Felix stared intently at his phone, as if willing a message to appear. He had been wrestling with the idea of forbidding his younger sister from joining the upcoming camping trip. Rumors had been circulating—dark ones—about girls going missing during this exact excursion. Two siblings, in fact, had reportedly died after disappearing from a similar trip.
Scratching his head in frustration, he glanced at the parental consent form. It was mandatory for students to join, and it had already been signed.
It's just three days, he tried to convince himself. Their adviser and several teachers will be there. He repeated that thought like a prayer in his mind.
But still, doubt lingered. He didn't want to stand in the way of what his siblings wanted. He had always done everything he could for them. For Felix, his siblings weren't a burden—they were his world. After their parents abandoned them, he took on the responsibility of giving them a better life. Whatever his body could endure, he did it—for them.
He never told his younger siblings where the money came from. He juggled many dangerous and unsavory jobs, the kind that would make the faint-hearted run. One of his main sources of income was selling meat from animals that had died of disease—a grim trade in the black market. He knew he was walking a thin line. The day the authorities came down on that illegal network, he would be the first in handcuffs. But before that day came, he wanted his siblings to be safe, to be okay.
People could judge him all they wanted, but he clung to survival. That's all he knew.
"Kuya." A voice broke through his thoughts.
He looked up. "Oh, Jenny, you're home already." He rubbed the back of his neck.
His sister's brow furrowed. "Are you okay, bro?" she asked, noting the worry on his face and the low battery symbol flashing on his phone.
"It's nothing. I was just thinking about Thalia."
"Why? What about her? She's not home yet?" Jenny asked, concerned.
"She's in your room. I meant the camping trip next week."
"What's got you so worried?"
He took a deep breath. "I already gave her permission, and I know it's something she needs to experience. But what if she disappears like those other girls? That's what's eating at me."
Jenny listened quietly and nodded.
"You've probably heard of that area... the one where many girls went missing?"
Her frown deepened. "You mean the one linked to the case of the two murdered sisters?"
He nodded again. "I just... I don't want to keep Thalia from doing something she's excited about just because of fear. But all the speculation about that place is giving me a bad feeling."
"Do you want me to talk to her? Maybe convince her not to go?" Jenny offered.
Felix shook his head gently. "No, I trust her. I just worry... a lot."
Jenny nodded. "Whatever's best for Thalia."
He smiled softly. In moments like this, it was clear to him how much Jenny had matured. She wasn't a little girl anymore. She had grown into a woman capable of making her own decisions.
"Jen, call Thalia. Dinner's ready."
Jenny silently got up, and Felix went to prepare the table for their modest family meal.
Soon enough, Thalia and the youngest joined them. They ate together, quietly.
"Take care while you're there, Thalia," Felix said.
She glanced at him, puzzled. "Okay."
He looked at the three of them. Even if my hands are stained, I want all of you to remain untainted. I'll carry the blame, no matter what. He kept the thought to himself and said no more.
****
Thalia stared at the consent form in her hand, still filled with hesitation. Deep down, she didn't really want to go. But she was early to school and surprised to find their classroom door already open despite the fact that no one else was there yet. Maybe the adviser had arrived early?
"You're early today, Miss Thalia Blanco."
The voice startled her, and she turned to see their adviser, Sir Jake.
"Good morning, Sir," she greeted politely.
"Good morning." He smiled, walking to the teacher's desk. She suddenly felt awkward under his gaze.
"Oh, is that your consent form?" he asked, pointing to the paper in her hand.
She nodded and handed it over.
"Good, I'm glad your guardian allowed you. I'm happy, Ms. Blanco." His smile deepened.
"Sir, I have a question," Thalia said hesitantly.
"Yes, what is it?" Jake looked up from the paper.
"What happens if a student can't attend the camping trip? Will it affect their grades?"
He frowned slightly. "I see what you're getting at, Miss Blanco," he said, glancing again at the consent form. "Technically, it won't hurt your academic standing too much if you don't go. But extracurricular activities like this one are vital. They're required. This camping trip helps in more ways than one—not just academically, but personally too."
Thalia understood then. Unless her guardian had explicitly disallowed her from attending, she had no valid excuse to back out. It was practically mandatory.
"Thank you, Sir." She offered a polite smile.
Sir Jake stood and gave her a pat on the shoulder before stepping outside. The classroom gradually grew livelier as students began to arrive.
Thalia, you have no choice. You need to go. It might even help your grades. Make your guardian proud. Don't let fear win,she told herself, trying to push away the unease that had taken root inside her.
Students began filing in, and she remained quietly in her seat.
"Well, look who's early today!" a familiar voice chirped as someone nudged her arm.
Thalia didn't need to look to know it was Ruth.
"Good morning, Ruth."
"Did you get permission?" Ruth asked eagerly.
She nodded.
"Yes!" Ruth cheered. "Let's shop for supplies together on Saturday!"
Thalia smiled weakly and nodded again. But deep inside, she didn't know what awaited her in that place over the next three days.