Chapter 1: Unexpected Changes

"Yaya, what's wrong? Why are you leaving? Who will keep me company at home? Who will I talk to?" I asked Yaya Celia, feeling a sense of abandonment creeping in.

"I'm sorry, dear. My eldest child is ill, and they need me more than ever," she explained, wiping away tears that I hadn't noticed were falling. I sat on her bed, watching her pack her belongings into a suitcase.

"Can't I come with you, Yaya? I don't want to be alone here. I have no one," I pleaded, pouting.

"I'm sorry, my child. Don't worry, your parents have found a replacement for me."

"I don't want anyone else, Yaya. Please take me with you."

She smiled at me. "Be open to visiting us in Mindoro, dear. Just let me know when you want to come, so we can prepare for your stay."

Yaya refused to let me accompany her, so I was left alone in the house. It was Kuya Melchor who drove her to Batangas Pier. Kuya Melchor was also my driver.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realize I had fallen asleep. It was dark outside when I woke up. Suddenly, I remembered Yaya leaving, and tears welled up once again.

I was all alone in the house now. Kuya Melchor was off duty today.

I was about to play some music on my cellphone when I sensed someone walking cautiously in the hallway.

Oh no! Had a burglar entered? I was alone. I felt a chill run down my spine. I hadn't locked my room. Help! I screamed in my mind. I even held my breath, afraid to make a noise.

Soon, I heard the careful opening of a door in the adjacent room.

Damn! It was a burglar. They were in the next room, rummaging through things.

I searched for my cellphone, but couldn't find it. Where did I put my phone again?

I didn't know what to do. Lord, help me!

I heard the intruder's careful footsteps in the hallway again. They seemed to be looking for their next target. My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would burst. I felt like my soul was leaving my body out of fear. I was crying now, overwhelmed with terror. What should I do?

Suddenly, the doorknob to my room turned. I couldn't breathe. And when the door opened, I screamed at the top of my lungs.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! HELP!!! BURGLAR!!!"

The person rushed towards me and covered my mouth.

"Miss, please don't scream. It's me. Your new companion."

I struggled and screamed again, "RAPIST! HELP!"

"Damn it. I'm not a rapist. I'm your bodyguard."

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