《Run to the Sky》


 Epic Fail

    Filipino title: Matinding Kabiguan


    February 2015: Marikina City, NCR


    It was the regional palaro (games). The weather was good and it was a peculiarly cool day. The stadium was packed with people from all over Metro Manila. Banners and streamers were waved around. They, and the sports commentator Goryo Unida, witnessed the entire event.


    Goryo commented, "Good day. We will now witness the quickest event in athletics... the 100-meter dash! We will now know who is the fastest kid in Metro Manila! Stay tuned!"


    The audience cheered for their respective representatives. One of the runners, Rendo Lobo, wore the number five (4). As the competitors went to the starting line, Rendo looked at the Marikina delegation. Only a few from his school were present, but the only people who he was most concerned for was his parents and his girlfriend, Alisse. The noise of the crowd seemed ineffective to divert the focus of all the competitors. Meanwhile, their respective coaches would watch the race from the sidelines.


    Rendo said to himself, "This is it... This really is it..." And then, he uttered a short prayer, eyes closed, as he put his feet on the starting block.


    "Lord God... make me win... but please, do not make me win here if I will not win the nationals... In Jesus'' name..."


    The start referee walked to his post and poised with the signal, which was a small gun. He pointed the gun up. It was blank, but the conventional way to begin. The tension was building up among the competitors. Their hearts were thumping. The race will last only for seconds, but the competition itself felt like forever. Months and years of training will soon be summed up in this single event. For each one of the runners, Rendo included, the noise felt like fading, and the atmosphere seemed like tightening up into a closed space reserved for only eight of them.


    Goryo continued, "There''s no turning back! The 100-meter dash begins..."


    The referee pulled the trigger, and in an instant, like more or less 0.15 seconds, the runners were off. In a standard stadium, the oval track is 400 meters. Thus, in this event, the competitors would only have to finish one-fourth of this distance. How short this may seem to laymen, the race in itself is no small matter. In fact, it is usually during the 100-meter dash wherein the so-called "fastest man" is determined. The Palarong Pambansa (national games) record for 100 meters is 10.74 seconds, or an average speed of 33.6 kilometers per hour (kph). Meanwhile, the world record for the same event is held no less by the Jamaican runner Usain Bolt: 9.58 seconds. Bolt achieved this feat in 2009, clocking an average speed of 37.6 kilometers per hour (kph). Even a mere 4 kph or 1 second difference would leave any other competitor in the dust.


    Going back to the race, Goryo commentates, "Good start! All are quick! No one left behind!"


    One second. Two seconds. Some in the audience begin to thump their feet on the stands.


    "Number Four''s running style cannot be seen in textbooks, everyone! I have never seen this kind of run!"Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Four seconds. Five seconds. Halfway there.


    "Oh my! Number Four is taking the lead! He is at least a step... no, like, one pace ahead of all the others! Will he make it?"


    Seven seconds. Eight seconds. Then, a most unexpected event...


    "Oh my God! What... Number Four is down, ladies and gentlemen! Look... Number Seven is taking the lead! Number Three is just behind him, catching up!"


    By some reason, Rendo tripped. He was flying a few centimeters above the ground for some microseconds before he finally fell. And he fell badly. The right side of his head, right hand, right arm, and right knee scratched over the rough surface of the track. While the track was asphalt coated with rubber, it was his speed that helped maximize the damage. As Rendo tried to stand, he fell down again and his body curled.


    "The 100-meter dash is finished! But... Number Four is not going up! He''s not gonna get up! He''s not gonna get up! Just like the Philippine economy!"


    Within twelve or so seconds, the race was over. Number seven (7) won, but the crowd was silent.


    Rendo''s coach was shocked. He cannot move a muscle, and his jaw dropped. Rendo''s loved ones rushed down the stadium to the track, where they find him being carried by medics on a stretcher. As they reached him, his girlfriend in particular were all tears. His parents kept their composure, but concern and sadness can still be seen in their eyes. Rendo kept his eyes closed, turning his head away, and gritted his teeth while he, too, shed some tears. Tears of joy? Tears of fear? Tears of sadness? Even he was unsure of his emotions at this point. For him, tears are tears.


    Meanwhile, the officials reviewed the replay of the race with the commentator, who also has the role of a sports analyst. Silence reigned, although some soft chatter can be heard.


    One official said, "There! Stop it on that moment!"


    Another official said, "Is that... a hand??"


    Goryo answered, "It does seem like a hand... pushing him off balance?"


    "Is it possible in such a high-speed race, Goryo?"


    "Perhaps a camera error?"


    "While it is true that it''ll be hard to knock someone off while running..."


    "His arm and hand sure looked like knocking him off?"


    "I see... What do you think?"


    "We must review it again."


    And so they did.


    The officials declared in unison, "He really did it this time!"


    Goryo interjected, "Wait... Isn''t his awkward way of running also to blame?"


    One official asked, "How so?"


    Goryo continued, "I mean, look at his style. His upper body is closer to the ground than the rest. Surely, he would really find trouble with this kind of running?"


    Another official said, "Nonsense. He could''ve not reached the regionals anyway if that running style isn''t working!"


    "That kind of reasoning may lead us to falsely accuse someone..."


    "In my opinion, his running style makes perfect sense. Look at this," the official said as he pointed at the monitor, "We all have not seen anything like it... It''s unconventional, yes. But to run fast, you have to increase your foot speed."


    "And how exactly does that... wackiness... increase his foot speed?"


    "As I was saying, in order to run faster, you have to return faster to the ground. Running is a form of quick jumping. His lower center of gravity would only mean that he can return faster to ground than the rest."


    "I see your point... But that would definitely wreck his posture!"


    "In my opinion, his posture is already bad. To compensate, he developed this kind of run."


    "Still, we have to investigate beyond the tape..."


    "The kid said he did feel a push behind him!"


    "What?! You''re telling me that now!"


    "That''s why we''re reviewing the tape already! This is our tangible evidence."


    "Well... I thought you were supposed to be the dumber ones?"


    "We have been officiating for 20 years, you know."


    "So you say..."


    "What''s that, amateur analyst?"


    "Hey! That''s foul! Anyway..."


    "Of course. Even we are surprised that we have the benefit of replay."


    "Not that. You know..."


    "Yes, we must announce our decision now."


    And with that statement, the officials have concluded the matter. The event is over, but a sinister case arose. What will come out of this incident? Who is Metro Manila''s fastest?

 Beyond Wounded

    Rendo opens his eyes for the first time since the tragic incident. Only a few minutes have passed. He lies on bed, inside a mobile clinic which was actually a tent set up just outside the stadium. To cool him down was a small electric fan and cold compress on his head. His wounds still hurt, but these are already applied with first aid. Among these would be a lot of bandages and povidone-iodine, locally known as Betadine, spread on his wounds. He hears a conversation. It must be the doctor talking to his parents. As he listens, he closed his eyes again.


    "His wounds are not as serious as first thought," the doctor said, "They will heal soon enough, although scars may remain. You could begin buying medicine for him, as well as a walking aid."


    "Crutches, doctor?" his mother asked.


    "Oh, no, ma''am. Not necessarily. Luckily for him, his body is quite tough. Must have been genetic. Anyway, a wooden or metal walking rod may do."


    His parents just nodded and left. The doctor accompanied them out. Then, he felt a hand grasping his. Whether by instinct or by decision, he quickly draws his left hand away. When he looked at who touched him, it was a woman of fair complexion, clad with their school shirt, wearing glasses, with hair flowing down to shoulder level. He realized that it was his girlfriend, Alisse.


    She smiles a little before speaking, "Oh, Rendo... Always the suspicious man..."


    "I... sorry," he answered so soft, it was almost drowned by the noise outside the tent.


    Alisse holds his hand once more and tightens her grip a little.


    "Are you alright now?"


    "I lost, right?"


    She pauses for a moment, and then nods.


    "But..."


    "I see... So, why are you still here?"


    "You just woke up, and then you crack up like that?"


    He looked away. Meanwhile, she took his cold compress and changed it with another.


    She said, "The towel is slipping, and judging from this used compress, no wonder you''re quite hot."


    "..."


    "Look, Ren... Champion or not, you will always be a winner in my heart," she said before caressing his head.


    He then looked back at her.


    "Ali..."


    "Yes?"


    "Um... Is this... when the romantic background music plays?"


    She chuckled before saying, "Now that''s my boyfriend. Welcome back."


    He smiled, which made her smile back. Then, they held hands again.


    "You know... it''s been a while since I was covered in bandages..."


    They paused for a moment. Alisse blushes, and then she slaps him lightly.


    "You and your dirty mind!"


    "What the...! I was talking about the time I was Shishio Makoto in our class cosplay!"


    He meant the time when their class had to make a play about Egypt during the time of the pharaohs. He played the role of an immobile mummy.


    Meanwhile, back in the stadium, the officials and the commentator Goryo Unida finished their review. The audience was then murmuring with each other. The podium for placing competitors is filled, but no medals were given yet. As the officials came out of the stands, even the smallest chat among the audience was silenced.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    One official was given the microphone and then he said, "After carefully reviewing the tape, and analyzing our interview with the unfortunate competitor, we have come to a conclusion."


    The athletes were nervous, especially those who are about to receive medals, even if there might have been no inch of evidence against him.


    "We... the officials of the NCR Palaro, hereby disqualify number three, Mr. Elton John Manhik Manaog, for his unsportsmanlike behavior during the race!"


    Elton John was furious. He stepped down from the podium while the medals are being given and complained to the other officials, but the announcement continued.


    "Mr. Manaog''s silver medal shall be given to the third placer. Also, he will be barred to participate in the regionals for his entire term of secondary studies."


    It was as if the entire audience was fired up in anger against Elton John, save for the delegates from the division he represents, who remained quiet. The people started throwing their trash, among other things, to his position, even though the rest of the players and officials were also in the area. Meanwhile, before the official can continue his announcement, the accused competitor leaped with all his might and punched him hard on the face. The other officials tried to catch him but he seemed to be quicker than any of them. The punched official collapsed on the ground, his glasses broken from the fall. As this apparent madness went on, one competitor marched into the stadium.


    It was Rendo, who was clinging to Alisse''s shoulders in order to walk. His elbow, hand, and knee were bandaged. It was as if the angel of quietness passed by and order was relatively restored.


    Rendo said, "It''s alright... Let him have the honor he deserves..."


    As the announcer was being moved away from the scene, one official approached the wounded runner. He whispered, "Boy, we are giving you vengeance here. If you will not get a medal, then at least bring someone else with you to hell... you know all that, right?"


    Rendo turned to the official, "Sir. I thank you for your concern, but this man here has his own dreams. I don''t want to be a hindrance to his imminent success."


    Upon hearing Rendo''s words, Elton John stopped from his rampage. Then, he burst into tears. All who have witnessed the event was at awe.


    He wailed, "I''m sorry! I''m sorry! Please forgive me!"


    "No, no. I''m not the one you should ask forgiveness from."


    "What do you mean? Clearly, it was I who helped you fall!"


    "Sadly, yes... But there is someone else who forgives..."


    "Who...?"


    "Jesus Christ."


    "... You''re joking now?"


    "Of course not!"


    "You know I can hurt you again, right? You see this fist here?"


    While Elton John''s fist is still clenched in front of him, Rendo put his left hand over his fellow runner and uttered a prayer of forgiveness for him. After the prayer, he fell on his knees, first looking down, and then he looked up. He seemed like speaking, but no intelligible sound came from his mouth. With this sight, even some of the audience cried, even though they did not necessarily hear the prayer. Meanwhile, the other competitors simply cannot believe what they are seeing. The stadium felt like it was paused for a few seconds.


    Rendo then turned to the remaining official, "Sir, I believe we should get going?"


    "Oh! Um, yes. Of course?" The official seemed to have come out of a spell.


    Still, it was probably no spell which the fallen runner has cast on everyone in the stadium. Besides, it is about time they move on to the next event. The official had Goryo commentate once more. As the field was cleared for the next race, which would be the 400 meters, the competitors congratulated each other in the sidelines. As Rendo was leaving the stadium, he was called by one of the athletes.


    "Yes?"


    It was the first placer, who said after shaking hands with Rendo, "Fermi Nakarag. And you are?"


    "Oh. It doesn''t matter. Congratulations on your win."


    Rendo looked away. At that moment, Alisse pulled Rendo''s hand. She looked at him intently, as if conveying a message. Soon enough, he seemed to have received it.


    "Um...?"


    "No, no. That''s nothing, uh, Mr. Nakarag?"


    "Just call me Fermi."


    "I see. But... what else can I say to Metro Manila''s fastest?"


    "A lot, my man. Had it not been for this accident, you could''ve won!"


    "You''re quite fast, too."


    "Aww. Stop pulling my leg."


    "Hmm. Well then. Go for it in the nationals. I''d be counting on you."


    "Really now? Um... Seriously?"


    "Of course, Fermi. A while ago, we''re rivals. Now, we''re allies. Carry our banner to victory!"


    After that statement, they smiled at each other and bumped their fists. Then, Rendo and Alisse left the stadium.


    "Wait a minute... I didn''t get to know his name! Come on," Fermi said to himself as he retreated to the locker rooms. Although, he can just ask the officials about the name of Number Four.


    As the sun sets, the day ends. Rendo and his parents got home, having a late dinner. Alisse also ate with them. She then bade goodbye to her boyfriend and went on her way. After that, he was allowed to sleep in his room, which is only separated by plywood from the other rooms. However, Rendo was sleepless throughout the night. It was not because of the pain from his wounds. Despite his demeanor during the day, leaving everyone in awe, he felt empty and worthless. He began blaming only himself. He seemed like light losing its shine. He was searching himself, as if going into a time warp... He looked back... Far back. The clock ticks as every second, then every minute, passed.


    As a saying, attributed to one of the nation''s heroes, goes, "He who does not look back does not reach his destination." Indeed, Rendo did not get to the goal, and this time, he seemed determined to apply this saying tonight. But what is there exactly in his past?

 Flashback 2012

    November 2012: Marikina City, NCR


    At home, Rendo presented a participation document from the division games...


    "No! You''re so not joining that division meet! I tell you!"


    It was Rendo''s mother expressing her disapproval of him running in an official competition. Meanwhile, Rendo''s father remained quiet, even as he eats his snacks.


    "But mom..."


    "You don''t do that to me! You hear, boy? You don''t do that to me!"


    "..."


    "Dad, tell something to your... your impudent son!"


    His father looks to them, swallows the food in his mouth, and says, "Right. What your mom said." Then, he continues with his meal.


    "I know my limitations... I don''t excel in any other sport... Now that I have a chance with the only athletic sport I can participate in, you say that..."


    "Ah! You''ve the guts to even answer!"


    "..."


    "Look, son. We see your passion, and your intention to help us by getting the scholarship if you win... But I emphasize on the "if." You may have good legs, but what if something happens to you? Can you handle it? Can you even take care of yourself?"


    "..."


    Rendo wanted to have the scholarship because he knew of his family''s financial situation. At this time, he is studying in a public school, which meant minimum expenses for his education. However, in the university level, even state colleges have tuition fees because there is no full government subsidy. Since both his parents do not have a steady source of income (they work seasonal part-time low-income jobs), he will not get to college without at least a scholarship. In the Philippines, only around 10 percent of elementary students ever get to college. Even a smaller fraction of the studying population gets to finish a college degree.


    "Tell me, will the school give you an allowance?"


    "N..."


    "How about a guarantee for medical expenses in case of emergency? You know, when sports-related accidents happen?"


    "No..."


    "Okay. Not even free meals or drinks?"


    "No!"


    "See? We all know what this dirty paper means! This is a waiver that will guarantee that the school is not liable to anything that may happen to you on the field."


    She waved the document like a piece of trash.


    "Yes..."


    "Of course, if you win the division meet, you still have to win the regional and the national to get that college scholarship, right?"If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "That is... correct..."


    "And the school will have the glory and honor if you win, but discard you if you bring home nothing."


    "..."


    "You realize what we mean now?"


    "Y..."


    "But of course, if you still want to join..."


    With that phrase, Rendo lifted his head up for the first time since the conversation began.


    "Mom?"


    "Focus on your studies. You''re only entering first year, after all. We''d tell you when you can join, alright?"


    "Y-yes... thank you!"


    He hugged his mom and shook his dad''s hands, which still had crumbs from the snacks.


    And we are back to 2015, three years later. Throughout the night, this among other memories gave Rendo a difficult time to sleep. His parents were right. Why did he not listen to them? Indeed, it must be his fault that all of this happened. He should have not been insistent. It was a haunting past, and he feared that if he sleeps, he may not wake up again. His legs are no more. What can he do if he cannot even run away? Such thoughts cluttered his mind as the memories kept flooding, like educational television feeding children with overflowing information. The following day, it may not appear in his looks, but Rendo lacked sleep.


    "Son! Wake up! Breakfast''s ready!", his mom yelled.


    As he came out of the room, he saw a pleasant surprise. It was as if a feast is being given, but to whom?


    "You, of course! You had a hard time yesterday. You should eat well to regain your strength."


    He was speechless as he slowly crept to the table and gazed at the food. It was breakfast, lunch, and dinner combined into one, locally called "altanghap." His wounds still hurt, but he managed to eat heartily that morning. After his parents cleared the table and his wounds tended (replacing the bandages would prove to be troublesome), he spoke to them for the first time since the competition ended.


    "T-thanks..."


    His dad answered him, "That''s alright, son. You''d surely win next year."


    "Um... about that..."


    "What?"


    "I... Well, I actually plan to... You know... I plan to... quit..."


    "Wait, son. You just lost one race..."


    "Dad. I know."


    "Hmm. I see. Go on."


    "I said that if I will lose in the nationals... then... then, it would be better for me not to compete there at all... I believe that this is the answer I seek, Dad."


    "Well, son, I''m glad. But..."


    "But...?"


    "You see the lesson, right? Your parents know best. Or, as your mom would''ve liked it, mothers know best."


    "Yes..."


    "As your father, it would''ve been better if you listened to us earlier, yes? But as a man, I know how it is to pursue your own goals."


    "You... do?"


    "Of course. I went through adolescence, too, you know?"


    At that moment, his father laughs and lightly taps him repeatedly on the back. Then, there was silence. They just nodded at each other before his father went up to fix something in the house. Later that day, his coach visited to talk to Rendo''s parents.


    "I''m sorry for what happened. You see, I don''t have much of a background in physical education. I just got this PE position since it''s the only faculty position vacant."


    Rendo''s mom responded, "No worries, sir. If my son believed in you as his coach, then who are we to judge?"


    "Yes, er, of course... If you only know how fast he really runs, you won''t have the nerve to mentor him. Probably the only thing he got from me was warm-ups. That is all."


    "I see your point, sir. Ever since he was young, he likes to run. That is, even though he had no formal training."


    "Oh, really? No wonder..."


    The conversation went on, and as the coach was about to leave, he remembered to give a small envelope.


    "Er, it''s just a little something from me. Not much. Hope it''d be of help."


    Then, the coach finally leaves. When Rendo''s mom opened the envelope, it contained money. There was also a note inside, which says that the money was for his medical expenses. It can be recalled that the school would not provide any financial help, so this was the coach''s personal expense. Yes, it may be a small gift for most people, but his parents sat down and together uttered a prayer of thankfulness to the Lord.


    As for Rendo, who has yet to know his coach''s little gift, being the nation''s fastest is not his concern anymore. He thought to himself, "If I get to study harder and have better grades, then maybe there is another path to scholarship. Yes, that has to be it." So, he did shift his focus to his studies. But wait, if this is a story about running, how come the lead character quits oh so easily? Does that mean we have reached the end? Oh well, jobless total up to one. I guess I should log in to search for job postings. See you whenever.

 Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

    April 2022: Quezon City, NCR


    Legend has it that every eight o''clock in the morning, noon, one o''clock in the afternoon, and five o''clock in the evening, there is an unknown being... an unidentified person... who runs around the university. This event is supposed to coincide with the time the old bell tower rings. He does not stand out in the crowd. He wears casual civilian clothes like the most of us, not a costume like the superheroes we see on television and in movie theaters (power is in the costume). For a few years to this day, this legend has been circulating among students and teachers alike. Is he a student? A teacher? The university president? A true and through runner? Or just some random man on the street? Someone who has nothing much to do in life?


    With that thought at the back of our minds, we go back to Rendo. He managed to graduate with honors in a public high school, and became a scholar in a state university. The very university mentioned earlier. Of course, since all students are "scholars" in the university, it also goes that no special treatment is being done. Therefore, if the affluent students get to pay their tuition fees (they form 90% of the student population), then the indigent students (10% of the student population) also get to pay their own share of the fees. This is the reality of equality. However, as it may be recalled, Rendo is definitely unable to pay for his school fees. What happened?


    No. His parents did not get the regular eight-to-five work. Their financial situation remains almost the same as seven years ago, although inflation begins to make things worse for them.


    Rendo applied for socialized tuition. This sort of bracketing scheme means that students belonging to a certain socio-economic status may be qualified to pay lesser fees. Of course, state universities can afford scholarships for at least two reasons:


    1. A larger part of the student population comes from a higher socio-economic status. This means that any privilege given to the lower 10% can still be compensated by the upper 90%.


    2. As a state university, it gains subsidy from the government. It may not be a full subsidy, considering the tight resources of a country like the Philippines, but a subsidy still.


    Of course, he still pays fees even if the tuition is free, but it would take a lot more discussion about university policy. The gist is that Rendo gets to pay less for the same quality of education.


    Here we are, and Rendo is running once more... not as an athlete, but as a student leader. At this time, we catch him campaigning for a seat in the university student council. However, just like his running style, his campaigning style is unconventional all the same. He goes in one of the college buildings and performs weird dancing in the lobby to catch the people''s attention. He uses technology, such as social media, drones, and screens, to propagate his message. He rejected traditional campaigning methods such as motorcades, paper bills (this is not what you think it is), and classroom pep talks. What is he fighting for? Of course, there is always the rhetoric to pay less for the same quality of education. A lot of student leaders can easily gain votes with this kind of platform. Still, he personally (and secretly) believes that while education is a right, quality education is a privilege. At best, he is neutral in this issue, even though he himself may benefit from free tuition fees.


    The main thrust of his campaign is to increase student participation and involvement in making and implementing university policies, emphasizing innovation, technology, and an initiative-based system as suitable partners for massive reform. It was not a long time ago when the university did not have a student council altogether due to apathy - no one dared to take charge of a student body then plagued by abuse, corruption, and other dubious practices.


    However, despite all the goodwill in his arsenal, Rendo loses in the election.


    One classmate approached him and said, "Hey, RL, my man! Isn''t it tough losing the election?"


    Rendo smiled and said, "Not at all."


    His classmate was surprised. "Really now? You spent your own money. You campaigned all by yourself. Now you tell me it''s nothing?!"


    "You don''t get it, do you?"


    "If I don''t know you, I would have smacked you in the face. But okay, what do you mean?"


    "It just goes to show that this era isn''t ready for me."


    "Don''t go saying lines from anime!"


    Rendo laughed before saying, "We both know how university politics go. This is the foundation of our national politics. If our university is not yet ready for the change I offer, then our nation isn''t either. As much as we want to put ourselves up as the paragons of progress, students will reject change as much as their parents. Plain and simple."You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    "Well... wow. You already!"


    "Oh I don''t know about that!"


    There are various reasons why Rendo did not win. As an independent, he does not possess the necessary connections to form a voting base strong enough to carry him in the polls. At best, the vote he attracted were mostly from the minority, and minority vote does not always vote as a single bloc. This lack of connection also cost him the election. As much as issues are being tackled, friendships and similar deep connections tilt the populace to your ideals. This is where charisma enters. We all like that good-looking candidate with a flattering tongue and platforms that do not necessarily clash with the norm. As always, the package is 90% of the deal.


    The next day, a junior of his approached Rendo and asked almost the same question, but the conversation went something like this.


    "By campaigning alone, you mean only you?"


    "Ah, yes. Why?"


    "Cool!"


    "Cool, how?"


    "You mean to tell me that you managed to visit every college building in our university?!"


    "Well, yes, but...?"


    "Really cool!"


    The university was around 400 hectares, or four (4) square kilometers. This is around ten times the size of Vatican City. Meanwhile, the campaign period was a mere two weeks, or ten school days.


    "You seem like a sports fan, but if you''ll ask if I do sports, then no."


    The junior student wore a football jersey and shorts, even though he did not have physical education (PE) classes that day.


    "Oh, wait... I just realized!"


    "What?"


    "Could you possibly be...?"


    "What? I can''t hear your mumbling!"


    "You know, the legendary runner?"


    "The who?"


    "The legendary runner who goes around the campus four times a day!"


    "Legendary? Me? Pfft. Gimme a break."


    "Who else could have pulled that off, hmm?"


    "Well, there are a lot of track and field athletes in our varsity. One of them must have been the legend you''re talking about."


    "Hrmm?"


    "Mm?"


    "I suppose... you''ve got a point, but yours is still quite a feat!"


    "Yes, but not enough to stir the hearts of our people... I campaigned not with the hopes of winning, but with the hopes of inspiring the university to become the pioneer for change. You see, if there is nothing ventured, then we gain nothing... If not us, then who? If not today, then when?"


    "Don''t go saying lines from the college paper!"


    Rendo laughed, tapped his junior''s shoulder, and said, "I pass it on to you. I pray that your generation will see a more favorable setting than I did."


    "See, I would have cried now if we were decades apart... But we''re only apart by two years!"


    Rendo looked out the rails of the corridor with the main university road at sight, full of trees and rallying teens. He paused for a little while before saying, "While it is true that you can''t change the thinking of people within that short time... a lot can happen in a few years..."


    After a few more minutes of talking about schoolwork, they went on their way. The working lunch is over.


    It was five o''clock in the evening that day. This junior had a free cut, so he came out of classes earlier than usual. As he went out of their college building, he saw someone running on the sidewalk. Since the track team is not present at the time, this particular running man would stand out. He had a bag on his back but he still seemed fast, as if the weight is not enough to slow him down. Despite this quick encounter, he thought he recognized this person. Could this urban legend be real? He hastily mounted his bicycle to find out. The university has a bike lane after all, something that is rare in a country like the Philippines.


    He pedaled as fast as he can, but even after a number of seconds, he still could not catch the runner. Naturally, a vehicle like a bicycle is supposed to be faster than foot. He must have caught up with him right about now. He thought to himself, "Could he have changed directions?" Of course, he quickly shrugged off the idea. There are only a few other points where the runner could have changed lanes. Also, if the legend is true, then he should have not deviated from the main university road. He pedaled on, faster and faster he goes.


    "I should get there any minute now! As my senior said, nothing ventured, nothing gained!"


    True to his assumptions, he finally caught up with the mysterious runner after the road turn. Even the fastest vehicle would have to slow down when there is a curve. The man being chased looked slightly to his right side. With the sight of the shadow of the bicycle (they were going away from the sun), it triggered a rush aimed to lose the bike. Is he purposely trying to hide something? His identity perhaps?


    "Oh no, you don''t! Argh!", the junior student yelled despite feeling the fatigue of biking at that speed. And in reference to that speed, it means they are currently going at almost 20 kilometers per hour (kph). The normal biking speed is around 10 kph, which is double of the normal walking speed (5 kph).


    The biker begins to pant, but does not give up the pursuit. The runner''s right eyebrow twitched with the sight of the shadow still chasing him. The natural choice would have been to go faster. However, it might drain him, and he might not reach his usual destination. So, he thought up of another way to lose his pursuer. What did he do? He stopped, stepping first his right foot. Meanwhile, the biker failed to notice the stop for a few seconds. This little discrepancy in awareness caused him the pursuit, as the runner vanished as mysteriously as he appeared. With this realization, he was furious, stomping his fist on his bike. This anger vent caused the bell to ring. Meanwhile, in one of the gardens in the university, we find the runner of legend standing on the stone path. He leaned on one of the lamp posts as he tried to recover his energy.


    He said to himself, catching his breath, "I didn''t expect that coming... If I did, I should''ve not brought this bag..."


    His bag weighed around twenty (20) kilograms that day, with the bag alone (zero content) weighing more or less five (5) kilos. Then again, who is this so-called legendary runner?

 Field Trip

    The university takes a brief break at the same month due to the Holy Week. Since it is also summer, people take this short vacation to cool off somewhere, usually beaches and pools. However, some professors take this as an opportunity to conduct one of their course requirements: the field trip. Also known as educational tour, field trips are usually done to let the students learn in... well, the field. However, such trips come at a price, and it is hefty enough for Rendo not to join their field trip. Of course, his professor had the burden of giving him an alternative activity. What is assigned to him? Go to Antipolo City and do a survey of its church, the Antipolo Cathredal, which is much coveted and visited by May time. The church houses the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Se?ora de la Paz y del Buen Viaje), which attracts pilgrimages from neighboring areas by that time of the year. He is to submit a paper about his findings. Since Marikina City shares borders with Antipolo City, this appeared to be a more feasible undertaking for him than a field trip to Barasoain Church in Malolos and Biak-na-Bato in San Miguel, both located in the province of Bulacan. Sure, it looks close enough in the map, but someone like Rendo who has been accustomed to Mega Manila traffic, an estimated 60-minute trip would take at least two hours. So, by Maundy Thursday, Rendo departed early in the morning with hopes of finishing his assignment quickly. After a few hours of travel and snooping around, he took photographs and then went on his way. He dared not to interview the facilitators of the church. He figured that he could just research both online and offline to complete the paper. Besides, it is like a field trip of one person.


    As he jogged down from the city proper (he did not have enough money for a round trip to the church), he saw a speeding bus rush on the national road beside him. There are no other vehicles, giving the bus a chance to swerve back and forth even if it was not slippery. The few people by the sidewalks noticed the speeding bus as well. If it had been a normal speed demon, he would have ignored it. However, even for a split second there, he saw a woman shouting by the large bus window to save them. Then, it hit him. Has the bus lost control and is speeding downhill? While the road is mostly straight, there would be a point where there would be a dangerous curve. If his assumption is correct, the bus and its passengers would meet the end of the line.


    He fought in his mind. Why would it concern him? If their fate is sealed, what can he do? He is no hero. This is not a typical love story where you go forth like a knight in shining armor to get the girl. At best, he should just ignore the sight. Perhaps it was a prank done by local evil spirits to fool travelers? Still, he seemed to have not realized a most unusual thing. He is going faster! Instinct? Intuition? Yes, he is running, to the point that he is running towards the bus. Soon enough, he caught up with the bus, catching sight of the woman still asking for help by the window. Perhaps she is the only passenger? As he matched the speed of the bus, he saw that she is the only passenger of the bus! What about the driver? Who is driving downhill at that speed? He cannot see the driver''s seat from where he is running.


    Urging himself to think fast, Rendo shouted, "Lady! If you can, jump out!"


    She remained hysterical, and responding, "Are you cray?! We''re over 60 kilometers per hour!"


    "Just jump! Trust me!", he said as he extended his arms out to catch her.


    She hesitates, still thinking that this random guy is crazy. Is she afraid? Doubting? Every second felt like it is taking forever. Death will come to her either way, but where will she have less risk? Is there even such an option? At any rate, she has to make a decision quickly. Time is running out. Literally and figuratively, get it? Anyway...Stolen novel; please report.


    In a split second, she jumps from the window! Even Rendo did not expect her timing, and she is not even landing on her bottom. She just jumped out screaming, front first, with her hands and arms clumped together, clutching her handbag. Perhaps she does not want to land on her bottom because she was wearing a skirt? Then again, will he be able to catch her?


    And he does catch her! However, as soon as he caught her, Rendo stopped running and just stood there. He felt a sort of chill from his shoulders, down to his spine, then down to his legs and feet. It even felt like the chill went up from the ground back to his body. For a few seconds there, neither moved from their respective positions. Meanwhile, the bus continued on its course, and finally bumping on a nearby electric post. Had the driver missed the post, he would have gone directly off the cliff. Antipolo is known for its overlooking view of Metro Manila, and is therefore a mountainous terrain. However, even before the driver could get out as he crawled to the door, the bus suddenly explodes! The explosion is so loud, even Rendo and the woman managed to hear it.


    Then, at that moment, the woman begins to cry. Meanwhile, Rendo begins to fluster. Was she injured? He thought to himself, "I''m not touching any personal space now, am I?"


    "Oh! Are you hurt? Um, please? Don''t cry?", he said to her. Still, she continues sobbing.


    So, he just puts her down, feet first, so she can stand up. As soon as she was laid down, she stood up but leaned to his shoulder, still crying but seemingly trying to hold back her tears.


    "Uh, you''re not someone who''d pick my pocket now, right?", he said, trying to lighten the mood.


    She stopped leaning, pulled out her handkerchief, wiped her face, and looked at Rendo intently.


    For the first time since a while ago, she blurts out, "Do I look like a thief to you?!"


    "Um, well..."


    "What?! The nerve!"


    She slaps him. Then, Rendo touches his cheek for a while.


    "Aw! Come on! That hurts! Kilohertz!"


    She stomps his chest repeatedly, left and right alternating. Apparently, these were lighter hits than the slap earlier. After a few moments, she stops, leaning again while looking down and hiding her handkerchief.


    "Well... I... T-thank you..."


    He smiled a bit.


    "... That''s okay... So, should I walk you back?"


    She pulls out of her lean again, shaking her head.


    "No! No! You''ve done enough, really! No need to carry me back!"


    Rendo laughed a little, "Actually, I''m asking if you need company. You know, no carrying. But if you insist..."


    She blushed as she said, "Oh! Yeah, yeah. I know that, of course. But..."


    "Hmm?"


    "It''s quite far uptown. Are you sure?"


    "I can''t let you go alone now, right? After all what happened."


    She looked away, now more calm than before, and then nodded.


    So, they cross to the other side of the almost vehicle-less road and walks to the city proper. As they were walking, there was silence. Rendo tried to break the ice. Why do girls never do the first move?


    "Um. Well... Aren''t we supposed to... You know..."


    "What?", she replied, looking at him.


    "... Call the authorities?"


    "Oh, that''s taken care of."


    "What do you mean? We''re abandoning the bus there?!"


    "No, silly. While I was going cray inside that bus, I already called everyone I can, including the police and the hospital."


    "Wow... I''m quite sure you''re not from these parts. How''d you know those numbers?"


    "I always keep emergency numbers in my phone," she says as she pulls out her phone from her pocket, and then puts it back inside again.


    "Phones really are that smart these days..."


    "Is that an attack on my intellect and candor?"


    "No! Sheesh. But yeah, why were you even on that speed demon?"


    "Uh... I''m actually... well..."


    "Yes?"


    "Initially... I''m on a field trip."


    Rendo laughed hard. She looked at him with agitation.


    "W-what''s so f-funny?"


    "I''m on a field trip, too! What a coincidence!"


    Yes, confound it! Those two students are both taking their respective field trips of one person, but now they are two, what can they be called? A field trip for two? A couple trip?


    "Hey!!", they both shout.


    At any rate, this recipe for a stereotype of a story cannot be happening, right? This simply is not happening. Then again, who is this screaming girl jumping out of a speeding bus? Why is she even on a trip to Antipolo? Why does not Rendo coming home early? Well then, run to you next time.

 Walking Together

    While still hesitating as he was jogging from the city proper, Rendo managed to save a girl in school uniform by running to and eventually catching her from a speeding bus. By this time, the two of them are walking to city proper, where the woman said she was supposed to be taking a trip in. Of course, while Rendo is still thinking of going home early, some instinct or what have he is telling him to accompany the woman back. So much about being a gentleman. A rarity nowadays. Perhaps he discounted the saying, "Do not talk to strangers." So, they continue walking, and while on their way, they are also talking.


    She said, "We can just take a ride back, you know?"


    He looked at her and answered, "I don''t want to impose on you. Besides, I already walked downtown, so another walk uptown wouldn''t be too much. How about you? I can carry you..."


    "Oh, no, thanks, but... actually... I like walking. It calms me. At the same time, it gives me some exercise."


    "Are you sure? Being in school uniform, I suppose those black shoes of yours aren''t so comfortable against concrete sidewalks?"


    "Meh. They''re flat. We''re going to a field trip, after all. That means a lot of walking, too."


    "I see... Now that you mention it, you had companions in the trip?"


    "Yes. Why?"


    "Oh... I''m on a field trip of one, really. Our destination is in Bulacan, but I didn''t join."


    "Good for you. Look at me, going to a field trip, then almost dying!"


    He patted her shoulder while saying, "There. There. I thought walking calms you?"


    "I''m calm. Don''t worry. To be frank..."


    "Yes?"


    "I was actually sleeping in our bus... so I alone was left behind."


    "I see... but wait... who are you, really?"


    He just realized that now. So much about being the suspicious man in the first chapter.


    "Oh... Yes, of course. We forgot to introduce each other."


    "Hmm?"


    "I''m Verona."


    "Verona...? Full name?"


    "Verona Dimasalang."


    "Hey... Not bad."


    She blushed, "What do you mean about that?"


    He laughed, "Nothing. I''m Rendo. Lobo."


    "Lobo, as in balloon?", she said as she giggled. Lobo is the Filipino word for balloon.


    "Of course not! Lobo as in wolf! Anyway..."


    Lobo is the Portuguese and the Spanish word for wolf.


    "Yes?"


    She seems to be more relaxed now, and even slightly more jolly.


    "So you''re from where?"


    "I study in an all-girls college in Quezon City."


    "Uh... Why can''t you just say which school it is? I mean, I can actually tell with a glance at your white and green uniform..."


    Discretion is out watchword. Deal with it.


    "I live in Pasig City."


    "Ooh. Where there?"


    "Dela Paz."


    "Aha! Don''t you think I can actually visit you at night and kidnap you for money?!"


    She laughed.


    "What?! Do you want a demonstration?"


    She punched his arm lightly.


    "No, no. I know you won''t do that."


    "How can you say?"


    "Intuition."


    "What can I say?"


    "My tip to you, my friend? The woman''s always right."


    "Wait! We''re friends now?"


    "How dense can you be? It''s just an expression."


    "Oh..."


    Just then, she tugs him by the arm to the edge of the sidewalk and looks to the sun setting on Metro Manila. It is an overlooking view that is yet to be built with an eating establishment, or a rock and roll pub. However, Rendo is not exactly fond of heights. He trembles a bit while they stand near the railings of the national road, so he goes closer to the road, which begins to have some traffic by this time. Verona does not notice this easily.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    "Look! Look! The sun is setting. Lemme take a picture!"


    "Oh, right... Y-you do that..."


    As she took photographs of the sunset itself and selfies of herself with that landscape as the background, she finally observes Rendo''s unease.


    "Hey. What''s wrong?"


    "M-me? Nothing. No...," he says as he steps away from the railings.


    "You''re sweaty... just like a while ago when you ran at 60!"


    "W-who wouldn''t get sweaty in walking this summer afternoon...?"


    "Don''t tell me... you''re acrophobic!"


    "N-no... Of course not!"


    "Do tell me. It''s just the two of us here..."


    She pulls him by the elbow, supposedly to bring him closer to the railing, but whether by design or by accident, they become closer with each other. When they realized they are facing each other, they both looked at the sunset to avoid the eye contact almost simultaneously. They are both blushing at this point. For a few seconds, they gazed at the setting sun. Then, Verona inched towards Rendo''s side, but she was probably not carefully enough because Rendo easily noticed her move. She holds his elbow again, and observed that he stopped trembling even though he is still standing near the railing with her.


    "Oh... So that''s what you need...," Verona mumbled.


    "What?"


    "Nothing. What''d you say? Want a selfie with me?"


    "W-what?! We just met!"


    "Come on, you killjoy. Just think of the sun as our third wheeling friend."


    "But won''t the picture look dark since it''s against the light?"


    "Don''t worry. Never underestimate high technology."


    So, as the sun is around three-fourths down the horizon, they face away from it and take a selfie. Click. Phone camera flashes.


    "How''d it go?"


    They finally continue walking after taking the photograph.


    "Well... You seem closer to me in this picture," she said with a smile.


    Rendo''s eyes rolled, putting his shoulders and his hands up a bit.


    "See... I just thought... You know... we won''t fit if we''re not compressed...?"


    "Want me to send it to you?"


    "By Bluetooth?"


    She laughed, "Bluetooth? This isn''t 2012, my friend!"


    "Then what''s on your mind?"


    "I can add you in social media. Do you have SNS?"


    SNS is an abbreviation for Social Networking Service.


    "Oh... Yeah, I mean, sure. My name''s quite unique."


    "Lemme see... Rendo Lobo, right?"


    "I think you''d find it easily..."


    "There. Added you already. Can''t you accept me now?"


    "Uh... You see..."


    He pulls out a cracked phone from his pocket. It cannot even be powered on.


    "Ha? Don''t tell me..."


    "Yes. I don''t want to tell you because you might take it as a burden. It''s my fault for not catching you properly."


    "Oh, Rendo... I''m sorry, okay? L-let me make it up to you."


    "Hmm?"


    She hands her phone to him.


    "Maybe your parents are worried. Message them."


    "Y-you sure?"


    "Of course."


    After sending a short message, Rendo gives back the phone. She stores it back to her handbag. They forge on until they reach the city proper, which is now illuminated by various lights from posts and establishments. Even Antipolo is a highly urbanized city (HUC) by this time, the most competitive in all of Rizal and comparable to the cities of Metro Manila. Soon enough, she points to a huddle of students by the city park.


    "There''s my classmates!", she said excitedly.


    Leaving her handbag to Rendo, she runs to them. Her classmates are quite surprised.


    They turn to her and say almost in unison, "Rona! You''re safe! How?!"


    Then, the accompanying professor disperses the students and whispers to her, "I was informed that one of our buses were hijacked, and you''re there..."


    She whispers back, "Yes, sir. I''m terribly sorry, sir. I was left behind because I took a nap..."


    "Never mind that... The thing is, how am I supposed to explain to my superiors!"


    "Sir, I wouldn''t file against you."


    "I know you''re a good gal... But the hijacked bus just made the evening news! What a dilemma!"


    "Sir, please tell me what happened."


    It turns out that while the bus driver spaced out, a local drunk managed to hijack the bus and drive it at will. His reasons for doing so? Perhaps they cannot be ascertained, since he died and all. However, the media would not let this go easily. Roving reporters are stationed nearby to get the latest development for their respective news agencies. One reporter in particular noticed the students becoming noisier than a while ago, and he walked silently to take a closer look.


    "So, you see, if we don''t disown that bus... Not only I, but the entire school is at risk... If the media interviews you, can you please tell them that you''re just lost in line or something?"


    "Sir, I''d like to do that... but truth shall prevail."


    With that statement, she was approached by the reporter, who had his cameraman following closely behind.


    "Miss. Could you give us a moment?"


    Verona was given a lapel microphone.


    "Sure thing. I can greet, right?"


    The professor distanced away, saying to himself, "My God... Here goes nothing..."


    The camera starts recording. Meanwhile, her classmates were just behind, forming a sort of background of students. Apparently, they also wanted their own fifteen minutes of fame.


    The reporter began, "We''re now here in Antipolo City to know more about the bus crashing along Sumulong Highway this afternoon! With me is the lone passenger of the bus. Please."


    "Mm... Good evening to all. Hello mom, dad. I''m Verona, and I''m the only one inside that bus before it crashed a while ago. Actually, I was left behind in the bus..."


    She smiles and waves at the camera. What confidence. She looked like a professional at this.


    "Oh really? Can you tell us more?"


    The reporter''s tone began to sound accusing


    "But I was saved from disaster by..."


    She looks in front of her, and then behind her, but she seems to have not found what she is looking for.


    "Yes, Miss Verona?"


    "He... disappeared..."


    "Who disappeared?"


    "I was saved by a guy named Rendo... Rendo Lobo..."


    "He did? How did he do it?"


    Her mood has gone to a low, and her dazzling demeanor evaporated.


    "... Well... He was running... as fast as the bus... And then, he told me to jump..."


    "You jumped to him?!"


    "Yes... And he caught me... I was saved..."


    Suddenly, she removes the lapel microphone, and she walks away, vanishing in a crowd of students. The professor enters the scene.


    "I think that''s enough for one day!"


    "Sir! Could you not be the teacher with them?"


    "Uh, eherm, you see..."


    The report continues, but Verona went on looking for Rendo in the park. He was nowhere in sight, even though the entire park was adequately illuminated. Meanwhile, one classmate went to her and gave back her handbag.


    "A man carrying it said it''s yours. Of course, I recognized it to be your bag."


    Verona took the bag, and sat down by one of the benches.


    "Thank you, Mai..."


    Her classmate also sits on the bench.


    "You''re saved, got interviewed in TV, but still, you look sad?"


    "Ha? Me? No, it''s nothing, really..."


    "It''s that guy, right? Tell me."


    "Well..."


    "Come on, girl. We''ve dealt with boys since high school. You know them. They''re all the same. It''s alright."


    "..."


    "Besides, our crushes would perform in Manila soon. Cheer up!"


    Verona smiled at her classmate''s encouragement. In fact, she is one of Verona''s friends, Maida.


    Meanwhile, where has Rendo gone? How will Verona''s college deal with the field trip problem? Why is Maida seemingly harsh on boys? And when will we see some real running? Come on now. Finally, who will continue to read anyway?

 When The Jeepney Strikes

    Holy Week is over, and the following week, classes resume after a relatively short vacation. For once, Rendo takes a modernized jeepney (or bagong jeep) to go to school. Usually, he runs or jogs from home to the university, which is at least twelve (12) kilometers as the maya (a local bird) flies. However, he was given adequate allowance to at least afford travelling via public transport. Of course, even public transportation is nowhere near cheap these days. The base price is at least 12 pesos in Metro Manila, some fifty (50) percent higher than it was seven years ago. The drivers actually requested at least a 15-peso fare (double the former rate), since jeepney modernization took a toll at their respective costs of living. However, instead of subsidizing the provision of modernized jeeps, the government provided hefty loans with payment spread over a number of years, depending on the capacity of the operators and the drivers. Meanwhile, the old jeepneys were recycled, if there are any remaining to reuse from them, or so they say. As for fare increase, it was negotiated to being adjusted to inflation instead of an incremental increase or a one-time big-time increase. Of course, just like wages, fares are adjusted as minimum as possible. Speaking of wages, bagong jeep drivers would be receiving regular salaries, as opposed to the boundary system wherein they need to compete in the road to take home more money. To this day, jeepney modernization remained slow. It seemed like a clash between tradition and innovation for the iconic vehicle of the Philippines. Beginning with only a thousand (1,000) units, the current fleet of bagong jeeps reached at least 100,000 nationwide. This is only a fraction of the entire jeepney population in the country.


    As the jeep traversed the heavily congested national road, Rendo just looked at the window. He sees some people preferring to walk instead of enduring the severe traffic, especially when the destination is near enough to be walked. Even at five (5) kilometers per hour, the normal walking speed, you would reach a location one kilometer away within twelve (12) minutes. Besides, this national road is only a little above four (4) kilometers. Rendo figured that he has enough time anyway, so he decided to savor the paid seat in public transport. When he turns his head away from the window and to his bag in front of him, he saw a familiar sight. So, he turns his head again to the window, covers his lower face with a handkerchief, and using peripheral vision to observe.


    Meanwhile, the person parallel to him brings out a phone, looks at it, then back to him, and then begins to study him carefully. Rendo thinks to himself, "No. You don''t know me. No. You don''t know me. I''m an apparition."


    The probing of the person continues, and the jeepney seems nowhere near his destination yet. The slow moving traffic felt much slower to Rendo with the situation he is currently in. Suddenly, that person has a sort of "Eureka!" moment. Rendo becomes more nervous.


    She speaks something like, "Rendo," but no sound came out of her mouth. Then, she taps his knees. No response. He stuck his look outside. She taps again. Still no response.


    At that moment, the jeep stops!Still, she does this for the third time, and for the third time, her signal fell to bad reception.


    The driver stopped the jeep because passengers will unload. One passenger in particular noticed the repeating event that keeps him from going down the vehicle. He grabs Rendo and angrily says, "For art''s sake! Notice your girlfriend already! Hrgh! I''m running late for my class!"


    Surprised, Rendo was speechless. The student let go of Rendo and went on his way, leaving his harsh words on Rendo''s mind and his saliva on Rendo''s face. After cleaning his face with wet tissue, Rendo looked at the woman in front of him. At this point, she is seemingly irritated. She remains silent, looking at him intently.


    "Um... Who are you again?"


    She pouts a bit and then blurts out, "You''re the one to talk, mister! You..."


    The rest of the passengers look at them. The driver even changes the music, thinking it would match their mood. Noticing the attention attracted by her statement, Rendo tries to calm her down.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Hush... We''re in a public place... Besides, do I know you?"


    "Hrrr...," she raises her eyebrows with his attempts to placate her.


    They keep quiet for the rest of the journey. It was like an undeclared cold war between them as tension builds up. Meanwhile, the attention they had a while ago eventually fizzled out. Soon enough, Rendo reached his destination and went out of the jeep. To his surprise, the woman also went out. As the jeep moved away, some of the passengers are still looking until they lost sight of them. Meanwhile, Rendo walked away from her.


    She follows him, saying, "That''s it? Ha? Hey! I''m talking to you!"


    Rendo begins to lose his cool as well.


    "What?! I''ve classes! Really..."


    Seeing Rendo at his limit may have had an effect on her, and so she stopped speaking. He looked back at her just standing by the sidewalk.


    Rendo continues, "Okay! I may be penniless, but I have a few minutes to spare. Spill it!"


    "Is this true...? Can you really not remember me...?"


    "It''d be like forgetting the last time I became irritated... And that was not long ago."


    "Let me remind you."


    She pulls out her phone, looks for something there, and then shows it to him. Behold, it is a photograph of her with him. He takes the phone and stares at it.


    She continues, "Well, I''m actually shy to talk to you and all... I''m sorry... I''m just mad at myself for being too soft and... so... it reflected... a while ago..."


    He was silent for a few moments, and then speaks.


    "You know that... I can take this from you, right?"


    "Wait, what?"


    He laughs, giving back the phone, "Just kidding. I remember now. Sorry for my attitude, too."


    "Oh..."


    She laughs as well.


    "Nice meeting you, but I''ve got to go."


    He walks away once more, but this time, she tries to match his speed.


    "Hey, wait..."


    "Hmm?"


    "Can you... well... accompany me later?"


    "Uh... What for?"


    "I was asked to research here since your library has the references we needed. But yeah, I''m not really familiar with this university. So, you see..."


    "Just ask some random guy out there..."


    "Come on. It''s not like I''m a stranger to you," she says as she grabs his elbow.


    He shakes off her hand and looks at her.


    "Fine. But not lunch time. My free time''s in the afternoon."


    "Well, alright. But before you go, can I get your digits?"


    "Digits? Hmm... 11-34-46-02-27-45?"


    "No! Not that. Phone number."


    "It''s busted, remember?"


    "Oh..."


    He pulls out from his bag an antiquated cellular phone.


    "... Good for you, I have this spare phone from 2007. It''s quite strong."


    "That really is an old one."


    "Fine. Take down my number..."


    So, by this time, they exchanged phone numbers and parted ways. However, as she was about to cross the university road, a jeep (not the modernized type) suddenly appears in the horizon and is closing on her. Despite the lumbering condition of old jeepneys, they somehow showcase unbelievable speed that may well match some buses. The jeep honks the horns, apparently unable to stop the acceleration, but she seemed motionless at that point. She closes her eyes. Is this her end? Will this stereotype of a romantic stint about to meet its final moment?


    "Verona!"


    The jeep screeches to a halt, but the aftermath? No one died. Nobody was hurt. The driver and the passengers suddenly find her with someone else. It was Rendo! He managed to run and save her by around an inch from being rolled over by a fairly fast jeep.


    "Who... Rendo?!"


    "Yes."


    She blushes, looking away from him. As she looks away, she notices his hands holding her arms tight. She moves them down.


    "You... you can let go now..."


    He puts his hands behind him, looking away as well.


    "Oh! Sorry! So sorry. I didn''t mean..."


    Then, they hear people being touched by the scene. The jeep that was about to run her over a while ago is still there!


    Rendo walks to the driver, smiling at him, "Sir, don''t you have something else to do?"


    The driver laughs, "Take care of your girl, alright?"


    The jeep goes on to its journey. Meanwhile, Verona was about to approach Rendo, but she saw him crush a stone with one stomp of his foot. The stone is not that large, but it was reduced to powder, not into cracked bits. She was taken aback, but she managed to speak to him.


    "Um... Thank you... again..."


    He looks to her, "Oh, yes. It''s okay. Next time, be extra careful. You seem to attract a lot of speedy things."


    She bade goodbye and went on her way. Rendo walked back to the college building.


    Rendo thought to himself, "Troublesome girl... You look away for mere minutes, and there she goes! Besides, aren''t there speed limits in this campus? Really, what''s up with these jeeps?"


    Verona thought to herself, "He''s got a point, though. I do seem to attract anything speedy. But why does he seem colder to me than the first time? Is it because I was mad or what?"


    Remember, stay alert on the road. You will never know when the jeepney, or any other vehicle for that matter, strikes. At any rate, there is an arranged meeting between them later this day. Hope you continue reading!

 Open Book

    As his classes ended earlier than expected that day, Rendo walked down the famous college stairs and saw Verona waiting at the lowermost case. He figured as much that she does not intend him to ditch her again, and so he meets her.


    "Hey there. Have you been waiting long?"


    "Not really. I just arrived as well."


    "So, should we get going?"


    "Of course."


    They walk together to the main university library.


    "The library closes at 5 PM. So, we''ve a few more hours to go. What do you need there, by the way?"


    "Reference material for our project."


    "It''s a group project?"


    "Yes."


    "Then why are you alone here?"


    "See, we practice division of labor. I''m assigned to do the research here."


    "Hmm. I see."


    Then, there was awkward silence. Soon enough, they reached the library.


    "Well, that was fast."


    "Yeah. It''s quite near to my college building."


    "Mm..."


    "So here you go."


    "Oh... Um, okay... Thanks, I guess?"


    "You have the letter of intent, right?"


    "Yeah, sure."


    She goes up the stairs towards the entrance, while he goes on his way back to the university road. However, he has not reached far when he hears her calling.


    "Hey! Rendo! Wait!"


    He stops and turns around.


    "What?"


    "Well...," she puffs while speaking, "the guard said... I can''t... come in..."


    "Hmm. That''s odd. Even if you''re from a private school, you should be able to have access. Of course, there''s a fee for private researchers, but still."


    "What do I do?"


    "Okay. Let''s go there."


    So they did. It turns out that while researchers from private and independent institutions do need to pay a fee, such access can only be granted to students at least of graduate status. Undergraduate students are not allowed to access the hallowed halls of the main library. Thus, Verona fails to achieve her mission in this university. Meanwhile, Rendo tries to console her as they walk together once more.


    "It''s alright. Knowing our technology today, there must be some digital copy of the books you''re trying to find."


    "Yeah, I hope you''re right..."


    "Aw. Come on. What''s with that tone?"


    "Well, this day''s not a very good one to begin with."


    "How come?"


    "First off, you ignored me."


    "Oh... Sorry ''bout that."


    "No worries. I figured you wouldn''t really remember me... Actually, you seem to not remember until now..."


    Rendo looked at her quizzically.


    "What do you mean?"


    Verona looked at him with a smiling face.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Do... Do you really not recognize?"


    He shook his head.


    "No. I don''t recall?"


    "Oh... Okay... May I ask though?"


    They looked forward again.


    "Yes?"


    "Why''re you still not accepting my friend request in SNS?"


    Again, if you are just catching this now, SNS is an abbreviation for Social Networking Service.


    "Ah, that? You see..."


    "What?"


    "I don''t have internet at home?"


    "That''s no excuse! We have mobile data now."


    "Er, you see..."


    "What? Tell me."


    "Oh! Just look at the time! My goodness, I have to go!"


    Rendo was about to run for it, and in terms of speed, he can easily leave her in the dust, but she suddenly grabs his hand. This caused him to almost fall over the muddy sidewalk.


    "That''s it? You''re gonna disappear again?"


    "Um... About that..."


    "Mm?"


    That time, which was just two chapters back anyway, he checked Verona''s phone and saw his mother''s message to go home already. Of course, he is of legal age to stay late in the evening, but one also cannot discount advice from your parents, even though it would seem like a stern command to some. So, when a classmate of hers noticed that the bag he is holding is Verona''s, he took the opportunity and gave back the bag with the phone in it. Nothing more, nothing less. It turns out, of course, that this classmate is Maida, her friend.


    "How''d you know how to open my phone''s lock?"


    Rendo laughed nervously.


    "You see, I kinda saw how you opened it then... So there?"


    "You mean, with just one or two looks, you managed to memorize the phone''s lock pattern and password?"


    "Eh. Two-step verification is so mainstream nowadays. It''s elementary."


    "Well, wow... Maybe I should change them later."


    "Come on now. It''s not as if I''d get your phone to repay for the damage on mine."


    "You seem to have thought of it that far, don''t you?"


    "Oh, no! It''s against my values."


    "I know."


    "Look, you keep on giving hints that you know me well, but how? Have we met before?"


    "I won''t tell you... unless..."


    "Unless?"


    She stopped at this point, seemingly embarrassed of herself.


    "Well... unless... You agree to... to have lunch with me!"


    He stopped as well, and then looks back at her.


    "Oh. Why not? How''s the Town Center for you? Of course, it has to be somewhere halfway, right? You''ve classes, too."


    She catches up with him and then pushes him forward.


    "Then let''s go home. I have your number, so just message me, alright?"


    "Hey! No need to push me. I''ve my own legs."


    "Always serious. Is that how you deal with other people?"


    For some reason, they both laughed thereafter. As they reached the terminal, one had a sudden realization.


    "It just occurred to me," Rendo said after slapping his forehead, "If we boarded the same jeep a while ago, does that mean we have the same way going home?"


    She smiled, "Why, yes. That''s right! So, are we going?"


    He held the outside bars of the jeep and said, "Please, go first."


    However, as she walked towards the jeep, it suddenly began going backward by a few inches.


    "Look at that! You can pull jeeps with one arm?"


    He was just as surprised.


    "I... Hmm! I guess?"


    She giggled, and then boarded the jeep. He followed her and they sat beside each other.


    "Oh. I thought you''re going to do your disappearing act again."


    "Yeah, I''ve thought of that... But, I suppose I can go with you, right?"


    She punched him lightly, and the jeep went on its way as soon as it became full. As always, there is the extra two or three people being loaded into the limited seating capacity of the public utility vehicle. As the jeep traverses the heavily congested national road, the two continued talking. They are somewhat a noisy spot in a vehicle full of quiet passengers.


    At one point of their lively conversation, Verona asked, "Don''t you remember talking about that topic before?"


    "I did? But didn''t we just meet?"


    "Yes, you were. You''re talking about your theory on Yamashita''s treasure to a girl once. In this same jeep."


    "Hmm..."


    At that instant, Rendo''s brain began working overtime. He recalls that day quickly enough. It was a number of years back. He was talking about it with a woman... yes, it was his girlfriend Alisse! Then again, how did Verona come to know about that?


    "Are you a spy or something?"


    "No! Of course not."


    "Then how did you know about that?"


    "Well, actually..."


    "Hmm?"


    "I was sitting parallel to you at that time."


    "You were?!"


    "Yes. You seem to haven''t noticed me, though... You''re like, engrossed to that girl..."


    "Oh..."


    "Who''s she? Maybe I know her?"


    Rendo suddenly looked away from her and stopped speaking.


    Puzzled, she asks, "W-why? What''s wrong?"


    He then looked back at her with a smile.


    "No. That''s nothing. Anyway, is that the first time you saw me?"


    "Uh, I won''t tell you until our lunch tomorrow!"


    "Hmm. I see that I can go now. The jeep''s near the terminal."


    She grabs his hand, causing him to be unbalanced, which forced him to sit down again.


    "Hey, wait! What''s the rush?"


    "We''ve different jeeps to ride after this anyway. Besides, it''s almost always heavy traffic in the highway. So much about modernization."


    "I thought there are trains going to Marikina now?"


    "Yeah, but still expensive enough considering my budget."


    The jeep stops at the terminal, and all its passengers go down. As soon as they unloaded, they mixed with the sea of people trying to cross the intersection and getting to ride their next public utility vehicle. While Verona tried her best to keep herself close to Rendo, she soon lost him in the crowd. So, she decided to take the train going to Antipolo, where she goes off on a station in Pasig. As for her, the day seemed to be a hybrid of successes and losses. Meanwhile, Rendo was busy chasing jeeps that are already full. Anyway, jeeps of the older type would still cramp up as many passengers as they can, to the point of letting some of them cling to the outside bars (locally known as sabit). He becomes one of these passengers clinging for dear life... or rather, clinging to the jeep in order to get home eventually. It was a typical day for him, but Verona seemed like an anomaly in his routine life. She seems to know him like an open book, but they only met last week, and have not even accepted her as a friend in SNS. He did not even tell her that he resides in Marikina! This woman confused him enough to almost miss his stop.


    Are Rendo and Verona related to each other somehow? Stay tuned!

 Smallest Genius

    The following day, as Rendo goes to class again, he is having second thoughts about meeting Verona again. The cautious person as he always is, he thinks about the matter with care.


    "I mean, I can just ditch her, right? It''s not as if I''m obligated to meet her. After that, we''d never meet again...," he tells himself.


    Still, it turns out to be something like a battle between personalities raging within him. Come to think of it, he could easily make the decision. What is it that he seems to have hard time taking a stand about the matter? Somehow, his body might be taking notes in class like a programmed computer, but his mind is transported to the past. Yet another flashback reveals itself to us.


    June 2020: Pasig City, NCR


    Rendo is set to attend church on a fine Sunday morning, but not to hear the preaching. It comes later in the day. In the morning, he attends Sunday School classes. Yes, Sunday School is not only for children. They are for adults, too. His parents thought that college may take a toll in their son''s faith, so they decided to send him to Sunday School again. As the classes go on, Rendo recalls the days when he attended Sunday School as a child. He used to attend a different church then. Soon enough, it was break time. He was quick to grab a snack and then go back to his seat. He kept silent, not talking to anyone during the short break. Just then, he noticed someone at the other end of their row another person who seem to have not taken the liberty of talking with the others. Even as classes resumed, he still took chances at looking at the person on the other side.


    He observes that she is actually of little stature. At least compared to other people in that class, she may be the smallest of them all. She brings out her phone every now and then, but apparently, she is not even taking notes. She just leans back and forth at almost timed intervals. Does she have a bad back or something? The teacher does not mind, but when question and answer time came, he asked something on a Bible verse concerning death and salvation. Most in the class seemed to not know the answer. They just murmur to themselves. Meanwhile, Rendo knew the answer, but he is not someone who enjoys the attention. For him, he thought he would seem like a show-off to them. Seconds passed, and the teacher may have been enjoying the confusion for that while.


    "Pastor," one person says while raising a hand, "may I answer?"


    The teacher pointed to that person, and it turns out to be the one Rendo has been observing all this time!


    "Yes, what is it?" the teacher asked with a smile.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    She stands up, gets the microphone given her by a teacher aide, and answers, "You''re referring to Hebrews 9:27-28, which states that, And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."


    The teacher looked at the class and said that the answer is definitely correct. However, that is not the only thing that has been answered. When that person stood up, Rendo managed to have a good look. He was particularly impressed with the answer as he was pondering the same thing, and then, he suddenly realized that he must have known her before.


    He said to himself, "That''s right! I... I know her... What''s her name again? Um... Yes, Pascual, right. But, what''s the first name? Hrr."


    For the entire question and answer portion, Rendo did not have any participation. Much of his brain processing power has been occupied with recalling a name once archived in memory. Just as class ended, he finally remembers the name he seeks, but another challenge lies ahead. His courage just ran out. He thought, "Would this person actually want to see me? I mean, we''re not exactly friends, but we''re not exactly enemies either? Perhaps I''m a stranger to her now?"


    Still, the sight of her leaving refueled his courage. He almost jumped out of his chair and using his speed, he is in front of her in no time. Stopping her, Rendo speaks up first.


    "Um... H-hello?"


    She looks down first then going up, from feet to head. With her usual bored face, she asks him.


    "Yes? What is it?"


    "Say, are you Eliza? Pascual?"


    "Yes. Why?"


    "Oh. You... Do you remember...?"


    "Remember what?"


    In his mind, he was thinking of pulling a quip like, "Do you remember love?", which is derived from an anime, but his other personality stopped him. Besides, she might not receive it well.


    So, he continued, "Do you remember me?"


    She examined his face again, and then her face lightened a bit. It seems the mood is changed.


    "Why, yes, of course. How can I forget you?"


    "Y-you mean that?"


    "Yup. You''re Rendo, right?"


    And with that, he hears someone yelling inside him, "Score one for the boys back home!"


    Indeed, after that event, they went out together after classes. Of course, this is usually to have lunch only, and then attend church service after. This went on for some two months, and they seemed to have enjoyed this catching up process. It turns out that Eliza was one of Rendo''s juniors back in high school. In fact, he usually taught her in history and foreign languages at the school library for almost a year. Since it was his last year in high school, he did not have much time to spare, but evidently, memories were made and reminisced. Both are excellent in school, and Rendo appreciates Eliza''s eagerness to learn. At least for Rendo, it was like a time warp. They are together again. This time, not in the quiet library, but in the solemn church. Still, even though Rendo tended to be more superior in academics, her intelligence never ceases to amaze him. It was not a simple catching up either, as they came to know more of each other in every passing day. They find similarities between them, as well as differences. However, as August of that year came, Rendo finds out something shocking. The question is, will it surprise you, too?

 Sacred Treasure

    Ten. God laid down Ten Commandments on His people. Ten. The number which serves as the basis of the worldwide decimal system. Ten. The fastest man on the planet can finish a hundred meters in less than ten seconds. Ten. I still cannot believe we have reached the tenth chapter of this very typical story, and I thought I would be unemployed after the third. Come to think of it, you are still here! What a coincidence. At any rate, on with the narration!


    August 2020: SNS Private Messaging


    One thing the ongoing Communications Revolution brought to the 21st century is the internet. Imagine, wireless messages being carried all over the world in mere microseconds? As long as there is reception, communication can be done easily. Short messaging service (SMS), or texting, have become the thing of the past. An antiquated technology that may well be considered the "Morse Code" of the current century. No longer is the Philippines the texting capital of the world, but the selfie capital, as well as the social media capital. So, we find Rendo talking with Eliza through the SNS private messaging interface. While Rendo is not as fond of online chats, Eliza''s preference of it showed him how convenient this new technology is.


    Rendo: Hi there. How was your day?


    Send complementary emoji.


    Eliza: You always ask that.


    Rendo: Oh. Um. I''m sorry.


    Send complementary emoji.


    Eliza: There you go again. You apologize after.


    Rendo: Okay...


    Eliza: Come on. Just messing with ya.


    Send complementary emoji.


    Rendo: What??


    Eliza: Anyway, had a good day. I went to a seminar for international students.


    Send complementary emoji.


    Rendo: What for?


    Send complementary emoji.


    Eliza: Oh... I''m going to study in Japan for the next two years.


    Send complementary emoji.


    Rendo: You are?! That''s great! Congratulations!


    Send complementary emoji.


    Eliza: You seem so enthusiastic, it''s like you''re the one going abroad.


    Send complementary emoji.


    Rendo: Iie. Hontou ureshii. Ganbare!


    (No. I am really happy for you. Do your best!)


    Eliza: Arigatou. Ganbarimasu!


    (Thanks. Will do!)


    Exchange short videos that they took for the day.


    Wait, why are they speaking Japanese now? Better adjust the language settings back to English. Oh, wait, right. They do speak Japanese, so I can, too? Watashi wa narrator desu. Firipinjin desu. (I am the narrator. I am a Filipino.)


    As usual, they would talk for hours from the rising morning sun into the dead hours of the night. Even their mobile phone batteries tire first before they do. Of course, after that little chat of some twelve hours (which had a number of breaks in the middle anyway), Rendo begins to think to himself. His thoughts go something like the following:


    "If she''s going to Japan, and it''d be two years... what then?"


    "Well, she is likable enough... but it''s not as if I love her, so why bother?"


    "Two years, huh? Come to think of it, it has been two years ever since..."


    "What is she to me, really?"


    That is my question, too, if you catch my drift. Let us see how it goes on the other side of the spectrum. Her thoughts go something like the following:


    "Is he concerned that I''d go to Japan? Nah, he''s too dense to even think about it."


    "I don''t exactly hate the guy... but it''s not as if I love him, right? Right?"


    "It''s been years since then... if my feelings are different now, so is his..."


    "What is he to me, anyway?"


    They may be apart, but their night is far from a peaceful one.


    Soon enough, the week passes. It is Sunday again, but perhaps the last Sunday they would be able to have together. At Sunday School, both were quiet. Yes, they are seatmates, but not one word was uttered between them. Then, just as the teacher dismissed the class, Rendo followed her and attempted to break the silence.


    "Ah. Wait, Eliza," he said as he tapped her shoulder.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    She was walking out of the room, but when he called, she turned to him. However, she is still silent.


    "I know you''re going to Japan and all, so here..."


    He pulls out a small box, dark blue in color and tied with a pink ribbon. It is around five (5) inches in length and two (2) inches in width.


    She look puzzled, and while she is looking at it, she dared not to get it. For the first time, she speaks.


    "W-what is it?"


    "It''s a gift."


    "For me?"


    "I don''t see anyone else here..."


    He laughs before continuing, "Of course, it''s for you. Take it."


    "I... I don''t think... I should accept it..."


    "Oh, really now?"


    They stop walking at that point. He takes her left hand and puts the box on her palm. Then, he closes her fingers a little so she can grasp it. She looks away as he does this, but then looks back at him again when he finished.


    He said, "You can have it."


    They continue walking.


    "I was asking... what is this?"


    He looked at her intently, and when she noticed this, she took her signature poker face again.


    "Himitsu." (Secret.)


    She punched him lightly on the arm before saying, "Baka..." (Fool.)


    Again, another moment of silence. They both smiled, even though they do not know that the other one did.


    Then, he answers her anyway, "It''s... How do I say this... a jingi of some sort... I really like that term. But the point being, it is valuable item for me."


    Ajingi is the Japanese term for a sacred treasure. In particular, thesanshu no jingi (three sacred treasures) is Japan''s national treasure, and the nation''s imperial regalia. In Japanese mythology, the three sacred treasures are given to their goddess, Amaterasu-¨­mikami. Once, Amaterasu hid in a cave, putting the world into darkness. These were supposedly gifts which amazed her, causing her to come out of hiding. When she did, the world saw light again.


    "Mm? And... you''re giving it to me?"


    "Yeah. It''s a remembrance gift, you see. So, like, when you have it, there''s a chance you''d remember me..."


    "Oh, I see..."


    "What''s ''where do you want to eat'' again in Japanese?"


    "There''s a lot of variations you can use to say that."


    They take lunch together in a nearby fast food restaurant, but they were dismissed earlier than usual, so it means they have more time to spare before attending church service. After eating, he begins the conversation again.


    "Are you sure about going to Japan? It''s two years. Will there be credit to the units you take there if it is less than the number of units prescribed in the curriculum here?"


    Usually, a semester for international students in Japan take only 18 units. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, 18 units is even minimal. Most Filipino universities usually assign a normal load of 21 units per semester to students, and it depends on the degree being taken. However, some international students in Japan are allowed only to take 12 to 15 units, depending on the fine print of their respective grants.


    "Yes, I am. You know well that it is my dream to go to Japan."


    "How about the expenses? Last time, you''re worried about it."


    "God will provide. Besides, my parents already gave their consent and they''ll support me financially."


    "I know... But, is it okay to leave family? Friends? You also said you had a lover, right?"


    "It''s not as if we''re in love. We are just MU, and without commitment. He''s just there for me, you know what I''m saying?"


    MU, in contemporary urban terminology, is an abbreviation for "mutual understanding."


    "Hm? Isn''t MU the level between best friends and lovers? So what you''re saying is that there are also levels when it comes to MU? Like, MU without commitment? Or, best friends during weekdays?"


    "Touch¨¦."


    "Anyway, as I was saying, have you thought of this well?"


    "Are you underestimating me?"


    "N-no..."


    "Look, it''s my choice, okay? My own free will."


    "Free... will?"


    "Yes. I did notice that you''re so happy for me the other day, but now, you seem to have changed your mind."


    "Oh, really? See, it''s just..."


    "It''s just?"


    She began to look at him intently, although she still wears her usual bored face.


    "You believe in free will?"


    "Ha? Yeah. Why?"


    "As for me, I don''t. I believe that all things have been arranged beforehand. Even our own decisions."


    "Free will is biblical. Don''t tell me you believe in destiny?"


    "No, I don''t. But okay, on what grounds do you say that?"


    "Deuteronomy 30:19-20. This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against youthat I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."


    She cites the verse as if it is etched in memory. There is no need for her to check the Bible.


    "But, free will is not mentioned there. Choice is different. Look at what the people of Israel did after what Moses said.Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you,after he has been good to you." Joshua 24:19-20."


    He also cites the verse without the need to look for it in the Bible. The discussion between tw heats up, and her apparent boredom is gradually vanishing.


    "If you say so. But, without free will, what is salvation? Why would God even say whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life? Did we not choose to believe? Did we not say in our prayers that we accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior? Therefore, it is our choice to make."


    She quotes a section of John 3:16, perhaps one of the well known Bible verses.


    "Jesus said,You did not choose me, but I chose you. Even as a man, Jesus said, ''Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but Yours be done.'' Luke 22:42. And they are both God, still. Jesus, being in a form of a man, shows that we, too, are not masters of our lives."


    He quotes a section of John 15:16 for the first part of his statement.


    "How about bad actors, then? The villains like Hitler. You mean to say that the ever gracious God purposely let them be bad?"


    "Peter writes that ''They stumble because they disobey the message - which is also what they were destined for.''"


    He quotes a section of 1 Peter 2:8.


    "We should have been robots! Mindless robots. That is, assuming what you say about God is true."


    "Hey, that''s injustice for robots with artificial intelligence. But seriously, God is omniscient. Are you saying that what you choose is beyond His knowing?For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:29-30. I do not believe in destiny, because destiny can be changed. I believe that we are predestined. For example, I want to be taller still, but I cannot. That is because my atomic and biological structure would not allow it. You see?"


    "Hrrmm..."


    She looks down.


    "W-what is it? Come on, this is just an intellectual, and biblical, talk."


    At that moment, he realizes that he made a mistake. Eliza is smaller than him in terms of physical height. He is 173 centimeters tall. She is 140 centimeters tall. While Filipino males are usually taller than Filipino females, the former averaging 162 centimeters, while the latter 150 centimeters, they are both beyond average.


    Before he snapped out of his embarrassment, she walked out of the restaurant already. Of course, he is fast enough to catch her speed walking away. They walk together, once more in silence. Meanwhile, the jingi he gave her remains a mystery.

 Death By Free Will

    Eliza kept walking, ignoring Rendo who still follows behind her. However, she is not that fast by Rendo''s standards, so he was careful not to go beyond her. It was only a few minutes walk. As they are about to reach the church, Eliza stops walking and checks her phone. Even if there is nothing to check, she did so anyway, and then she turns to Rendo. He stops as well. However, without a word, she goes to the toilet. As for Rendo, he thought that he cannot possibly wait for her standing in front of the toilet. So, he positioned himself some fifty (50) meters away, making sure that all possible ways of entry and exit are within sight. All this work on securing the perimeter is a response based on experience. At least twice before this, she disappeared without saying goodbye. It might be rude for some, but for her, it is a normal practice. Nevertheless, Rendo was determined that it will not happen again. The last two times, he was lax, being confident that she is a trusted friend anyway. However, this time, he is not so sure, especially because she did not even take the time to explain these disappearances.


    He said to himself, "I may be seen as a stalker or what, but whatever. Let''s do this!"


    Ten minutes have passed. Surely there are not a lot of women in the comfort room? So, he decides to message her, just as he did in the past two disappearances.


    Rendo: Hello there. Attending church service now?


    Some five minutes passed before an answer came.


    Eliza: Hi. I''m meeting my parents. I''d attend with my family later.


    Of course, their church has multiple services. So, Rendo was defeated again by Eliza''s disappearing act. How did she do it? Evidently, the toilet is near the fire exit (or fire escape), which she can utilize to dupe him. After using the comfort room, she went on her way. Eliza, three points. Rendo, zero.


    Meanwhile, the preaching for that day is somewhat similar to their discussion earlier. The pastor cited Proverbs 19:21, which states that "Many are the plans in a man''s heart, but it is the LORD''s purpose that prevails." and Jeremiah 29:11, which states that "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." in his discussion of God''s perfect and pleasing will.


    It struck Rendo, who has been fiercely debating with himself about their earlier discussion. Somehow, it seems that God is trying to put an end to their talk that rivaled oral arguments, and at least to him, it also seems that he is right after all. Then, he thought of Eliza. He goes something like, "If she is going to hear this, would she finally believe what I say is the truth? Or would she insist on her own knowledge?"


    He does not want a simple discussion on the Bible destroy everything their friendship has built upon. However, as much as he wanted to make peace, the day passed without any communication between them. Of course, he is not the only one who is troubled. After attending church service, Eliza and her family ate out in a Chinese restaurant. With the meals still unfinished, Eliza raised her question.


    "Pa?"


    Her father asked her, "What is it, Iza?"


    "There''s this guy..."


    "What?? You''re going out with boys again?! That last one from Baguio already gets on my nerves! Yeah, that one you''re ''MU'' with", his father says thunderously.


    "Not that, pa," she says as she placates his father with a tap on his arm.


    Then, her mother asks with a mellow voice, "So, what are you thinking about?"


    "Oh. Yeah, there''s this guy. I met him in church..."


    Her father is just silent after that statement. It would be her mother''s turn to talk with their child.


    "I see. Who''s this man? What about him?"


    "His name is... Rendo... and, well..."


    Her younger sister interrupts, "Are you blushing?"


    Eliza pushes her sister with some force.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    "No! Of course not. Eew."


    Then, her mother asks in order to continue the story, "What about this... Rendo, is it?"


    "Yeah, ma. You see, we met some two months ago, and we have been talking almost every day."


    "So that''s why you''re staying up late at night with your phone?"


    "Ma, it''s not like I want it or anything..."


    Her younger sister interrupts again, "Yiee! She''s dating him!"


    Once more, Eliza pushes her sister with some force.


    Her father speaks, "You''re going out with this Rendo guy? You should at least have him meet us then!"


    "Pa, no. He''s not even close to Grent! Why''d I..."


    Grent is the one from Baguio who she has MU, or mutual understanding, with. He moved out of Baguio City, which is around 250 kilometers away from Manila, in order to study in the university. Obviously, Grent and Eliza attends the same university, but it is not a state university like Rendo''s. It is a private university which caters students of high socioeconomic standing.


    "Don''t mention that guy''s name to me! Wait... are you trying to tell us that you''re going out with both of them?!"


    "No! Of course not!"


    "Then what?!"


    Her mother speaks while patting the father''s back, "Pa, don''t scare Iza. Your blood pressure. You just ate the seafood platter, too."


    "If I see that man again, he''ll meet my full arsenal..."


    "Don''t mind your papa. Go on."


    "Yeah, as I was saying... He''s not as cool as Gr... the other one. He''s not a good meme creator or something, and we''re basically different in manga and anime preferences. I''m sh¨­jo and he''s sh¨­nen. The only cosplay he can do are masked heroes, and he can only afford the mask!"


    "So, what you''re saying is, he''s not your type."


    "Exactly."


    "Then, what were you going to ask?"


    "I admit, I do learn a lot from our conversations. But, there''s one talk I simply can''t agree with."


    "That is?"


    "A while ago, we''re talking about free will. I believe in free will, but he doesn''t. And I feel like he''s forcing his beliefs on me."


    "I don''t see it that way, Iza. I think he just wants to agree to disagree."


    "Still, that''s what I feel about him... Besides, he''s nice to me... Too nice..."


    "Your point being?"


    "It''s like... he''s using that rhetoric to convince me that I''m not the maker of my decisions. That I''m vulnerable. Weak. Small."


    "Hmm... I see. But, has he been making moves anyway?"


    "We''re seated together... We do have lunches together... And yeah, he gave me a remembrance gift."


    His father enters, "Oh, ma, you know gentlemen. They''re always nice to any woman out there."


    "Your papa has a point."


    "But, what about free will?"


    "I believe in free will, too, but if you want to, you can just ignore him, right? You''ve done that a lot of times in the past. He''s no different, if I''m to base on your story. It''s your own free will."


    "Right! You even dumped boys faster than I can pull the trigger against them."


    She thanked her parents for the advice. However, even if they had reached home, her younger sister kept bugging her about Rendo.


    "You know, sis, I once asked Rendo about you."


    "Wha... You did?!"


    "Yeah. As you said, Rendo''s really is a friendly guy. For me, he''s a nice person. Your Grent is a sarcastic man. I don''t feel all too good for him."


    "Enough. I don''t want your opinion. What''d you ask him?"


    "Fine. I asked him..."


    "What?"


    "If he wants to date you."


    "You said that?"


    "Yeah. You know what he answered?"


    "Mm?"


    "He said, you''re not his type either. He wanted a girl who is smaller than him, but only by ten centimeters or less. So, that''s about 160, I think? While he likes girls with glasses, he doesn''t want someone whose eyeglasses have the grade 200 above. He''d also like a girl whose academic achievement equals, or is greater than, his. He did say he''s running for honors..."


    As her sister speaks the narrative of Rendo''s "ideal girl," it turned to music playing in her ears. "You''re not his type either." It was as if she was struck by the Holy Lance (Spear of Longinus).


    Her sister continues, "Oh, yeah. He also said that he doesn''t want to date you because you already have a boyfriend. Really, you told him that? It''s quite harsh because you''re lying to him."


    "W-what? I''ve a boyfriend?"


    "Yup, that''s what he told me."


    "I... I have no..."


    "Right. He also said that he doesn''t want to date anyone anyway. Come on now, how hard have you dumped this guy? He''s too nice to actually suffer that, sis."


    "Look, I didn''t dump him or anything... He hasn''t even proposed yet!"


    "Yet? So, you''re expecting him to ask your hand then?"


    Her sister smiles mischievously.


    "N-no, of course not. It''s just..."


    Eliza starts to blush.


    "He seems to send signals?"


    "Sort of... I think...but his signals are so messed up!"


    "Sis, I know you don''t want my opinion, but here''s my take. The guy''s a good person. I don''t know what you''ve learned about each other, but please, sis... Take it easy on him. If you keep invoking your free will on your situation with him, he might as well die by free will."


    Eliza was speechless. Her sister is not the type of person who talks much. She is usually the quiet observer. Thus, she thinks that she must give the issue a serious thought if her sister spoke that much to tell her. That night, she goes to her room. She cannot sleep early, so she finished all her work in the computer before lying down on bed again. It is a school day tomorrow.


    Then, she recalls that Rendo did give her a gift. She searches her small bag, and it took her a number of minutes to find. It was already mixed up with most of her other things. Soon, she obtains the gift from what seems to be a labyrinth of stuff. She stares at the gift. Will she open it? What does it contain anyway? When will we see some real athletics? Will we ever come back to the normal timeline of this story? Well then, until next time.

 Penniless Foreigner

    The following day, Rendo decided that he would not send the first message again. Besides, he figured he might not be able to say anything worth her while. However, as his school day was completed, he cannot resist to do it. Therefore, that night, he sent a message, again through SNS. If you are only reading this now, SNS is an abbreviation for Social Networking Service.


    Rendo typed, "Good evening. How are you? Have you seen the gift?"


    As he expected, no reply came within the following minutes. These minutes built up to become hours. He played games in his phone while waiting. Time does fly when you play because it was already past ten in the evening when he finished the game. Really, he completed the story of the entire game within a couple of hours. Besides, it was just the beginning of the school year (August). There is not much school work to be done during the first day. After playing through that night, he was told by his parents to go to sleep. However, he is unable to do so. He kept thinking of Eliza.


    "But why... I''ve never been up so late thinking of a girl... besides Alisse, anyway..."


    He murmured to himself. It comes to a point that he is debating with himself again. Nevertheless, his waiting and sleeplessness was in vain. She did not respond that day.


    Another school day has passed. As he went home, he checked his phone, only to find it receiving network messages. Nothing more. He figured he should sleep early that day, especially because he did not sleep much yesterday. However, as he was about to sleep, he took a chance by checking one last time for the day. To his surprise, there is a message for him!


    She replied, "Hi there. Yes, I saw it. What about?"


    The late night conversation is on.


    Rendo: So... what do you think?


    Eliza: It''s... It''s supposed to be what now?


    Send complementary emoji.


    Rendo: What? It''s a tiny circular mirror, a necklace to fit the mirror in the end, and a small sword.


    Eliza: I saw. But, what about it?


    Rendo: You don''t like them? It''s a small scale representation of the sanshu no jingi. The mirror represents knowledge. The jewel represents wealth. The sword represents strength.


    Eliza: I know. But why''d you give them to me?


    Rendo: So... you really didn''t like them...If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Send complementary emoji.


    Eliza: Don''t change the topic. I''m asking you why you gave these gifts. It''s not everyday that a man gives gifts to a woman, and not all men even give anything. What does these jingi represent for you?


    Rendo: Easy, lady. I told you, it''s a remembrance gift. So that when you go abroad, you may have a chance to look at them and remember me.


    Eliza: Look, I''m not here for the drama. We can always talk like this even if I go to Japan. Besides, I''m not too much into sentimental things. In the end, they''re just... things. No useful value.


    Rendo: I... see...


    Eliza: I want gifts that I can use in life. Like, a new phone, or maybe a computer. Something like that.


    Rendo: Sorry. I just wasted your time. By the way, have you read the letter with it?


    Eliza: Letter?


    Rendo: Yeah. Written on the paper that covered the sword like a sheath.


    Eliza: I threw it away. I think it''s unimportant.


    Rendo: What?! Okay... Just, well, take care... See you in two years, I guess.


    Send complementary emoji. At this moment, Rendo''s ego has reached a critical low point.


    Eliza: Wait! That''s it? Surely you won''t go all the trouble gathering gifts for me and then give up just because I don''t like them!


    Rendo: What''s the point? You know well that I''m a poor man. I run to school everyday. I can only give as much as 20 pesos as an offering in church. If I''m blessed enough, I can give 50, but that''s it. To think it''s already 2020! But you, giving as little as 2,000 pesos to the church is no issue. It''s like a child''s allowance for you. For me, 2,000 pesos is enough for two school weeks! I''m sorry if I can''t afford "useful" gifts. Sorry if I''m nowhere near your level. When I''m with you, I always feel like a foreigner with nothing to show for it! I just want to be friends, because I only have few. That''s why I gave them to you. Those jingi are important to me. They''re close to my heart. But since you''re going abroad, and God knows when we''ll meet again, I want to take the chance to give you something to remember. Come to think of it, almost all of my friends are abroad already. You''re gonna be next! Woe to me, I cannot even afford a passport.


    Eliza: What''s with that litany? You''re the one who hurt me in the first place!


    Rendo: Hurt you? How?


    Eliza: I know it all! You''re just acting nice so you can date me and then have access to our family wealth! You even went far by deceiving my sister that I''m not your type, but I can see it in you. You even let me sleep on your shoulder once. Now, you tell me.


    Rendo: Date you? Of course not. Yes, you slept on my shoulder that time, but that''s out of the question! You''re not the first one to do so anyway, and you''re the one who was sleeping. What should I do? Leave you in an uncomfortable position? Come on. Where do you even get those ideas? I''m not interested in your money! For me, God will provide.


    Eliza: There you go again! Stop hurting my feelings.


    Rendo: What?! You''re the one who hurt my feelings by accusing me a lot of things. Is that how you treat a friend? Is it not written, a friend loves at all times?


    He quoted Proverbs 17:17.


    Eliza: You said it yourself! You love me, don''t you? Admit it!


    Rendo: Nani?! Anata ga suki janai!


    (What?! I don''t like you!)


    Eliza: Urusai!


    (Shut up!)


    Rendo: ...


    Eliza: I managed to find the letter from the pile, and I read it. It''s in Japanese. Don''t you think I can understand it?


    What is written in the letter? Why can they just agree on something already? How long will this flashback be? When will we ever see some action from this stereotype of a love story? I don''t care who you are, where you''re from, what you did, as long as you read this. Mata ne! (See you!)

 Chasing Shadow

    While Rendo was reminiscing these events with somehow mixed emotions, he unknowingly walks in the vicinity of the Town Center, which is quite near to his college building. As he seemed to walk aimlessly in the area while not going inside the Town Center itself, someone shouted to him.


    "Hey! Hora! Wasurenaide ne!"


    It took him a full minute before it sank in. He thought to himself, "Who''s shouting lyrics of that old song?" He is, of course, referring to Sweet Soul Revue by Pizzicato Five.


    He looked around. Then, the voice was heard again.


    "Hey! Ren! Yoohoo!"


    He thought, "Huh? That''s a name I rarely use. Who could''ve...?"


    Lo and behold, there stood the very person he has been avoiding to meet for today.


    He exclaimed, "It''s you!"


    "What''s with that shriek? It''s like you saw a ghost or something," she said as she approached Rendo.


    "W-why are you here?!"


    "Here you go again. I mean, we did agree to meet today, right?"


    "Oh? See, it''s not as if I''m trying to ditch you..."


    She held his wrist and pulled him as they walked inside. He was struggling, uttering words and phrases like "Hey!", "Let me go!", "Help! S-O-S!", "Killer beeees!", "I''m being abducted!", "We have nothing to lose but our chains!" and "May fire come down from heaven to consume thee!"


    The last one is a derivation of Elijah''s words in 2 Kings 1:10.


    She turned to him giggling, and said, "Ren, stop. You''re back to yourself again, I suppose."


    "Wait, how do you know that name?!"


    She kept silent until they reached a fast food restaurant, which is fairly spacious because only a few people are dining there. She moves one chair and motions him to sit.


    "Let''s have a little chat, shall we?"


    "Oh, um, alright, I guess?"


    He sits down, and then she takes the seat opposite him.


    Then, awkward silence. The few minutes that they avoided looking at each other and remained quiet felt like a few hundred years. To break what seemed to be a great barrier, she spoke first.


    "So, you''re not planning to come?"


    She looked at him intently, slightly leaning towards him with her arms resting on the table. This made Rendo nervous as they happen to have eye contact for the first time during that encounter.


    "H-hey! You''re thinking of something naughty, aren''t you?!", she wailed as she pointed at him with one finger.


    Surprised of her suddenly loud voice, he waved his hands in front of him. He exclaimed, "N-no! Of course, not! W-what do you think of me anywho?"


    She folded back her finger, but maintained her position a while ago.


    "I was asking, because you seemed unwilling to meet me."


    He looked away, as if gazing at something far away, even if there is nothing much to see outside but the sprawling tiangges (small markets) within the Town Center.


    Then, he answered softly, "You see... You probably won''t understand..."


    She smiled before saying, "Try me."


    He looked back at her again, but still avoiding eye contact.


    "Maybe you should answer some questions for me first..."


    "I''m the one who asked first, Ren."


    "I know, but..."


    She sighed, and then said, "Oh, Rendo. Always the suspicious person. Alright, do tell."


    "Err, how do I say this?"


    "How?"


    "It''s just that... See, it looks like you know quite a lot about me..."


    "Ah, yes. Straight and true, as you have always been."


    "That''s what I mean. Who are you, really? What is behind Miss Verona Dimasalang?"Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    "Oh," she managed to speak before giggling.


    "What?"


    "It''s like, the fifth time you referred to me by name!", she answered gaily.


    "Wait, you actually count that?"


    He began counting in his mind as he dug through his memory in a frenzied pace.


    "Why, of course! But that''s only because you do it so rarely..."


    Rendo raised three fingers in front of him and said, "That''s only three times!"


    Can you count how many times Rendo called Verona by name? Can you also identify which chapters did each scene happen? Three seconds to go! Three. Two. One. Zero! Final answer?


    ...


    Oh, alright. I need more time thinking.


    "Trust me, it''s five," she calmly said as she put her hand up, with all fingers raised.


    "How come?"


    Just then, a waitress arrived and asked, "Any order, ma''am, sir?"


    They both looked at her.


    Rendo thought to himself, "So that''s why she raised her hand. What skill."


    Verona thought to herself, "Really, I didn''t intend to... Isn''t the guy supposed to order anyway?"


    "Uh, ma''am? Sir?"


    She spoke once more when it seemed like a barrier of awkwardness is about to unfold. Fortunately for the waitress, they snapped back before the barrier was set up.


    "Right," Rendo said as he pointed in the menu, "I''d like to order this. How about you?"


    Verona responded as she looked at the menu, "Oh, me? What''s that you ordered?"


    "This one?", he said as he pointed in the menu again.


    "Hmm. Maybe I''d get this, and then an extra vegetable soup," she said while smiling to the waitress.


    The waitress smiled back at them, though rather mischievously, before saying the restaurant''s catchphrase and left with their order. Then, silence again.


    Rendo tried to break the silence, "W-where were we again?"


    She looked at him, and for the second time this meeting, their eyes met. When he noticed this, he quickly moved his eyes, without moving his head much.


    "I''ll tell you what you want to know," she said confidently, "but you can''t handle the truth!"


    He pointed to her with his arms stretched and exclaimed, "Shinjitsu wa itsumo hitotsu!"


    It is Japanese for the phrase: there is only one truth.


    One of her eyes twitched, then asked, "Shinjitsu what??"


    "Nothing," he said, laughing a bit, "You''re saying? It''s not that you''re a long lost sister or something, is it?"


    "Oh no, not that!"


    "Then what?"


    "Do you really not remember? The moment your eyes met mine? The time your hand touched mine?"


    "H-hey! You''re kidding! I didn''t...!"


    "Chill, man. That''s just an expression."


    "Oh, expression. Right..."


    "So, as I was saying," she continued speaking as she drew something out of her bag and placed it on the table, "Does this ring a bell?"


    "What''s that?"


    The waitress interrupted, "Your orders, ma''am, sir."


    She placed the meals on the table, while Verona moved the thing a little bit away from the center so it would not be mixed with their orders. Meanwhile, Rendo paid for the meals with their combined money. Apparently, he is not quite the gentleman who would pay for the entire bill. Of course, he is also not the gentleman who can afford to. As soon as the waitress left, the conversation continued.


    "So... yeah! What''s that?"


    "Look. At. It."


    He slightly tilted his head as he examined what she holds in her hand.


    "You want me to eat some more? Didn''t we just order food?"


    She just sighed and stored the thing back to her bag. Then, they begin eating.


    "So, he doesn''t really remember? What now?", she thought to herself.


    It is actually a small pack of biscuits.


    "Of course! I do remember that! It''s that newfangled biscuits made to taste like chips! What is she trying to tell me, though?", he thought to himself.


    Silence reigns once more as they ate. For some reason, the atmosphere between them became tense. Mere minutes again felt like years. Soon, the meal is finished.


    "Um..."


    They speak simultaneously, which caused them to feel a bit awkward for a moment.


    "Oh, yes, you go first," he said.


    "Oh, no, do tell. What were you saying?", she asked.


    "You see, to be honest, I do remember something from what you just showed me..."


    "To be honest? So, you weren''t honest all along?"


    She smiled, then they laughed.


    "Anyway... I do remember something... Um, you mind me talking?"


    "Oh! Please continue," she said while trying to keep her cheer to herself.


    Rendo narrated that one time, when he was still a child, he did receive a pack of biscuits similar to what she has brought. It was the first time he ever saw that kind of biscuit, and he eats them to this day because they are indeed delicious. At least for him.


    "And... Do you remember who gave you those biscuit chips?"


    He stopped from speaking and stared for a moment. Meanwhile, she snapped her fingers to call his attention.


    "Hey! Hey!"


    "Ha? W-what?"


    "Tell me, do you remember?"


    "You see... S-she''s... I suppose... a friend?"


    "Friend?"


    "Yes, right... but we haven''t met for a long long time."


    "How long, if I may ask?"


    "Years. Must have been more than a decade, I guess?"


    "That''s really a long time."


    "Yeah. But you see..."


    "Hmm?"


    "I don''t want to say this, really... You know, you''re a girl, too..."


    "Are you blushing?", she asked as she tried to contain her laughter.


    "No! That''s just the effect of spicy foods."


    "Fine then."


    "I mean, it''s not that we had much to reckon with. I''ve been with ladies for far longer periods. But, you see... I''d been..."


    She gulped, although he did not seem to notice it.


    "Like chasing a shadow. You know it''s there, you can''t catch it. You simply aren''t fast enough. I know she''s out there... And I''ve been wanting to meet her again... But we''re separated. Poof! I mean, how big is Metro Manila? How big is the Philippines, for us not to be together again as friends? The time and space between us is simply incomprehensible! Of course, if God is not for us, then it''s settled..."


    "I... I understand," she said as she pulled out the snack again and put it in his hands.


    "Ha? What...?"


    He looked at her, only to find out that she was looking at him as well.


    "Chasing shadows, you say? If she''s like a shadow... Say, a shadow of your past...? Then, even if you can''t reach her by your sheer power, she must still be with you always. Are you trying to tell me that this girl hasn''t departed your heart? Besides, what else is there to say in case you meet her? What else is there to do? If you compare her with a shadow, does that mean she''s part of a darker past?"


    "A dark past? Oh, come on. Do I look like kagemusha to you?"


    "I''m just saying what I observed from your story."


    He smiled, "Enough about shadows! Now, you know. Let''s hear your story to share."


    "Wait! You still have to finish yours!"


    The meeting goes on. Why does Verona want to see Rendo in the first place? I mean, just say it already. Who is the woman Rendo has met more than a decade ago? What is the brand of the biscuits she brought, so I can go to the store and buy some, too? How do these all fit in this narrative? And more importantly, when will we even see some real running?! Oh, alright. Whatever it is, Run to the Sky continues in the following chapter. Read on, okay?