ESTHER stretched her limbs as soon as she finished the last sketch of the building on her drawing table. Ibinaba niya ang hawak na pencil saka tinungo ang maliit na kitchenette sa kaniyang studio para kumuha ng tubig.
She poured water into the glass and was about to drink when the glass slipped out of her hand.
Nabasag ang baso ng tumama ito sa sahig.
Napaatras naman si Esther. At kakaibang kaba ang namayani sa kaniyang dibdib.
Napabuga na lamang siya ng hangin saka binalak na linisan ang nabasag. Kukunin na niya sana ang dustpan at walis nang tumunog naman ang cellphone niya.
Mira’s name appeared on the screen.
Then, three more calls in quick succession.
Her heart began to pound, and then she answered the fifth call.
“Mira? What’s—” ngunit hindi na pinapatapos pa ni Mira ang
