KABANATA 23

MAGENTA WAS standing there for almost half an hour, but she couldn't bring herself to knock.

She can remember the first time she went to that place, her chest was pounding hard in nervousness. Right now, she also felt nervous, but unlike the first time, her veins were rushing in anticipation.

Inayos niya ang pagkakasukbit ng bag sa kanyang balikat na may lamang ilang kapirasong damit, kapagkuwan au humugot ng malalim na buntung-hininga. Tatlong araw rin niyang pinag-isipan ang gagawin, hindi man iyon ang pinakamatalinong desisyon at masasabing tama subalit iyon ang gusto niya.

Nang magkaroon siya ng lakas ng loob na ipahayag sa may-ari ng bahay ang kanyang presensiya ay siya namang pagbukas ng pinto niyon na ikinatigil niya.

"H-Hi..." she muffled and bit her lip for stammering.

She saw him glancing at her lips before turning his back on her. Pumasok siya at isinarado ang pinto pagkatapos.

Natigilan siya sa pinakagitna ng bahay nito habang pi