7. A NEW FIGHTER

Squatter Area 2015

Theo

After two days, I returned to the squatter area, promising to do everything to become wealthy. I also pledged in front of Maymay and Ramon's graves that I would return for them and relocate their bodies to a better burial grounds.

It was late and there were only a few people around. Kailangan ko mag-ingat dahil maaaring mahuli ako ni Kagawad o ng mga galamay niyang tanod. Kaya pasilip-silip muna ako mula sa gilid ng isang barung-barong. Nang bigla may tumapik sa kaliwang balikat ko.

“Hoy! Theo Basagulero!!!”

“Oh shit,” I muttered. I grabbed his shirt and was on the verge of punching him in the face.

“A-ako ‘to, si Nitoy,” utal na pagpapakilala nito. Mababakas sa kaniyang mukha ang takot na dapuan ng kamao ko ang kaniyang mukha.

“Pasensiya na, nagulat lang,” paumanhin ko sabi at binitawan ang kaniyang damit.

“Kanina pa kita napapansin. Sino ba ang sinisilip mo?” tanong ni Nitoy.

“Si Kagawad at ang mga tauhan niya, baka makita nila ako,” sagot ko.

“Wala na si Kag