(DAHLIA POV)
My arm was locked around my grandmother's arm as we walked to the bus stop. The people were quiet, but noticeably in a hurry. Maybe it was because of the foreshadowing of rain.
“Is there a moon today, hija?” Grandma asked me.
“Yes. But unfortunately, the dark clouds are going to hide it. It’s beautiful though, but such a waste. It’s full moon already.” I sighed.
Grandma used to see what I was seeing. But now she doesn't. This is the result of the previous accident she went through.
“I feel like it’s going to rain. The wind is breezy.”
“That’s why you have to take the bus now, Grandma.”
“How about you, Dahlia?”
The traffic light turned green, and we were about to cross when her old hat suddenly got flown away. I suddenly let go of her hand to catch her hat. But I realized, I am so silly to even forget we were in the middle of the road. I stopped chasing her hat.
I tried to run back to her, but the vehicles resumed their travel.
The honking of the cars sounded like a toll of death, and the blinding lights made it worse.
Grandma was left on the road, clueless as to which direction she should walk, and probably just as confused as me. It's too late for me to scream… And my scream is useless.
I was dazzled by the approaching car. No voice really came out of my mouth. The only thing I could do was shut my eyes in guiltiness. I will not forgive myself if something bad happens to Grandma.
Until a strong arm pulled me over and we both fell down. I'll get hit, too, if I don't rescue someone who have the ability to move in this haste situation. His hand curled around my head to keep it from hitting the ground. I am unhurt at what he has done.
I felt my lips press against something soft…
… His lips.
If it wasn’t for him, I could’ve been injured or even dead.
Our gazes met when I opened my eyes. I bet mine was afraid, but his eyes were lonely… or perhaps angry at the world.
My mind was a blank space for a moment, but when I returned to my senses, I immediately looked for Grandma.
“Grandma!”
I was again greeted by the headlights of the car. Makes my eyes hurt a bit. The cars are halted on their operation, due to the accident about to happen if they didn't cooperate. And someone was kind enough to help and walked my grandma to the safer corner.
I took a deep breath as the tears welled up in my eyes. My heart was pounding. I was so scared. My knees lost their strength, but I tried to reach for her.
She doesn’t even know what the situation is. And I even neglected to thank the person who saved me.
“Grandma.”
I hugged her and my tears fell incessantly. I breathe deeply. I am really thankful that we are both safe.
Thank God.
“What happened? Is there a commotion?”
She has no idea; she is about to be fetched from the death angel. Oh snapped it! Don’t think too much.
To what she asked. I didn’t know how to describe it to her.
I faced the man who helped her.
“Thank you. You’re too kind. I don't know how I can repay you for your kindness. I am really thankful.”
He just nodded. He didn’t have the intention to respond back. Poker face, a perfect word to describe him in this modern world.
I know there is no freedom in this world. But I can’t help it. I don’t have the money to pay for his kindness. Only gratefulness and unstoppable gratitude are the only things I can offer to him.
“Thank you.” I slightly bow to him.
As I lift my gaze to him again, I realize… He saves my grandma in just a blink of an eye. The situation was too crucial. How has he managed to do that?
Although he was wearing a tux, I knew he wasn’t the boss. His face is recognizable as if he is not a local person in this country. A foreigner maybe. I am sure, he didn’t understand what I said a while ago. Whoever was paying someone like him to be that agile. Too lucky boss, he surely is doing his job properly.
He turned around when suddenly there was a sound in his ear. An earpiece for two-way radio, so he can receive instructions from someone. Until he finally walked away from us.
I realized that there were many of them. Men who were scattered around.
It wasn’t safe for Grandma to stay and before we got accosted for causing traffic, I already led Grandma to the other side of the street.
“As the road gets busier, so do accidents. What has happened, hija?”
To what grandma said, I suddenly recalled the man who helped me. I forgot about him.
From where I was standing, I could only see his back. He rolled his white sleeves up and albeit in the distance, I saw his tattoo. A dragon.
“Grandma, stay here. I forgot to do something.” She is safe here.
I once again turned my back on the one who saved me earlier. I need to thank him. I suddenly forgot a while ago to thank him, for fear of what might have happened to Grandma. And surely, it's not my habit not to thank those who help me. This is only my way to show my gratitude. Why can't I thank him?
“Dahlia. Child, you keep ignoring my questions.” Grandma sounds annoyed. I smiled a bit.
“Later Grandma, I will tell you every tiny detail of what happened. For now, let me thanks those who helped us.”
I should have feared the road, considering that I almost died; but I must thank that man no matter what. I traversed the crossing lane on a red light and tried to go to the cars that had stopped for us earlier. It was again a terrifying maze of honking horns and flaring headlights, but I kept walking. I saw the men in tuxes gradually returning to their vehicles.
I know the man who saved me has a high status in society. Though it's not trending in me to choose the person to thank. If I don't express my gratitude to him, this moment will always be bugging in my mind.
I need peace of mind.
@DeathWish
(Dahlia POV) But sadly, I wasn’t able to catch up to any of them. Their cars resumed maneuvering. The person who saves me… I only glimpsed his eyes for the last time, gazing directly into mine before his car disappeared into the night. Then I remembered how our lips meet. I lightly touch my lips. The kiss. Is that enough for him as my gratitude for saving me? Back to reality, It was just foolish of me to go back to the middle of the road while a few minutes ago I wished I wasn’t there. Not to mention, there was a traffic officer coming. So, I just went back to where Grandma was waiting for me. I approached her and hugged Grama tightly. Her body is thin, which is I can easily hug her. “Oh Dahlia, I haven’t paid for a coffin yet so don’t send me to Death in this cheese trap.” I just smiled. Guess she realized what had happened. “And I still want to l
(VENAL POV) We arrived at the venue for the auction. The event wouldn’t start without Dryzen around, else they’d all be dead. That will be added to my responsibility in case it happens. It’d be my job again to dispose of their corpses. I wished they wouldn’t be stupid enough to put more workload on my plate. A canopy of big umbrellas greeted us, as heavy rain was still pouring when we got out of the car. I immediately took the coat for Master Dryzen from the valet and put it on him. We enter as if we are the only guess. He had a reserved spot in front, closer to the item that he wanted to take for his collection. He’s an esteemed top-bidder in almost all auctions he attended and doesn’t have a care how much the hammer price would reach. He sat like a king in his own palace, and everyone bowed to him. Many a businessman was silent when he arrived; some were frustrated, and others were insecure by hi
(Venal POV) The heavy rain hasn’t stopped even after the auction ended. Master Dryzen finally arrived after signing the documents for his new collections. I sat down next to his chauffeur and watched him curiously. He was leaning his head against his seat, his eyes closed as if he was planning something. It’s impossible for him not to do anything. Or will he let it pass as well? Just like how he let that woman and that old woman go. Maybe I should calm down. But… “Stop the car,” Dryzen said. Guess I was wrong. “Give it to me.” The driver pressed the brakes and I handed Dryzen the tablet, which I knew he wanted me to give him. It has information about the entrepreneur from earlier. I saw him smile after reading it and kicked the car door open. He suddenly disappeared and left us all concerned about his location. I connected to the base where my own men were for them to track Master Dryzen’s wher
(DAHLIA POV) Moonlight finally peeked through the sheets of clouds, so I was relieved since I had opted to walk home. The rain had just stopped, but my umbrella couldn’t keep me all dry. I was hoping I wouldn’t get a cold… I was close to home, faster than I expected myself to because I felt like I was being followed. The route home includes an alley and that late, I knew my neighbors were already sleeping. It was peaceful, and that’s all I ever needed to destress as a day worker. I stopped on the sidewalk and decided to just confront whoever that stalker might be. But only the wind kissed my face when I looked behind. My apprehension disappeared. I sighed. But… There were big puddles of water on the road. I paused for a moment to gaze at the clear reflection of the sky. Until I saw the silhouette, a huge bird with a snake-like head, flying across the bright moon. I immediately looked upwards to s
(Dahlia POV) “Dahlia…” “Yes?” I open the stove. Put the pan on fire and the oil is starting to heat that makes a sizzling sound. “The story that I tell you is not fiction.” I smiled at what I heard. “If a writer is as invested as you are in her story, she’ll surely get a lot of readers. Can you narrate it again Grandma? I almost feel like believing in your old story.” “Tss. I’m not joking around. I’m warning you.” “C’mon Grandma, I will listen.” She sighed. I am doing this for her not to get bored and sleep while waiting for our dinner. “Of the present age… Now called Athena... As in now.” “Yes, I know readers want modern stories and not the telltales of Mandeville times.” She was stuck with the memories of the old. The elders’ memories are the traj
(Owen POV) “Sir Owen, the senior editor wants you to come to her office.” I lifted my gaze to the office of our damned senior editor. I sighed. I knew it’s about the manuscript submitted by Yuki for publishing approval. My legs wouldn’t take me there. I already had enough from two demanding ladies. Yuki, the famous writer, and Miss Nam the senior editor. I rub my back neck. I get up from my chair wearily. What have I done for them to be spoiled? Before I could reach Ms. Nam’s office, the door opened, and several men entered like they were the authority in my office. I knew who sent them, and I knew they were looking for me. “Mr. Owen, do you have some time for a talk?” Said the man in charge of leading them. He’s Yuki's brother's secretary. Mr. Cedrick Ma. I stared back to our chief editor's office, and then to the men. Who should I prioritize?
(DAHLIA POV) I took off the apron. Grandma had already fallen asleep, too. The night was late, and my cousins were still not around. The rain has only got worse, so I closed the windows. But actually, the weather was perfect for writing. I climbed excitedly upstairs to my room. It used to be storage. I made it my comfortable room. Grandma didn't let me stay here, but I insist. I like to be here. Quiet. I can focus on my writing. But the temperature inside is whatever the temperature outside. That night it was hypothermic, but I was happy and content having this room for my own. My cousins couldn’t stand everything about it, so they took the more decent rooms. There were also vermin and termites that needed to be sprayed every month. Those little creatures were persistent in rebuilding their territory, but they’re not destroying wood, so… I just let it go. Perhaps they only wanted shelter. I stared at my desk. I smile.
(Dahlia POV) I rolled over the bed and closed my eyes after I silently prayed. The orchestral sound of the storm helped me sleep. But I was immediately woken up by Karen’s loud voice. “Hey, Dahlia.” She just got home. I get up to go down. I found her taking off her wet jacket. I put the emergency light on the table. She is about to say something again when I hush her. She is too loud. "Grandma is sleeping." “Tss.” “Uhm, where’s Carlo?” My voice was groggy. I went to the stove to reheat the stew. Then suddenly the current returned, and the sudden burst of light hurt my eyes. “Give me money.” was her answer to my question. Which makes me look at her. “Huh?” I can’t believe what I heard. Money? Give her money? “I need money,” she extended her palm to me.” Don't try any excuses because I need m