SAPPHIRE: Raging Fire

Chapter 1: No escape

N o  E s c a p e

"Run, Cowards! Run as if you're not gonna die soon!" A demonic laugh followed that made my heart beat faster.

I looked at the direction of the voice but all I can see, are smokes and roaring fires.

Nagtakbuhan ang mga tao sa kakahuyan habang umiiyak at sumisigaw ng tulong. Sa aking pagmamasid, halos madurog ang puso ko sa larawan ng mga nadadapa, naaapakan, naiiwanang bata, at ang mga nawawalan ng buhay dahil sa mga lumilipad na apoy.

Running away from this chaos would be nonsense because I know, any minute from now, a bomb would fall in this town and nothing would be left alive.

The window in front of me closed unexpectedly with a loud noise that made me gasp.

"Safira, stay away from the window." Napatingin ako kay Daddy. He's too serious working in front of flying, colorful small squares that I think are unusual keyboards.

I looked at the closed window for a second and then I turned my back and walked towards Dad. Tumabi ako sa kanya at tumingala upang pagmasdan ang seryosong mukha ng ama ko.

"Daddy, what are you doing?" I asked. He's been typing there for hours already. I don't even know what are these for. Inilibot ko ang mga mata ko sa sari-saring imahe na lumalabas.

Gates locked.

Windows locked.

Doors locked.

A robotic voice of a woman spoke.

Huminga nang malalim si Daddy at tumingin sa akin. He gave me a weak smile, "trying to save our family, sweetheart."
Muli niyang ibinalik ang atensyon sa malaking screen sa unahan niya.

Suddenly, a loud crashing noise was heard and the ground shook as a metal-like dome covered our house and red lights filled our house.

WARNING. WARNING. CODE RED ALERT. WARNING. WARNING.

My eyes widened as shivers ran down my spine. What's happening? Binaling ko ang tingin ko kay Daddy upang maghanap ng sagot pero lalong naghari ang takot sa akin nang tumitig ako sa kanya.

Dad started shaking as he closed his eyes. I tried approaching him and hugged his waist. Can I comfort him though this?

"Daddy, are you okay?" My voice broke and my tears started falling. I can't stand this tension. I can't stand the loud noises I can still here from outside. I can't stand seeing those red flashy lights. I can't stand seeing my Dad this weak because I know, he hates being weak.

Tinanggal ni Daddy ang pagkakayakap ko sa kanya at umupo sa sahig upang magkapantay kami. He looked at my eyes and wept my tears. His lips started shaking and I know he's just trying to stop his tears.

"Safira.." He smiled at me weakly as he say my name. Kitang-kita ko ang panlulumo ng kanyang mga mata. "Safira, I... I-I'll be away for a l-long time, o..o-okay? I'll leave y---- "

Hindi ko na napigilan at niyakap ko ng mahigpit si Daddy. Hindi ko maintindihan ang ipinahihiwatig niya pero nasasaktan ako. Mariin akong pumikit at muling naiyak. Dad caressed my back that made me cry even harder.

"Safira.." Tawag muli ni Daddy pero hindi ko magawang kumalas sa yakap. Ramdam ko ang hirap ni Daddy sa pagsasalita. "Safira, anak.." Mabilis akong umiling at pilit nagmamatigas. "Safira, please."

Napasinghot ako at pinunasan ang mga luha ko bago kumalas sa yakap. Kinagat ko ang labi ko para pigilang humikbi.

Hinawakan ni Daddy ang mga pisngi ko at tumitig sa akin. Maya-maya lamang, mumunting luha ang lumandas pababa sa kanyang mga pisngi.