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
If possible, I'd stay very far away from Felix. Whenever I saw him, I'd be reminded of whatever happened earlier on. Colin's safety was my priority now. I did not want to be distracted by him.Felix wasn't deterred by my coldness. He asked if I wanted a throat lozenge as he had some.I did not want anything from him, be it a throat lozenge or a miracle pill. The damages he had done were irreparable. Not wanting to entertain him, I asked Winston to keep up with me.Winston heard me loud and clear and closed the distance. He inserted himself seamlessly between Felix and me, blocking Felix.Felix's expression froze. He understood that I did not want to see him. He didn't want to force me to change my mind, so he followed behind me silently."Are you not fond of Felix? I know many girls have a big, fat crush on him." Even guys loved to gossip.I pouted. "Well, they must be blind."Winston covered his mouth and chuckled. He said that I had a sense of humor.I inadvertently looked ba
The official rescue team sent us a young instructor to teach us the dos and don'ts of the rescue mission, how to protect ourselves, and what to do during an emergency. Then, he distributed all of us some tools."The front line is installing lights now. However, please be careful. Tell us right away should a problem arise. Don't act alone. Your reckless decision might complicate the whole operation. To avoid further complications, you must do your job well and proceed with caution."As the mudslide took place during the summer break, there weren't a lot of people at school. There were only 11 students who were staying for a summer art camp, the principal, four teachers, Colin, and the woman who was leading the volunteer construction work. In total, they were 18.It wasn't a huge number. But locating 18 individuals within a muddy mass spanning 500 square feet wide and four feet thick was a challenging task nevertheless.Black sand was everywhere.The mudslide took place more than 48
"I'll talk to the head of the operation." Professor King thought about my suggestion and went to consult the people in charge.After 20 minutes, he returned. He told me that the head of the operation proposed we dig two tunnels from two directions. We would dig the tunnel that passed through the building entrance to save the ones trapped inside the classroom.And if not all victims were there, we would slowly expand the area. The victims were only trapped for two days, and the mudslide wasn't a serious one. There had to be survivors. Once we found out where the rest of the victims were, the operation would go even more smoothly.One of the tunnels would connect the school entrance to the classroom door, while the other tunnel would connect the classroom's backdoor and the toilet.Now that we had a clear understanding of the rescue mission, the head of the operation said that we were making good progress. Everyone was in high spirits.I noticed that many volunteers were residents o
My loud voice turned the heads of those resting around us. They looked at me, and I realized that I must have disturbed them."Calm down, Luna. You alone won't be able to do much. We must listen to the organizer. Get some rest now. How are you supposed to take care of Colin if he turns out to be injured and you're too tired to look after him?"Professor King chastised me sternly. Uncle Austin came and told me that the professor was right. I should behave.He also added that he was just as desperate as me, but now wasn't the time to play the hero.Unable to argue against four other people, I found a spot next to Professor King and lay down obediently.Perhaps I was truly tired. The adrenaline that sustained me just now finally wore off. Within minutes, I fell asleep. I slept so soundly that I didn't dream at all.It was a very long slumber, and I was woken up by thunderous cheers. I opened my eyes. The sky was blue, and the flowers around me were blossoming. I was on the wooden pl