The old brick house stood there, like a timeless piece of art. Inside were proof of the island's history; furniture that were obviously not used or moved for a long time, few things that can only be described as ceremonial items, old images of the residents on the wall. The house might look abandoned on the outside and has not been properly cleaned, but inside was neat and can be said the museum of the Island. It was properly maintained and might've been used as an altar of some sort, too.
"It's beautiful, right?" Isla stood beside him as they look at the oldest picture there. It was a group of people of different generations, they have twice or triple the size of residents, compare today. "I don't know how, but that was the very first picture taken in this island. I believe some foreigner, or people form some kind of expedition got into this island and had gifted them a picture. I have heard that this island was the oldest island known to have been with people compare to others. But it was also discovered or visited late because of the distance from all the other islands." She explains as they continue to stare at the picture. But everything was now hard to see as the sun was about to set.
"We better make out way down now. It's dangerous here at night. We'll just visit this place again another day." Adrian nods as he slowly steps back while reluctantly leaving the image out of his sight.
"Hey, Isla." He stood there, by the doorway, just staring at her as she was a few meters aways from him. She looks back at him, confused.
"Yes?"
"Can I…" he hesitates at first, before breathing deep, finding some courage to request something outrageous even for him. "Can I stay the night here? I promise I will not touch anything or damage anything. I swear." He lifts up his right hand, like a scout swearing on his dignity.
"Why?" Confusion was visible on her expression as she slightly tilts her head, thinking for any possible reason for his request.
"You know I am an author, right? I don't think I can make it back home this disturbed. I need to write everything now, or I feel like I'll regret not doing so." He explains
"But you don't have anything on you. No lights, nothing to sleep on, no food, and you'll be alone there all night. Are you okay with all that?"
"I already ate a lot this noon, and I believe I can survive not eating tonight. As for the lightings, I brought the little lamp and a flashlight on me, and I don't think I'll be sleeping tonight. I have too many to think of and write." He said as he rummages the bag he's been carrying, containing everything he had just said. "Good thing I brought my notebook and pens with me. I can write with these." He unconsciously smiles like a child in excitement as he eagerly awaits on her response to his request. She sighs and nods.
"Alright. Just promise me you'll be a good person and behave there. Not going to do anything. I trust you, Sir Adrian. I'll also inform Tatang Jose about this when I get down." Adrian made a little victory celebration when the permission was granted.
"I'll go back now. Take care of yourself, and good night." Isla said as she made her way back to the residential area.
"Bye! Thank you and good night." His slightly loud voice was carried by the wind to Isla. She waves her hand at him and he immediately sat down there, by the door frame, facing the cliff that was over looking the ocean that was now dyed in a different color.
He brings out his notebook and pen and describes the sight before him. He was smiling as he writes all the ideas on his head. On his head was a vision only he could see; it was like a movie trailer and a story slowly coming to life as he wrote every detail and points for the story. Only when the dark had really reached him did he realized how low the sun had gotten and the shadow of the cliff was upon him together with the cold breeze he now feels, did he finally enter the house and open the little lamp. He did not dare to sit on the chair or use the table there, he was satisfied with sitting on the ground, leaning on the wall and continuing his novel. He closes the door to block the cold wind from entering any further and he made sure to wrap his neck with the scarf he didn't knew the reason why it was on his bag, but it was still a blessing for his situation.
It was now fully dark outside when he decided to pause for a moment and stretch his body. He can feel the numbness of his legs and the pain on his back from sitting on the ground for, God knows, how many hours now. When he stood up, he heard some noise outside. He dares not peek or come outside to check it as it could be some dangerous animals for all he knows. And when the rustling sound disappeared, did he finally feel his muscle relaxed. He is not afraid, just being cautious, he mumbled to himself as he once again looks around the small house. He was especially captivated by the pictures posted on the wall. It was from different years and they were lined in order. He can see that the images after 2010 was now colored and not in grayscale. The only sad thing about those images was how the number of residents slowly decline and the number of younger ones were the obviously those missing ones.
He found himself staring at one particular person on those colored pictures. He can see a little girl smiling brightly as she was holding the hands of her parents on both hands. He can see that she resembles her mom mother more than her dad, but she got her father's smile – a bright and friendly smile can will surely make your guard down.
There was only five of those photos, Isla with her parents – the last one was from 8 years ago. She was already a young lady on that photo and she was holding a bouquet of flowers that can be easily found on the island. The next picture shows her sad smile together with the remaining villagers. He can just guess what happened, but the details were probably not something she'll share to a stranger, let alone a foreigner tourist.
His thoughts came back to him when he heard soft knocks at the door as it slowly opens. He was startled and he can feel his heart beating fast. He held his breath as he steps back slowly and silently. Until…
"There you are!" Isla's voice echoed the house as her head pops from behind the door. "What are you doing there on the wall?" When she fully entered the house with a big bag over her shoulder, a flashlight on her hand, and a confused look at her face, just then did Adrian realized he was holding his breath.
"You scared the chit our of me. I thought there was some criminal going after me." Adrian sighs in relief as he heard Isla's laughter.
"Criminal? There were none here. Maligno, maybe. But killers, thieves, criminals, those are impossible to be here on this island." She continues her hearty laughter as she put the duffle bag on the ground. Adrian looks even more confused?
"What was that? Mal-what?" his brows almost knitted together as he walks towards the corner he was occupying a while ago and grab his things.
"Maligno. Those are some kinds of creatures of the legends or stories famous in our country. Like some kind of, hmmm, fairytale creatures? More savage than ghosts? Well, whatever." She shrugs as she opens the bag in front of him. She brought out a colorful rolled-up mat made up of some kind of leaf or whatever material that is, he also brought a mosquito net with her.
"Here. You can use this if you want to rest, or sleep. I will arrange it for you. Unfortunately, you cannot use the bed on this house, as it was too old for use." Isla explained as she skillfully place the mat, tie the green mosquito net on the wall, chair, or somewhere it can possibly be tied on, and tell him how to enter inside.
"And there you go. I hope you can sleep well tonight." She places her hands on her waist as she looks at her accomplishment. "I'll leave you now. Bye."
"Wait. Is it safe for you to go back at this time? It was too dark out and it can be dangerous to you." Her eyes grew wide as she grins at him.
"Well, I can't possibly sleep here with you. Everyone will kill both of us the next morning. And again, I live in this island my whole life, what danger have I not faced yet? I'll be fine." She assures him.
"But – "
"Actually, Miko and his wife came with me, they're waiting outside looking at the moon by the cliff." She opens the door wide and Adrian walks behind her to see the couple talking happily as near the house, holding a big flashlight. "See? We'll be safe. Goodnight. See you tomorrow." The trio waves at him goodbye before making their way home. When they were out of sight did Adrian closes the door once again and rest inside the bed Isla made for him, continuing his novel.