Second Glance

Prologue

This story is my heart, my time, and my hard work poured into words. It belongs to me, the original creator. Copying, reposting, or claiming it as your own without my permission is not only unfair but also disrespectful. Plagiarism steals more than just words—it steals someone's dreams, passion and hardwork. Let's respect each other as writers and readers. If you feel inspired by this story, I encourage you to create something uniquely your own. Be original. Be proud of your voice. Thank you for respecting my work and understanding that creativity thrives on honesty. Let's build a community where stories shine, not shadows.

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This story is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places, and events are purely products of the author's imagination.

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PROLOGUE

Madeleine

"Good morning, Miss Morales"

Napangiti ako at tinapunan ng tingin ang dalawang lalaking nakasalubong na parehong puting-puti ang mga uniporme. "Good morning," I greeted them back.

I will never get tired of hearing pleasant greetings from these students. Lagi kong naaalala no'ng ako pa ang nag-aaral sa mismong unibersidad na ito. Gustong-gusto kong bumabati sa mga professor na mabait at mahusay magturo—at syempre, umiiwas sa mga terror. It's such a validation for me that I'm either a kind or good professor whenever a student greets me with a smile.

A few greetings on my way to the faculty office already made my day. Mukhang mahaba ang pasensya ko today para sa mga late sa klase.

I exchanged a few more greetings with my co-professors as well. Dumiretso ako sa katabing desk at inilapag ang isang cup ng kape mula sa malapit na coffee shop sa labas ng university. "Here's your order, Madame," pabiro kong sabi sa kaibigang si Chloe. Pabiro din siyang umirap at tumawa. "Walang thank you? Excuse me ha, hindi porque senior kita, gaganyanin mo na ako. No to power tripping," mahinang pagpaparinig ko habang inaayos na ang mga gamit sa sariling desk.

"Well, I paid for this. Atsaka ikaw nag-insist na mauna na ako at ikaw na lang ang maghihintay," tumayo siya at lumapit sa akin dala ang kape niya. Lumapit siya sa tabi ko at bumulong, "Pero, I might say 'thank you' if you'll give the chocolates to me."

Napatingin ako sa tinutukoy niya. In a corner of my table, there's a box of a known brand of chocolates in pink packaging. Iba ito sa nakaraang linggo na isang tangkay ng pink rose, at noong nakaraan naman ay kape na binili sa Petal & Beans.

"In fairness, consistent. Medyo napaaga pa nga yata this week." Naisip din pala ni Chloe na malamang ay iisang tao lang ang nag-iiwan nito. I've been receiving gifts once a week for a month now, and there's a pattern—something in pink. "Hindi mo pa rin ba alam sino ang nagbibigay ng mga 'yan? Naku, Mads, I just hope hindi yan galing sa isa sa mga students na bumabati sa'yo."

I know what she's saying. It would be unethical for a university Professor to receive gifts from her students. Pero anong magagawa ko, hindi ko alam kung kanino nanggagaling ang mga ito. "Hindi ko pa rin alam. Walang card na kasama," kibit-balikat kong sagot.

"Kung galing man 'yan sa isang Professor..." binitin niya ang sinasabi at lumingon sa paligid, "... mas mabuti kung magpapakilala siya," pagtatapos niya na bahagyang nilakasan ang boses.