Jay‑Jay's POV
I don't know when I finally fell asleep last night. My body was heavy, my mind numb, but eventually, everything went quiet, and I drifted off.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through my curtains. I blinked slowly, my head still foggy from sleep. School. I had to go. Kuya Angelo would scold me if I didn't.
A knock at the door made me sit up.
"Come on, get ready for school," my brother, Aries, said, leaning in the doorway.
I groaned, hiding under the blanket. "Please… don't tell Kuya Angelo. I really don't want to go today."
He shrugged, smiling faintly. "Okay, I won't tell him. I'll just text them."
I nodded slowly, relief washing over me. I got up, put on my uniform, and combed my hair carefully. I usually didn't wear makeup at school, but today I put on a little lip balm. Just a small touch, but it made me feel… ready.
When I was done, Aries walked me toward the school gate. He went to his own class, leaving me standing there, but I didn't go inside. My stomach tightened. I didn't want to sit in class, didn't want to face anyone today.
So I didn't.
I quietly walked away from the school and headed toward the nearest park. The air felt fresh and calm, and the world seemed quieter here. I could finally breathe.
I stopped at a mini-mart along the way and bought some snacks—a sandwich, a cold drink, and a few chips. Then I found a quiet bench in the park and sat down, eating slowly.
For the first time that morning, I felt free. No school, no shouting, no chaos, no one telling me what to do. Just me. Alone. Safe.
And that was enough—for now.