Hello Doom

Chapter 9: Cease To Exist

"Mayor Sarmiento, can you tell your viewers why you cancelled your bayanihan project in Ilocos and instead visited your daughter's school?"

Halos magtulakan ang mga reporters dala ang kanilang mga cameraman para interview-hin ang Mayor ng aming ciudad.

Halos madapa rin ako dahil sa hindi intensyonal na pamamangga ng mga bodyguards ng Mayor sa akin. Hindi naman ako nadadapa dahil halos nakakulong ako sa braso ni Mayor Sarmiento.

Nakakabulag ang mga flash na nanggagaling sa mga camera nila at nakakahilo ang mga boses ng mga reporters. Feeling ko any moment by now, mahihimatay ako.

"I was needed here, you know. I am always somewhere where I am needed. But today, I am a father." he smiled that made the reporters nod in amusement.

"Ano po ba ang nangyari? Can you explain in details?"

"I can't tell you that long but I want to answer in all honestly. My daughter was in the wrong and I had to discipline her to realize her mistakes."

"Ms. Buenavella here reacted based on her emotions. You know, teenagers in their years. Masyadong emosyonal." he pinched my arms on purpose.

"She punched my daughter in her face because of her rudeness." Napasinghap ang mga reporters. "Now, now. You don't have to worry. My daughter is all fine and is recovering from her bruises."

Liar.

Now I know how he controls all the mess they have. Ang galing niyang mag-manipulate ng kwento. He played it well. At mukhang ngayon ako pa ang lumalabas na masama.

It was so wrong to come with him here.

"I know my daughter has mistaken and she realized her mistake. She apologized to Ms. Buenavella inside the guidance office. Right, Ms. Buenavella?" his smile went from ear to ear but his eyes were as dark as night".

Tumango ako but I remained silent.

I was scared. I had the chance to tell the truth. I had the chance to speak up and defend myself, pero wala akong ginawa. I was too tired to think. I just want to go home. Nanghihina na ako.

"We are with you through your daughters' fast recovery, Mayor." He thanked the reporter. "One last question po, tuloy po ba ang..."

Hindi ko na narinig pa ang sumunod na tanong nito dahil parang nabingi na ako sa sobrang panghihina.

"That was a good show, Ms. Buenavella. Allow me to give you an incentive as my gratitude." he handed me cash in my hands. "I am this generous when it comes to my people's loyalty towards me."

"Natuto ka naman sa mga nangyari ngayon, hindi ba?" Mababakas ang banta sa boses nito. "Go home safely." Inayos nito ang kanyang barong.

Pinababa na rin agad ako mula sa kanilang private vehicle. Naiwan akong nakatunganga sa parking lot ng  eskwelahan.

Ilang minuto pa ay napalagapak ako sa sahig habang gulong-gulo ang isip.

Ngayon ko lang naramdaman ang panginginig ng aking tuhod at kaba sa aking dibdib. Akala ko ay katapusan ko na. Hirap na hirap akong makahinga at sunod-sunod ang pagbagsak ng aking mga luha.

I wanted someone to comfort me. I wanted someone to say I am gonna be fine. I feel so humiliated and scared that by the time they see my face tomorrow I'll be someone they see as a threat.

I clutched my chest and I coughed habang hinhingal. My hands were trembling and I wanted to puke.

Ma, Pa, natatakot ako. Pwede bang sumama na ako sa inyo? Wala na akong maipapagod pa. Gusto ko na lang matahimik. I am as good as dead na naman, bakit hindi niyo pa ako kunin?