All Chapters of University Series 1: Tangled Ties (Tagalog): Chapter 11 - Chapter 14

“Truth or dare, Lau?”Napatingin ako sa kaklaseng nangisi sa akin habang hawak ang bote sa gitna ng table. The whole class was gathered inside one of the log cabins assigned for us on the trip, some playing card games, others drinking, and the rest—like me—forced into this stupid game.I should’ve just gone straight to my room.“I’m not playing,” malamig kong sabi at tumayo na sana para umalis, pero agad akong hinila pabalik ni Lenie.“Oh, come on! Just one round,” she pleaded, eyes wide with amusement. “Game lang ‘to, an besides, ikaw na lang ang hindi natatapatan,”“Yeah, Lau,” another classmate smirked. “Don’t be such a killjoy. Unless… you’re hiding something?”Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ko sa kanila. Nakakaasar. Wala akong time para sa mga ganitong kababawan.“Fine.” I sighed, rolling my eyes. “Truth.”Napangisi ang kaklaseng nagtanong. “Tell us your biggest secret.”My fingers clenched into fists under the table. The room buzzed with anticipation, everyone waiting for me to spi

I woke up to a white ceiling and the cool air brushing against my skin. My forehead creased, my throat felt dry, and I slowly scanned my surroundings. I was in a small, simple room with a thin curtain over the window, an old electric fan whirring, and an IV drip attached to my hand.Rural hospital?Napapikit ako saglit, pilit inaalala ang nangyari. Ang huling natatandaan ko ay ang pagod na katawan ko habang nakayakap sa sarili sa loob ng isang kweba. Ulan. Lamig. Si Cole.Napabalikwas ako pero agad din akong napangiwi nang sumakit ang ulo ko. Shit.Sakto namang bumukas ang pinto, at pumasok ang professor namin, may dalang folder at mukhang nagmamadali.“Oh, you’re awake,” aniya at bahagyang ngumiti. “How are you feeling?”“Better, po.” Kahit medyo paos pa ang boses ko, pilit kong bumangon nang maayos.Tumango siya. “That’s good to hear. Pero gusto ko lang ipaalam na ikaw at si Cole na lang ang natitira dito. The rest of the class had to return to the city immediately—may urgent matter