Sharlene had just returned, and her presence filled the room with quiet intensity.
"Did you ask him what you needed to?" Tashia asked gently.
Sharlene nodded. "I've found a lead on where to start, Tashia."
Tashia blinked, surprised. "What do you mean?"
"Leah Martinez… She's Lawrence's cousin."
The words hit Tashia like a jolt. Her eyes widened as she stared at her sister, stunned into silence.
Sharlene didn't respond right away. She let the truth settle between them. Tashia finally asked, "Does he know what happened here?"
Sharlene shook her head. "Lawrence doesn't know how Leah died. There are only rumors—that she ran off with another man."
"W-What?" Tashia stammered, struggling to process it. "That's what he told you?"
"Yes. He came back here searching for the truth too."
Tashia nodded slowly. "Are you going to use your ability?"
She sighed. "I don't know. I haven't felt Leah lately... but I keep seeing Grandma begging in my visions."
Sharlene's gaze sharpened. "What exactly are you seeing, Tashia?"
"Sometimes… Ashley gives me the sense that she wants to tell me something. And I catch glimpses of Leah's past. Sometimes, I even see her torturing the prisoner." Tashia looked down sadly.
"Is she torturing Ashley?" Sharlene asked, worry heavy in her voice.
Tashia shook her head. "No… It almost feels like Leah is protecting her. It's strange. It's like she locked Ashley away—not to hurt her—but to keep her safe."
"Leah had a child, didn't she?" Tashia asked.
"She did. But the child was never born," Sharlene said, her voice quiet. "She had a miscarriage... someone forcibly took the baby from her. She often weeps at a grave she made for the child."
Tashia listened quietly, heart aching. "Then… she wouldn't hurt Ashley."
Sharlene didn't reply. She stared at the floor, deep in thought.
"What if Leah's trying to protect her?" Tashia pressed. "Maybe she locked her up to shield her from others."
"I don't know," Sharlene muttered. "I just don't know what Leah really wants."
"If she harms my child," she added, "I won't be able to forgive her either."
Tashia understood the pain in her sister's voice. "Vivianne travels a lot," she said, shifting topics. "Sometimes, she searches the past."
"What do you mean?" Sharlene asked curiously.
"She sees visions of how Leah died—how she wasn't even given a proper burial."
Sharlene's expression turned serious. "Who buried Leah alive?"
Tashia froze. "H-How did you know she was buried alive?"
"I saw it in a dream," Sharlene admitted. "But I couldn't tell who gave the order."
Tashia looked away. "Manuel—Leah's husband. And Angely... Sheila's sister."
Sharlene's eyes narrowed. Her silence returned as she processed everything.
"All of this started because of Grandma," Tashia murmured. "We both got pulled into this."
Sharlene gave a faint nod.
"Tashia, go home and get some rest," she finally said. "You're still young. You shouldn't be caught up in this darkness. You and Ashley... you deserve peace."
"Sis, if I don't help you now, who will look after Ashley when you're gone?" Tashia asked, her voice firm.
Sharlene let out a soft laugh. "You really love that child."
Tashia didn't answer. She simply picked up her bag.
"I'll be back after our midterms," she said as she looked at her sister. "It's almost here."
"Good luck and God bless, Tashia."
Before leaving, Tashia gently touched Ashley's forehead.
"When you wake up, Ashley," she whispered, "I'll spoil you. I promise."
"Be careful," Sharlene called after her.
Tashia stepped out the door, walked down the hallway, and sighed deeply. Her heart was heavy, but her determination was firm.
They would soon be traveling to a town for their study tour. And in that town, she hoped to find more answers.
I didn't tell Sister Sharlene everything. I don't want her to worry too much. Tashia kept her thoughts to herself.
She boarded a jeepney to head home. The group would be departing soon, and they'd be staying for three days. It felt more like a final exam than a simple school trip.
When she arrived home, her sister Vivianne was waiting.
"Did you tell Sharlene?" Vivianne asked.
Tashia shook her head while continuing to prepare her things. Vivianne didn't press her further.
"Tell me if you see anything strange while you're there," Vivianne reminded her.
"Did you see something?"
"I'm not sure. But no one knows the full story… or why Leah disappeared."
Tashia nodded quietly. She finished packing, got dressed, and stood by the door.
"I'm heading out."
"Be careful," was all Vivianne said.
Tashia picked up her bag and stepped out. She still didn't know exactly where they would be staying, but she had a feeling it would lead her closer to the truth.
She waited at the meeting point for her group. It was already dark when they arrived. Once gathered, they began their journey—unaware of what awaited them in the shadows of the past.