After 10 years. Royal Minimart, 12:00 a.m.
A young man, working the night shift as a part-timer, had dozed off behind the counter.
Door opens—TNG!
A teenage girl walked in, grabbed a cup of noodles, and headed toward the counter. She leaned forward, gently tapping a finger against the clerk's neck.
"Hey, mister wake up…"
He stirred, eyes heavy with sleep, and slowly reached out to scan the item.
Beep.
Kent: 25 pesos," he murmured tired
The girl smiled as she handed him the cash. He opened the drawer with a click, returned the change, and pushed it toward her.
"Thank you! Can we take a picture?"
His drowsy eyes blinked in confusion, but he gave a small nod. They both faced the camera—click!
"Thank you, handsome!" she said before running off, giggling as she disappeared into the night.
He sat there, frozen for a moment, wearing an awkward expression. What's her deal? wait is she likes me?(Pointing himself with finger) no she's only a brat.
---
Morning, 8:30 a.m. A street near a café.
A car sped past, wind and dust kicking up into the air. A young woman shielded her face, coughing.
Janelle:"Ugh, seriously?!" She waved the dust away, glaring at the vehicle speeding off. "Hey! Come back here! This road isn't yours!" She raised her hand, flipping the driver off.
Still fuming, she pushed open the café door. TNG!
"One iced Americano, please," she muttered, taking a seat.
Gina looked up. "What's with the sour face so early in the morning?" Ms. Caffe owner Hehe
"Some reckless driver just ruined my outfit with dust."
"Well, at least you didn't get hit."
"Doesn't matter! My iced Americano better be strong today."
"You're always mad at something," Gina teased, handing over the drink. "Anyway… remember what we talked about? Do you recall anything yet?"
"About what?"
"The last guy from your memory."
She froze, staring at Gina's mischievous smile.
"No i can't remember anything
"So you still don't remember anything? Like that guy saving you like romeo.
"I'm not realy sure if that dream of mine is real.
But the school is only feel familiar to me but i dont remember the name. Thats all
"Santa Barbara Highschool, right? the school that being abandoned 10 years ago, after the typhoon. you just don't want to believe me.
"The place that you talk about where the corpses floating in a flood?
"Yeah, that's right
"I never believe that, I already search that in internet two times but nothing come out.
"Hey (she didnt finish a word because janelle enterupt)
"Whatever. Probably just a myth.I have to go.Just manage my caffe properly. Okey? Hehe
She walked off, ignoring Gina's cheerful "Bye! Be careful!" from behind the counter.
---
A rusty sign above the entrance gate of Santa Barbara High School swayed violently in the storm, caught in a shaky camera frame.
Another angle —
A camera lens flickered, capturing the waiting shed, bending under the typhoon's fury.
Through the blur of rain, a young man stepped out from the waiting shed.
CRRKKK—BOOM!
Concrete split.
He turned sharply—
and saw a girl struck down by a falling wall.
Blood. Silence.
Kent jolted awake, gasping for air.
Sweat drenched his body, clinging to his shirt.
Beep—beep—beep!
The alarm clock flashed: 3:40 A.M.
Kent pressed a hand against his chest, trying to steady his breath.
His eyes… wide, haunted.
[Chapter 2 – Close]