Later in the day, I allowed Phoenix to go play outside with a ball while I went to meet Emiliano in his room. I placed a knock severally on the door, he didn’t respond. What could be wrong? I held the door handle and creaked the door open. He wasn’t inside. Where did he go? I wondered. I went to the book self, picking up “the wandering falcon.” I want to read the novel. Was the falcon lost in the forest or what? What does the novel entail? As I started to read the back blurb, the door to the bathroom opened and Emiliano walked in, cleaning his wet hair with a towel. I swallowed hard, staring at him. He had another towel around his waist, fully showing off his v-cut and well-defined abs. He was stunning. His toned chest was flawless. His shoulders down to his arms were sturdy and hard. How can he be so beautiful? He cast a surprised look at me as he stopped cleaning his hair. Water dripped from his hair onto his shoulder and down his chest making me almost swoon. He moved closer, I too

At dawn, I woke up and dialed Luna’s number, still switched off. I went into the bathroom to freshen up. I returned to the bedroom, dressed up, and carried my traveling bag to the living room. I returned to the bedroom to take my phone and change my purse. I went back to the living room, did a silent prayer, and walked to the door. As I opened the door, I was dumbstruck. I let down my bag. Tears fell from my eyes. Luna was laid down with a bruised face, neck, arms, and a sign of a bullet shot in her thigh. I dropped down to my knees. I placed my head on her chest, she was still breathing. I gathered my strength and helped her to the bedroom. I didn’t know what gave me the courage to do all these, but I was grateful. The normal me will weep, fumble around her body, and never think. Thank God for the new me. “I won’t let anything happen to you, I promise,” I assured amid tears. My new me will still cry but with reasoning. At least I knew I needed a doctor. I ran out of the house

The following morning, I joyfully opened my eyes. I was expecting to see Emiliano still beside me on the bed. He was gone. I yawned tiredly. I needed more sleep, but not now. Where did Emiliano go? Maybe he went downstairs to prepare breakfast. I swung my feet to the floor. I went into the bathroom to freshen up. I returned to the room after some minutes and slid into a simple dress. I headed to the door. I opened the door and descended downstairs. I went directly to the kitchen, he wasn’t there, but breakfast was served. I looked around the living room for him. Maybe he was in the study room. I headed upstairs. I went into the study room, calling out his name, no response. He wasn’t inside the study room. I left for his room and checked the bathroom and every nook and cranny of the room. He must be outside, perhaps, in the yard. I descended the staircase once more. I went out to the yard, the swing was empty, and no one was in the yard. I checked the gazebo. I checked the garage then

After the incident, Luna hardly left home. Her earlier fears continued. She wouldn’t tell me about it. What was she afraid of?“Luna? Can’t you tell me what troubles you? Why are you scared?” I asked one night after dinner.“I’m scared of not being able to take care of you as per Mother’s last wish. I feel inadequate right now,” she expressed.“Why would you feel that way? You are not inadequate, you are everything to me. I’m not complaining,” I assured her. “You don’t have to be scared of anything. We can handle any situation together. We will tough it out at any challenge we face. Just don’t give up, please.”“I’m glad you understand now. I will always be back for you, I promise,” Luna assured.“Stop saying you will come back, you are going nowhere. We will stick together,” I let out. She smiled.A few weeks on, Luna was back on her feet, hale and hearty. She started all over again. She ran from business to business, delivering her specialty and getti

Two weeks later at night, I woke up to a hot temperature, yet I was shivering. I covered myself up with the duvet. My temperature burnt my skin so badly. I checked the time, it was half past midnight. I couldn’t go call Emiliano. I couldn’t even stand up to go take my phone from the vanity table. I was shaking vigorously. Tears leaked out from my eyes. I was fine before going to bed. What could be wrong? Do I have a fever? I couldn’t sleep anymore. The time was slow. It seems it has stopped ticking. I tossed and turn on the bed. I wish to fall asleep but sleep was far away from my eyes. I was freezing inside while my body burnt like fire. I tried calling Emiliano. I know he wouldn’t hear because I hardly heard myself. The tough night slowly died off. The sounds of early morning birds were heard. I didn’t sleep the whole night. Now that it was morning, I still couldn’t stand up. I was weak, burning, and freezing. I wish Emiliano comes soon. Just as I prayed, Emiliano walked in.“Food