Curse

'Let’s play.'

'One, two, three…'

'I found you!'

'You were actually so easy to find.'

'Anastasia!'

News Report: A woman was found dead at the bottom of the cliff here in San Isidro, Barangay Tres. The cause of death has yet to be determined, but residents say this area is considered dangerous. Reporting from the News Discovery Report.

Again.

'There are so many reports of killings in our area,' Nanang said while shaking her head as she ate bread. 'That’s why the two of you should never go out and come home at night.'

I simply nodded at what she said while staring outside our house. It was already getting dark.

There are so many reported tragedies in our place, yet no one knows who is behind them all. Even if they want to know, they are afraid that once they do, something terrible might happen.

'Sanaya, close the door now. We might get robbed.'

'Yes, Nanang.'

Nanang has been extremely nervous ever since the killings in our area became frequent. I can’t really blame her, because even I am afraid of what’s happening.

'Earth to you, girl!'

'What is it?'

'Look at this, honestly, if you weren’t pretty, I would’ve shaved your head already.'

'What is it?'

'I was just going to ask something.'

'Oh, never mind, I already forgot.'

What am I doing here? Why do I suddenly no longer recognize myself? Who am I?

'Anastasia!'

I want to leave this place already. It’s so suffocating, I can’t breathe properly.

'Anastasia!'

Please, I want to leave. Have mercy.

'Anastasia!'

'I don’t want this anymore!'

It’s deafening, so loud, and above all, infuriating.

'HAHAHAHA! Do you want to play?'

'Oh, never mind, because starting now, you’ll disappear from this world.'

'Any last wish?'

Together, forever and ever.

Not a single wish ever comes true. Everything is lost, and everything will eventually disappear from your life. Sometimes, they’ll even show you how they leave you behind.

An accident, or not?

Sometimes it leads to a brutal crime, and we don’t even realize it’s already right behind us.

'Let’s play hide-and-seek. The first one to stand will be it.'

'Where are you going?'

'To the grave.'

All I can see is darkness beneath the deafening night.

'Why is it like this?'

'A curse.'

'What?'

'A CURSE!'