sling bag across my waist, and a small, weathered suitcase in my hand. I am glad that the rain stopped as soon as I arrived. With my bags in my body I start to walk to the Barangay Hall, where me and my brother agreed to meet. I glanced as I passed by the five small stalls selling rice. The vendors regarded me with a mix of curiosity and vigilance, recognizing that I was one of them but not a true resident. I understood their caution; although I was born here, I had never been granted residency by the Alpha. Thus, I was an outsider to Kappa, a rogue. 

     Lowering my gaze, I continued on, eager to avoid any unnecessary complications. There was also a pathway somehow leading to the houses. I can't confirm the shelters because the surface of stalls and Barangay Hall is full of wild trees. 

I made it in front of the Barangay Hall. The sight of the grand hall loomed before me—a modern edifice standing tall with three floors and air-conditioned interiors with a light green painted building. And many small plants, decorating its surroundings that make a cute vibe of the Barangay Hall. The absence of gates seemed to symbolize an open invitation to all. I positioned myself in front of the hall, not obstructing the entrance and waited patiently.

     After several minutes, a tall guy who bore a resemblance to me approached. He had a more toned physique, tall and darker skin, that framed his somewhat menacing expression.

"Are you Infinite?" he inquired, his gaze unwavering as he stood before me.

     A year had passed and recognition eluded us.

"Yes, are you my older brother?" I asked, causing him to flinch at the question.

"Use my name. Follow me, and I'll show you where you'll be staying. Hurry, I have a lot of things to do," he commanded, striding off without offering any assistance with my belongings. 

     I hurriedly gathered my things and followed, trying to match his pace. The vigilant werewolves who had eyed me earlier seemed disinterested now because my brother is one of them. 

We passed by a train track—the same track I had used to travel from the city where I lived to Sagrado before taking a bus to Kappa. Venturing into the forest, there was no clear path to guide us.

"You're going to show me where I'll live? We won't be living together?" I asked as I struggled to keep up, his brisk pace leaving me slightly breathless.

"Yes, in this barangay, unmarried individuals and orphaned children live in shared houses. You'll be staying in the women's house, where they'll help you adjust. I'm too busy to assist you personally," he explained dismissively, walking ahead without giving me a second glance. 

     Dumbfounded, I realized my brother wasn't what I had anticipated. Despite the ten-year without communication, I thought he would be glad for me to live with him. A couple of weeks ago he reached me via phone to instruct me to move to this barangay, the suitable place for a werewolf like me.

"Food and shelter are provided for free in this barangay. I've also funded your education from grade 10 through college. If you need things, don't ask me for money. There are plenty of jobs you can do here. Be responsible enough to support your own lifestyle," he stated, his words eliciting annoyance within me. 

     I bit my tongue, recognizing that he didn't truly know me and had no intention of understanding me. To him, I was merely his sister whom he needed to provide for educationally. As minutes passed, exhaustion began to take its toll on me. 

     However, I am now seeing a pathway and the sight of a house in the distance rejuvenated me; it had to be the one my brother had mentioned. Scanning the street sign it's called: Upsilon. But we just permeated the house. I gasped but still followed my brother. No energy left in my body as we just walk and walk. Don't bother to count the street we passed by. I just tailed him and focused all my strength to carry my belongings. And finally he stopped, in the three floor building with peach paint. It has a wood fence, waist height tall and sky blue paint. The house also has a beautiful flower bed that I want to lie down on. 

     Because of being drained I never saw the street name of this and also don't know how many minutes or hour lapsed. My brother was about to knock at the mahogany door when it swung open. To reveal a smiling woman in her 50s exuding a welcoming aura.

"Good afternoon, Angelo," the woman greeted my brother. 

My brother just nodded at her and looked at me with his normal cold expression. 

"Infinite, this is Rose, the mother of the women's peach house. She'll guide you along the way." 

     He said and then he looked at Rose. 

"Rose, meet Infinite, my sister," my brother introduced us. Rose's smile grew wider.

"Hello, Infinite. Welcome to Kappa and welcome to your new home," Rose greeted me warmly.

The concept of 'home' stirred questions within me. What truly a home? Our conversation was interrupted by a call to my brother.

"Hello, Ace... Yes... Okay, I'll be there in a minute," he responded before looking at me, stowing his phone back in his pocket.

"I need to go now. Infinite, don't approach me if you see me around. I'm a busy werewolf. Text me if you need anything or have questions. Don't call. Goodbye." 

     With those words, he walked away, his back becoming smaller in the distance. Doubts settled in my mind—I didn't believe I could ever consider this place a home.