Shattered Illusions (TLS Book 2)

Chapter 3

ALYSSON

The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the canopy above, I found myself roused from my peaceful slumber. Stretching my limbs and rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I realized it was time to embark on another day of searching for a way out of our predicament.

Kagabi, natulog ako sa labas. Gusto ko rin kasi bigyan ng chance ang iba para kahit pa-paano ay maranasan nila ulit ang matulog ng komportable. Bago matulog kagabi, kinausap ko si Greyson dahil gusto ko sumama sa paghahanap ng daan palabas, hindi man siya ang naka-toka ro'n, sa kaniya pa rin ako nagpaalam dahil siya ang na susunod sa lahat ng ginagawa namin.

Ayaw niya pumayag, ngunit nang hindi ko siya tigilan sa pamimilit ay bumigay din siya. Ayaw niya ako pasamahin dahil trabaho raw nilang mga lalaki 'yon at ang trabaho raw naming babae ay ang magluto at suportahan sila. Oo nga pala, hindi lang ako ang isang babae na sasama kila Kuya Ky, may isa pang babae ako na makasasama— si Noella.

Noella, was already up and preparing for the day ahead. We exchanged a tired but determined smile, knowing that our journey would continue with unwavering resolve. Today, we would join forces with Cayzer, France, Charlie, and Jose. Pagdating sa paghahanap ng daan palabas, si Kuya Ky ang leader.

Gathering our belongings and ensuring we had enough supplies for the day, we set off together, weaving through the dense forest in search of any signs of civilization or a path that could lead us to safety.

The forest was alive with sounds—birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the distant gurgle of a nearby stream. Habang naglalakad kami, napuno ang hangin ng mga pag-uusap at tawanan, ang aming paraan ng paglaban sa kawalan ng katiyakan na bumabalot sa amin. Nagbahagi kami ng mga kuwento, mga alaala ng mas magagandang panahon, at mga pangarap ng naghihintay sa amin sa kabila ng walang humpay na labirint na ito.

Occasionally, we would stumble upon small clearings or patches of sunlight that broke through the thick foliage, providing a momentary respite from the perpetual shade. Sinamantala namin ang mga sandaling ito, huminto para magpahinga, meryenda sa kakarampot na pagkain na mayroon kami, at hinahabol ang aming hininga.

As we continued our arduous trek, Kuya Ky—a resourceful and determined member of our group—spotted a peculiar marking on a tree trunk. It seemed like an intentionally carved symbol, unlike anything we had seen before. Bakas sa aming mga mata ang excitement habang pinag-iisipan ang kahulugan nito. Marahil ito ay isang senyales ng pag-asa o isang palatandaan na humahantong sa amin palapit sa aming pagtakas.

Eager to decipher its significance, we veered off our usual path, following the trail of these enigmatic symbols. Our pace quickened, hearts pounding with anticipation, as we pressed on through familiar territory. It was the school.

However, despite our hopes, the day wore on, and our search remained fruitless. Nang magsimulang lumubog ang araw, naghahagis ng mahabang anino sa tanawin, atubili naming tinanggap ang katotohanang hindi pa namin nahanap ang daan palabas. Fatigue weighed heavily upon us, both physically and emotionally.

As Jameson and Toffy noticed us, they approached us, concerned etched across their faces, me and the rest of the group exchanged glances. Nakikita namin ang pagkabigo sa mga mata ng aming mga kaibigan, na sumasalamin sa aming sariling mga damdamin.

Reaching them, Jameson spoke up first, his voice filled with a mix of worry and hope. "Did you find anything? Masyado ata kayong nagtagal, anong oras na," he asked, trying to suppress his eagerness.

I shook my head, my voice tinged with exhaustion. "We found a mark on a tree, but it led us back to our school. It was a dead end," I explained, my disappointment evident in my voice.