The air hung heavy with the scent of antiseptic and the lingering echo of chaos. The ambulance bay, once a scene of violent confrontation, now stood eerily quiet, the only sound the rhythmic beeping of machines and the hushed whispers of paramedics. Ryuu and SV, their bodies trembling with a mixture of shock and relief, stood there, their eyes fixed on the woman lying lifeless at their feet. Giulia. The woman who had orchestrated their lives, manipulated their emotions, and ultimately, driven them to this point. They had both acted in the heat of the moment, their rage blinding them to the consequences of their actions. But now, as they looked at Giulia, their hatred replaced by a chilling sense of emptiness, they knew that they had crossed a line. They had taken a life. And they would have to live with the consequences for the rest of their lives. The paramedics, their faces grim, moved to cover Giulia’s body with a white sheet. As they did, a strange, unsettling detail caught R
The courtroom buzzed with a low hum of anticipation. SV sat stiffly in the witness box, his face pale and drawn, his eyes reflecting a weariness that went beyond the physical exhaustion of the past few weeks. He had spent those weeks grappling with the aftermath of Giulia’s death, the chilling revelation of her deception, and the crushing weight of guilt that clung to him like a shroud. He had filed a lawsuit against Giulia’s estate, a desperate attempt to reclaim some semblance of control, to protect himself and his children from the shadow of her manipulative presence. He knew that the lawsuit was unlikely to bring back Janiya, or undo the damage that Giulia had inflicted on their lives, but it was a small act of defiance, a way to fight back against the darkness that had consumed them. The courtroom, a sterile, impersonal space, felt like a battlefield. Giulia’s lawyer, a smooth-talking, silver-tongued serpent, was a formidable opponent, his words laced with venom, his argument
The sterile white of the hospital room seemed to amplify the silence, the only sound the rhythmic beeping of the machines, a constant reminder of the fragility of life. Janiya lay still, her body a fragile vessel, her life hanging by a thread. The vibrant woman who had once filled the room with laughter and life now lay still, her face pale and drawn, her breathing shallow and labored. Two weeks had passed since the accident, two weeks of agonizing uncertainty, of hope dwindling with each passing day. Mamay, her mother, sat by Janiya’s bedside, her hand clasped tightly in her daughter’s, her eyes red-rimmed from countless tears. She whispered stories of Janiya’s childhood, of her laughter, her dreams, her unwavering spirit, hoping that some part of her daughter would hear, would respond. SV, his face a mask of grief and despair, stood by the window, his eyes fixed on the city skyline, a blur of lights and shadows that seemed to mock his pain. He had spent countless hours by Janiya
The sterile white of the hospital room seemed to amplify the silence, the only sound the rhythmic beeping of the machines, a constant reminder of the fragility of life. Janiya lay still, her body a fragile vessel, her life hanging by a thread. The vibrant woman who had once filled the room with laughter and life now lay still, her face pale and drawn, her breathing shallow and labored. Two weeks had passed since the accident, two weeks of agonizing uncertainty, of hope dwindling with each passing day. Mamay, her mother, sat by Janiya’s bedside, her hand clasped tightly in her daughter’s, her eyes red-rimmed from countless tears. She whispered stories of Janiya’s childhood, of her laughter, her dreams, her unwavering spirit, hoping that some part of her daughter would hear, would respond. SV, his face a mask of grief and despair, stood by the window, his eyes fixed on the city skyline, a blur of lights and shadows that seemed to mock his pain. He had spent countless hours by Janiya
The sterile white of the hospital room seemed to amplify the silence, the only sound the rhythmic beeping of the machines, a constant reminder of the fragility of life. Janiya lay still, her body a fragile vessel, her life hanging by a thread. The vibrant woman who had once filled the room with laughter and life now lay still, her face pale and drawn, her breathing shallow and labored. Two weeks had passed since the accident, two weeks of agonizing uncertainty, of hope dwindling with each passing day. Mamay, her mother, sat by Janiya’s bedside, her hand clasped tightly in her daughter’s, her eyes red-rimmed from countless tears. She whispered stories of Janiya’s childhood, of her laughter, her dreams, her unwavering spirit, hoping that some part of her daughter would hear, would respond. SV, his face a mask of grief and despair, stood by the window, his eyes fixed on the city skyline, a blur of lights and shadows that seemed to mock his pain. He had spent countless hours by Janiya
The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the hospital window, casting a warm, inviting light on the sterile white walls. Janiya lay in her bed, her body still weak, her mind still a little foggy, but a sense of peace settled over her, a quiet assurance that she was safe, that she was loved. She had been given a second chance, a miracle after a brutal accident that had almost taken her life. The memory of the impact, the searing pain, the blinding flash of white, still lingered in her mind, a chilling reminder of her own fragility. But she was alive, she was safe, and she was surrounded by the people she loved most. SV sat by her bedside, his face etched with relief and happiness. He had spent countless hours by her side, holding her hand, whispering words of love and encouragement, his heart filled with a mixture of fear and hope. “Janiya,” he said, his voice soft and gentle, “I’m so glad you’re awake. I was so scared.”Janiya smiled, her eyes sparkling with a newfound c
Mabilis na tumitibok ang puso ni Janiya, parang tugma sa mabilis na paghakbang niya sa sidewalk. Ang bawat hakbang ay parang isang desperadong paglundag, pinapatakbo ng isang likas na pangangailangan na maabot ang kanyang kapatid, mahawakan siya ng mahigpit at maayos ang lahat.Nakatitig siya sa bahay, isang tanglaw ng pag-asa sa lumalalim na dilim. Nandoon pa rin ang ambulansya, kumikislap ang pulang ilaw nito, isang malinaw na paalala ng kabigatan ng sitwasyon. Pero ang nakikita lang ni Janiya ay si Cameron, ang maliit niyang katawan na walang magawa, ang mukha niya ay maputla, ang mga mata niya ay nakapikit.Hindi niya nakita ang trak. Isang malabong liwanag ng mga headlight, isang biglaang dagundong ng makina, isang pagsitsit ng gulong. Isang sandali ay tumatakbo siya patungo sa kanyang tahanan, sa susunod, isang matinding sakit ang tumama sa kanya, isang nakasisilaw na puting liwanag, at pagkatapos… wala na.Ang mundo ay natunaw sa isang mahinang katahimikan, isang umiikot na puy
Unti-unti nang naging malinaw ang paningin ni Janiya, parang isang malabo at umiikot na larawan ng puting pader at amoy ng gamot. Pumikit siya, masakit ang ulo niya, parang may tumitibok na kirot sa kanyang sentido. Sinubukan niyang umupo, pero isang matinding sakit ang tumama sa kanyang dibdib, kaya napilitan siyang humiga ulit."Dahan-dahan lang, honey," sabi ng isang mahinahong boses, at isang kamay ang marahang pinindot ang kanyang likod. Isang babae na may mabait na mga mata at nakaka-aliw na ngiti ang nakatingin sa kanya. "Medyo nakakatakot ang nangyari, pero magiging maayos ka."Sinubukan magsalita si Janiya, pero parang tuyo at magaspang ang kanyang lalamunan. "Nasaan… nasaan ako?" mahina niyang tanong, halos pabulong lang."Nasa St. Mary’s Hospital ka," sagot ng babae, malambing at nakaka-kalma ang boses niya. "Dinala ka rito dahil sa aksidente. Magiging maayos ka."Isang alon ng ginhawa ang dumaloy kay Janiya. Nasa ospital siya, pero buhay siya. Ligtas siya. Pero sumunod nam
1 month later… JANIYA'S P. O. VThe courtroom was a symphony of whispers and hushed conversations. The air crackled with tension, a palpable energy that vibrated through the room. Giulia, the woman who had orchestrated the accident that had nearly taken my life, sat before the judge, her face a mask of defiance. "Your Honor," the prosecutor began, his voice a steady drone. "The evidence is clear. The defendant, Giulia, acted with malice aforethought, deliberately causing a car accident that resulted in serious injuries to the plaintiff, Janiya.”He recounted the events, the meticulous planning, the calculated actions, the chilling indifference to the potential consequences. I sat in the witness stand, my heart a heavy stone in my chest, reliving the terror of that fateful day."The defendant," he continued, "has shown no remorse for her actions. She has exhibited a complete disregard for the law and the well-being of others. She is a danger to society and must be held accountable fo
JANIYA'S P. O. VThe air crackled with anticipation, a symphony of laughter and whispered secrets. The sun, a benevolent witness, bathed the garden in a golden glow, illuminating the scene with a warmth that mirrored the love that pulsed through the air. It was my wedding day, a culmination of a journey filled with heartache, healing, and ultimately, a love that had triumphed over every obstacle.My reflection stared back at me, a vision of happiness in a white gown that flowed like a gentle waterfall. My heart, once burdened with pain, now swelled with a joy so profound it threatened to spill over.Earlier that day, as I stood before the mirror, my hand resting on my swollen belly, the doctor had uttered the words that had sent a wave of pure bliss through me. "Congratulations, Janiya," he had said, his smile mirroring the joy that illuminated my face. "You're going to be a mother of four.""Four?" I echoed, my voice filled with disbelief and delight. "Are you sure?""Absolutely," he
JANIYA'S P. O. VOras matapos ang naging pag uusap namin ni Ryuu, si Strike naman ang hinarap ko. The hospital room, once a sterile haven of recovery, was now transformed into a haven of love. The air was thick with the scent of lilies, their white petals mirroring the crisp white sheets that enveloped me. My body still bore the scars of the accident, my spirit felt stronger than ever.Strike sat beside me, his hand gently holding mine. His eyes, filled with a love that could melt glaciers, held mine captive."Janiya," he began, his voice a soft melody that resonated deep within me. "You know, I've been thinking..."I chuckled, a light, tinkling sound that echoed in the quiet room. "You're thinking again? Baka maubos na braincells mo n'yan, ha?” I teased, my voice laced with affection. "Anywats, what's on your mind?"He smiled, a smile that could rival the sun's brilliance. "Well, I've been thinking... about us.""About us?" I echoed, a playful eyebrow raised. "You know, I've been th
JANIYA'S P. O. VPag alis ni Strike ay dumating din agad si Ryuu. Hindi ko alam kung tinawag ba s'ya ng una, but whatever happens, I'm glad that he's here. Para maayos na ang lahat once and for all. Ryuu sat beside me, his hand resting on mine, his eyes filled with a warmth that soothed the ache in my heart."Janiya," he began, his voice soft and gentle. "I'm so glad that you're awake now. At masaya 'ko na nakakabawi ka na ulit ng lakas mo kahit papaano.”Ngumiti ako ng tipid.I squeezed his hand, tears welling up in my eyes. It felt like an eternity since I'd last seen him, since I'd last felt his presence."Ryuu," I whispered, my voice hoarse from disuse. "I… I have something to say. M-May gusto 'kong sabihin pero hindi ko alam kung paano ko sisimulan. I'm… I'm aso sorry. I'm so sorry for everything."Agad na kumunot ang noo ni Ryuu. Parang nagtataka s'ya sa mga sinasabi ko."S-Si Strike,” banggit ko. "He's… He proposed.”Suddenly, his smile fade. Kitang-kita ko rin kung paano bigl
JANIYA'S P. O. VThe hospital room was a haven of quiet, the only sound the rhythmic beeping of the machines monitoring my vitals. Strike sat beside me, his hand resting on mine, his eyes filled with a tenderness I hadn't seen in years. "Janiya," he began, his voice husky with emotion. "I know you're awake now. I know you can hear me."I squeezed his hand, a wave of warmth spreading through me. It was strange, this feeling of comfort, of safety, in his presence. It had been so long since I had felt this way.He talked about the weeks we'd been apart, the fear, the uncertainty, the overwhelming love he felt for me. He talked about the triplets, their constant chatter, their innocent faces filled with longing for their mother.Sinabi n'ya rin kung ga'no s'ya nagsisisi ds mga maling nagawa n'ya at sa lahat ng sakit naiparanas n'ya sa akin. He apologized for everything, his voice thick with remorse."I know I messed up, Janiya," he said, his eyes pleading. "I know I hurt you. But I never
JANIYA'S P. O. VThe sterile white ceiling seemed to mock me, a stark reminder of my predicament. My body felt like a leaden weight, each breath a struggle. I was trapped, a prisoner in my own mind, watching the world go by from a distance. The weeks blurred into one another, a hazy tapestry of whispered conversations, hushed footsteps, and the constant hum of machines. I knew they were there, hovering over me, their faces etched with worry, their voices filled with hope. Strike, Ryuu, Mamay, my father, his new family, even my best friend, they all came to visit, to tell me stories.But I couldn’t respond. I couldn’t even open my eyes. I was a ghost, a silent observer in a world that seemed to be moving on without me.One day, a familiar voice, gentle and laced with concern, broke through the fog. Ryuu. He was sitting beside me, his hand resting on mine.“Janiya,” he said, his voice soft. “I know you can hear me. I know you’re in there.”He spoke of the triplets, their laughter echoi
The hospital room was a sanctuary, a haven of quiet calm amidst the storm that had ravaged their lives. Janiya sat by the window, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the sterile white walls. She watched the city unfold below, a bustling tapestry of life that seemed to mock the stillness of her own world. Two weeks had passed since the accident, two weeks since the world had almost ended for her. She had been given a second chance, a miracle that had left her reeling, her heart a fragile vessel, her mind a swirling vortex of emotions. She had woken up to a world of love and support, a tapestry of faces that had become her lifeline, her anchor in the storm. Her mother, Mamay, her unwavering rock, her source of strength and unconditional love. Her triplets, her reason for being, her tiny miracles, their innocent eyes reflecting a love that transcended words. And then there was Ryuu, his presence a constant in the chaos, his love a quiet, unwavering force that had held her
Parang nag-aapoy ang hangin, puno ng tensyon, isang nakakakuryenteng pakiramdam na mabigat sa paligid. Ang ambulance bay, na karaniwang magulo pero kontrolado, ay naging parang digmaan, isang kumukulong kaldero ng galit at lungkot. Si Ryuu, galit na galit, ay nakatayo lang ilang dangkal ang layo kay SV, nakakuyom ang mga kamao, at nag-aapoy ang mga mata. “Tanga ka!” sigaw niya, parang ungol ang boses niya. “Ikaw dapat ang nagbabantay sa kanya! Ikaw dapat ang nagpoprotekta sa kanya!”Si SV, maputla at payat, puno ng guilt at takot ang mga mata, ay hindi umatras. “Hindi ko alam,” nauutal niyang sabi, halos pabulong lang. “Hindi ko nakita ang trak. Napakabilis ng pangyayari.”“Hindi 'yan dahilan!” Singhal ni Ryuu, lumapit pa siya, amoy na amoy ang dugo at pawis sa hangin. “Ikaw dapat ang nasa tabi niya! Ikaw dapat ang nag-iingat sa kanya!”“Alam ko, alam ko,” pagmamakaawa ni SV, nakataas ang mga kamay na parang sumusuko. “Pasensya na. Pasensya na talaga.”Pero parang bato ang tainga ni
Ang hangin parang nag-aapoy, puno ng hilaw na emosyon—kalungkutan, galit, at desperasyon. Ang ambulance bay, na karaniwang magulo pero kontrolado, ay naging parang digmaan, isang kumukulong kaldero ng galit at lungkot. Si Ryuu, galit na galit, ay nakatayo lang ilang dangkal ang layo kay SV, nakakuyom ang mga kamao, at nag-aapoy ang mga mata. “Tanga ka!” sigaw niya, parang ungol ang boses niya. “Ikaw dapat ang nagbabantay sa kanya! Ikaw dapat ang nagpoprotekta sa kanya!”Si SV, maputla at payat, puno ng guilt at takot ang mga mata, ay hindi umatras. “Hindi ko alam,” sabi niya, halos pabulong lang. “Hindi ko nakita ang trak. Napakabilis ng pangyayari.”“Hindi 'yan dahilan!” Singhal ni Ryuu, lumapit pa siya, amoy na amoy ang dugo at pawis sa hangin. “Ikaw dapat ang nasa tabi niya! Ikaw dapat ang nag-iingat sa kanya!”“Alam ko, alam ko,” pagmamakaawa ni SV, nakataas ang mga kamay na parang sumusuko. “Pasensya na. Pasensya na talaga.”Pero parang bato ang tainga ni Ryuu. Dahil sa galit,