The exhaust of the jeepney roared loudly as Rio rode through the scorching heat on Sumulong Highway, headed back to Antipolo City which is technically in Rizal Province, next to Metro Manila. Sweat trickled down his forehead, a testament to the unforgiving weather. From the mall, he had boarded many jeepneys just to travel back to their neighborhood, it was his final trip. Inside the jeepney, warm gusts of wind offered little relief, swirling around the passengers in the spacious backseat.
At a stop near a convenience store in Cainta Annex, a place situated between Marikina City and Antipolo City, a man boarded with a paper bag in hand. "Bayad po," he said, passing his fare down the line of passengers, including Rio. Rio noticed the man's runny nose as he handled the money.
As they continued their journey, a firetruck blared past in the opposite lane, its siren piercing the air.
Finally, the jeepney reached Rio's stop across the village where he lives. He pulled the cord, signaling the driver. "Para po," he called out, carefully avoiding hitting his head on the low jeepney roof as he disembarked with his backpack.
T/N: "Bayad po" means "payment" and "Para po" means "pardon" passengers usually says it to the driver to inform them that they want to get off the jeepney.
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"I'm home," Rio announced, slipping off his shoes before entering the house. <5:13 PM> The wall clock's hands marked the time with each ticking second.
"Oh, Rio, you're back early," greeted his mom, Mrs. Aria Nieva, from the dining table where she was enjoying grilled squid and rice she had just prepared. "How was school?"
"Okay, I guess. They let us out early today," Rio replied, grabbing a chilled water bottle from the refrigerator. As he took a refreshing sip, he noticed the stack of bills on top of the fridge. "Love letters," he quipped.
"Yeah, very sweet, aren't they? It's that time of the month," Aria chuckled after swallowing a bite.
...
"So, any girls catching your eye lately?" Aria teased, nudging her son about romance.
"Ha, you bet. Like I told you, no one's interested in me. I'm not looking either," Rio said, finishing his drink and putting the bottle away. "Besides, I don't have the money for dates."
"Fair enough," Aria nodded in agreement.
Before settling on the sofa, Rio fetched a drinking glass from the kitchen, filled it with water, and left it on the table for his mom's convenience.
"I'm starting to feel lonely in this house, you know. I'm eager to meet my future daughter-in-law already!" Aria joked before taking a sip of water. "But seriously, I think you need someone who isn't all about luxury, someone who cares deeply for you. Someone like me!" She laughed.
"Don't need one if I already have you," Rio replied warmly.
"Aww, you're so sweet," Aria smiled.
...
"Oh, by the way, I tried applying for a janitorial job at the mall, but they wanted me to go through an agency in the next city. Too far," Rio slouched on the sofa.
"It's okay, Rio. That's why I keep telling you to focus on your studies. People serious about work have to prioritize," she comforted. "I appreciate your intentions, but finishing college is important."
"Yeah, you're right, Mom," Rio sighed, closing his eyes briefly.
"I made grilled squid today. Get some rice and eat," Aria suggested.
"I'm not hungry now. Just going to lie down for a bit," Rio said, heading to his room.
"Okay, but don't forget to eat later. I'm off to work," Aria reminded him.
"Sure," Rio replied, closing the door. "Leave the dishes in the sink; I'll wash them when I wake up."
Rio switched on the electric fan and collapsed on his bed, still in his school uniform. The warm afternoon sun peeked through the curtains, casting dancing dust particles around his room as he rested.
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Hours slipped by, transitioning from afternoon into dusk and then into night, enveloping Rio's room in darkness. He stirred awake, his gaze drifting to the shadowy ceiling, feeling groggy from the day's heat and the cooler evening breeze that followed the sunset. Checking his phone, he discovered it was already <9:09 PM>.
"Damn, I ended up sleeping for three hours instead of just a nap," Rio yawned. "Mom's probably at work by now. I need to start doing chores, take a shower, eat dinner, and finish my assignments."
Rio got up, leaving his room and stepping into the dimly lit living room. It was a familiar sight – Aria always turned off the lights before leaving for her 6 PM shift at the call center. However, there was an exception: the television was still on, its glow casting an eerie light and emitting faint, indistinct noises.
"Did she forget to turn it off?" Rio mumbled, rubbing his eyes. "She's getting forgetful..."
Approaching the television to switch it off, Rio noticed the news playing on the screen. The screen was split into multiple segments, each showing different footage:
"We bring you live coverage from the North Luzon Evacuation Center," the main news anchor's voice echoed in the quiet room. The first segment showed a long queue of vehicles at the boundary of the evacuation center, heavy traffic indicating the seriousness of the situation. Cars and trucks lined up bumper to bumper, headlights piercing through the gloom of dusk, as people in masks and hazmat suits directed the traffic flow with urgency.
"In the midst of escalating infections, authorities are implementing strict evacuation measures," a field reporter's voice narrated over the first segment. "This area has been designated as a evacuation center to prevent further spread of the virus. Vehicles are being thoroughly screened and individuals are undergoing medical checks before entering, a process that's causing significant delays."
"We now transition to aerial coverage of the ongoing operations," another reporter continued in the second segment. The screen shifted to an aerial view of the North Luzon Expressway, revealing the expansive evacuation center. The camera captured a sprawling area cordoned off with barriers and guarded checkpoints. Emergency vehicles and military personnel were visible, creating a stark contrast against the backdrop of the city lights dimming into the night. Floodlights illuminated the perimeter, casting long shadows and highlighting the tense atmosphere of containment efforts.
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"Our aerial footage shows the extensive efforts being made to manage the situation," the reporter added. "Authorities are working around the clock to ensure that the evacuation protocols are strictly enforced. The goal is to isolate and treat infected individuals while preventing the virus from spreading further into densely populated areas."
Meanwhile, a third segment next to the aerial view showed chaotic scenes within Metro Manila. People were seen fleeing, some directionless amidst traffic jams, accidents, and fires. Buildings were vandalized, and thick smoke billowed into the sky, painting a grim picture of the unfolding crisis.
"As panic grips parts of Metro Manila," a third reporter's voice explained over the footage, "residents are desperately trying to leave affected areas. Authorities are urging calm and advising people to follow evacuation protocols to ensure their safety."
"Is this real? How did things escalate so quickly?" Rio whispered, his eyes glued to the scenes of unrest and disorder on the multiple segments of the screen.
His thoughts raced, trying to grasp the enormity of the unfolding disaster as the room felt colder than before. Rio stood transfixed by the unfolding events on the television, desperately trying to make sense of the rapidly deteriorating situation outside.
Muffled noises from the neighbors next door caught Rio's attention. The sounds of raised voices and commotion outside interrupted his thoughts. Curious and alarmed, Rio glanced out the window.
His neighbors were shouting, some carrying backpacks and fleeing down the street.
"They're leaving... Could they be headed towards that evacuation center?" Rio's heart raced with apprehension. "This is really happening."
Rio's mind raced with worry, especially for his mother who was out there working amidst the chaos. He quickly grabbed his phone.
"Mom... She's out there. What if..." Rio's thoughts raced with concern as he dialed her number.
The familiar ringtone echoed through the quiet house, drawing Rio's attention to the soft glow emanating from the kitchen. Aria had left her phone behind again.
"Why'd she leave her phone?" Rio muttered, his concern growing. He made his way to the kitchen, each step cautious. There was something wet on the floor, but in the darkness, he couldn't see what it was. He fumbled for the light switch.
As the kitchen flooded with light, Rio's heart sank. Foamy saliva and a mixture of vomit stained the floor, triggering a flashback to the mall restroom where he had encountered a sick man.
Beside the trash can lay the remnants of his mother's freshly cooked grilled squid.
Suddenly, a scream echoed from Aria's room.
"Mom?" Rio rushed to her door, knocking urgently. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"
"Rio, is that you?" Aria's voice trembled from the other side. "Please, don't come in!"
Rio tried the doorknob, but it was locked. "Mom, talk to me. Let me help you."
"No, Rio. I can't let you see me like this," Aria sobbed. "Just go away."
Frustration boiled inside Rio. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then with determination, he threw his shoulder against the door. It took several attempts, but finally, the lock gave way with a loud crash.
"Rio, why are you so stubborn?" Aria cried out as Rio burst into the room. In the dim light, he saw his mother, pale and weak, lying on the bed.
"Mom..." Rio's voice caught in his throat. "What's happened to you?"
"Listen, Rio," his mother said weakly. "I've been infected. It's my fault."
Rio reached for the light switch, but Aria stopped him.
"Please, no lights!" she pleaded, visibly agitated. "My eyes... they hurt."
Rio sat down beside her, his mind racing. "How did this happen, Mom? You were fine earlier..."
"It was the grilled squid," Aria explained, her words labored. "I think that's how I got infected. I threw it away to protect you."
"I'm sorry, Mom," Rio said, overwhelmed with guilt. "I should have been more careful."
"It's not your fault," Aria reassured him weakly. "The virus... it's spreading faster than anyone expected."
Tears welled up in Rio's eyes. "What can I do to help you?"
"There's nothing, Rio," Aria said sadly. "This virus... it's like rabies. Once it takes hold, there's no cure."
Rio struggled to comprehend. "Then... what happens now?"
"Soon... I'll lose control," Aria's voice shook. "I locked myself in to protect you."
"But Mom..." Rio protested, tears streaming down his face. "There must be something..."
Aria reached out, stroking Rio's cheek gently. "Promise me... if I become a danger to you... end it quickly. Promise."
Rio couldn't bear to hear those words. "No, Mom, I can't..."
"You have to promise, Rio," Aria insisted, her voice growing weaker. "For both our sakes."
Rio stared at his mother, his heart heavy with dread and sorrow. He couldn't believe what was happening, yet the evidence was right in front of him.
"I promise," Rio finally choked out, his voice trembling. "But I don't want to lose you, Mom."
Aria managed a weak smile. "I know, Rio. You've always been my strength."
Rio sat beside her, holding her hand tightly as if trying to anchor her to this world.
"I don't know why... but suddenly I'm remembering all our happiest moments together," Aria said softly, her voice distant yet filled with nostalgia. "You were just a little baby then... and now you've grown so much, taller than me."
Tears continued to flow down Rio's cheeks. "Mom..."
"Rio, there's one last thing," Aria interrupted gently, her breathing labored. "If... if I turn... take care of yourself. Pack your things and try to get to the evacuation center."
Rio shook his head in disbelief. "I can't leave you..."
"You must," Aria insisted weakly. "It's the only way to stay safe. Promise me, Rio."
With a heavy heart, Rio nodded. "I promise, Mom."
Aria smiled weakly, her strength fading. "Don't forget to eat... and avoid seafood."
"I won't forget," Rio replied softly, his voice breaking.
Aria's body convulsed suddenly, and then she fell silent, slipping into a coma with a peaceful expression on her face.
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Suddenly, screaming shattered the silence.
Aria abruptly awoke from her comatose state, consumed by the virus. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her mouth foamed with infectious saliva. With an eerie intensity, she lunged towards Rio. Shock and terror gripped him as he stumbled backward, trying to evade her grasp. In a moment of panic, he tripped and fell, collapsing onto the floor with his infected mother.
Aria groaned and hissed, her once loving demeanor replaced by an insatiable rage. She crawled towards Rio, her movements erratic and animalistic. In a panic, Rio kicked her face repeatedly as he scrambled backwards, desperate to keep her away. He felt the wall at his back and stood up, staring in horror at his mother.
"Mom, it's me, Rio! Please stop!" he pleaded, hoping she would recognize him. But there was no trace of recognition in her bloodshot eyes.
Fear gripped Rio as he faced his mother's transformation. Her entire being seemed consumed by violence, her every movement driven by a primal urge to infect him. She screamed, her saliva dripping onto the floor as she surged forward.
Rio raised his arms to shield himself, managing to seize Aria by the arms and halt her advance momentarily. But she continued to push forward relentlessly. In a surge of adrenaline and survival instinct, Rio shoved her away with all his strength.
Aria's head collided with the wall, the impact echoing through the room. She collapsed, bleeding from the wound on her head. Seeing her incapacitated, Rio knew he had to act.
"I'm sorry," Rio whispered, his voice trembling with anguish as he grabbed a nearby pillow.
With a heavy heart and trembling hands, Rio pressed the pillow over his mother's face. He used his knee to pin her down, his entire body trembling as he suffocated her, ending her suffering.
Aria thrashed violently beneath him, her muffled screams piercing the air. Rio closed his eyes, tears streaming down his face, as he held the pillow firmly in place.
Minutes passed. Aria's movements grew weaker until finally, she went still. Rio released the pillow and sat back, his chest heaving with exhaustion and grief.
He stared at his mother's lifeless body in silence, overcome by the weight of what he had done.
"I killed her," Rio whispered hoarsely, his voice barely audible as he buried his face in his hands, overcome with sorrow and guilt.