That night, Queenie came back in a foul mood. Her eyes were red and her body was shuddering as if she was trying to contain her emotions.Didn't she go to watch a movie with Andrew? Why didn't she come back with him? Did they quarrel? What happened?I asked her what happened. She told me that she ran into Flynn downstairs and they argued. As for what the argument was about, she didn't tell me, and I didn't want to pry further. We all had our secrets.In the following days, Andrew came to pick up and drop off Queenie tirelessly. Flynn would always follow behind them, but he never pestered them. He watched as Andrew and Queenie grew closer and closer.In the end, Flynn decided to leave. Before he boarded the plane, he texted Queenie: "Sorry. Take care."That night, Queenie bawled her eyes out.I knew what she wanted.If Flynn had come and told her that he was willing to forsake his family, wealth, and wedding arrangement for her—if he asked Queenie if she was willing to leave with
What Queenie said gave me a glimmer of hope. I snapped back to reality, grabbed my phone, and dialed the number that I remembered by heart.I heard the monotonous beep from the other end of the line. It persisted until the call ended automatically. No one picked up the call.I didn't want to give up, so I made the call once more. Again, no one picked up. I kept trying and trying until a female mechanical voice told me that the number I called was no longer available."This isn't right. Something bad must've happened to Colin. I need to find him." Frantically, I tried to get up to pack my luggage. But my body was seized by fear. My trembling legs couldn't hold my weight, and I slumped to the ground. A searing pain spread from my knees and elbows."Calm down, Luna. We don't know everything yet. You won't be able to do anything even if you're there. Besides, the professionals are rescuing the victims. You can't do anything there. They won't let anyone enter the affected area." As a ma
After Felix listened to what I had to say, he told me calmly that since it was a major incident, his parents had the right to know. Besides, he needed to discuss it with his family, so he asked me to give him some time.We agreed to call each other after ten minutes before we hung up.Queenie and Andrew looked at me with an incredulous expression. They must have assumed that I was a naive, spoiled princess. Moments ago, I was a wailing wimp. Hearing me relaying everything to Felix clearly and interrupting him boldly twice must have changed their view of me.I shrugged. "Colin is in danger. I can't be a crybaby anymore. I must stay strong."Then, I called Professor King to ask if he knew that Colin had encountered a mudslide.He told me that he was about to call me, but I had reached him first. He had seen the news and learned about the mudslide in Lagado. He then told his superior about the disaster and Colin's loss of contact. The school held an emergency meeting and decided to s
I turned Felix's suggestion down. I told him that even if no one wanted to bring me there, I'd find a way to go there.I was willing to forgo my life for Colin. A mudslide was no threat.Also, if something bad truly happened to Colin, I didn't mind being taken by the second mudslide either. At least Colin and I died together.Colin's phone remained switched off. With my phone in my hands, I sat on the couch. I continued to dial his number repeatedly. Originally, Andrew planned to go home. But seeing how distraught I was and fearing that Queenie couldn't handle me alone, he stayed.I did not feel sleepy at all that night. Queenie tried to console me, but I was still too afraid to close my eyes. Every time I did, I'd see a mudslide that lay waste to everything it passed through.Andrew then told me that if I did not sleep, I would be tired tomorrow. Someone without sufficient sleep would not be allowed to join the rescue effort. He told me that if I wanted to find Colin, I'd need
If Queenie dated him, she might be able to get her happy ending.Even the most delicious food would turn bland and tasteless when one was at the receiving end of tragic news. Nevertheless, I forced myself to eat as much as possible as I knew a battle of attrition awaited me. Without sufficient rest and stamina, I wouldn't be able to last long. I'd be a burden.That said, I had no idea what I was expected to and should do when I arrived at Lagado. I was going there without a plan.After being pampered by my parents and Colin for more than 20 years, I had become sheltered and complacent. When things went awry, I did not know what to do except to cry.Once I found Colin, I had to learn to become stronger and more independent.The school sent three teachers and three students. The students were all from the student council in the undergrad and postgrad faculties. They were also popular figures on the campus. They were studious and diligent.Notably, the tall and handsome Winston Moye
I withdrew my gaze. While Winston was pleasing to the eyes, I already had a Prince Charming named Colin. I wouldn't be enticed by other handsome men anymore. That said, everyone loved eye candy. I loved Colin, but that did not stop me from appreciating handsome men.Still, now wasn't the time to indulge in eye candy. The tragic news involving Colin filled me with worries and fear.As soon as we exited the airport, the two other lecturers from Jesselton College based in Lagado came and ushered us to a bus. Professor King went ahead and discussed the latest update with them in a hushed voice. I was sitting behind him, but regardless of how hard I tried to eavesdrop on their conversation, I couldn't hear a thing. Their voices were practically miniscule.I grew more anxious. If only I could grow a pair of wings and fly to the mountain."My grandmother often told me that in dire situations, men proposed while God disposed. Mudslides are destructive, but people have survived them befor
The bus we boarded was followed by two trucks covered by wraps. I didn't know what they were transporting. Perhaps tools for the rescue mission and logistics.The atmosphere inside the bus was rather stuffy. No one spoke.We left the city center and headed to a muddy path. The mountains should be right in front.The dangerous path was narrow and muddy. Several days of heavy downpours only made the bumpy path even more slippery. No one could tell if we were traveling on a straight path or water puddles.The bus proceeded very slowly. The constant rocking motion made me sick. I almost threw up several times.Colin's phone remained switched off. It had been two days now. I grew more and more anxious as news of him continued to elude me.Looking at the endless path before me, tears welled up several times in my eyes. But I forced myself not to cry.I told myself not to cry when it wasn't the time to cry. I needed the energy when I searched for Colin later.As we ventured deeper, se
So that was why. I knew it. If Colin had made the decision himself to attend the conference, he would have told me earlier.I whispered to Professor King, "I would've done the same."He felt guilty after hearing what I said. "I can only hope that Colin is safe. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself. He wouldn't have been in danger if I hadn't nominated him. He's my best student. His safety means everything to me.""Don't say that, Professor King. No pain, no gain. This is a trial Colin must undertake. Come. I have faith in him. He must be waiting for us to rescue him somewhere."It was my turn to console him. Moved, he patted on my shoulder and nodded. Tears welled up in his eyes. "Yes, we must have faith. Let's go."Professor King and I helped each other as we walked with John to lead the way. Behind us were staff members who wore the same uniform from an organization. They were around 27 or 28 years old, and they carried many things with them. They seemed to be struggl