Prologue
Mula sa mataas na bahagi ng kaniyang kwarto, tinatanaw ng isang sampung taong gulang na batang babae ang malawak na kakahuyang nakapalibot sa kanila. Walang makikitang ibang bahay sa paligid nito bukod sa nag-iisang mansion na kanilang tinitirahan na nakatayo sa tuktok ng burol.
It’s getting dark but she could still see everything, even the tiniest living things crawling on the ground. Malinaw niyang nakikita ang iba’t-ibang hayop na gumagala sa kakahuyan kahit na malayo siya rito. Naaaliw siyang pagmasdan ang mga ito na masayang naglalaro sa kakahuyan.
How she wishes she’s just like those creatures, having their own freedom… unlike her.
“Grandmama, when will I be able to see and experience the world outside this mansion?” a soft voice came out from the kid while her grandmother was slowly combing her long hair.
At a young age, her beauty was incomparable. The heavenly beauty that everyone was not yet ready to face, as it may bring chaos to the world.
“When you are old enough, darling. Old enough to decide for yourself, old enough to defend yourself,” the woman said and gave her a soft kiss on her forehead.
“Why, grandmama? Why do I need to defend myself?” inosenteng tanong niya.
All her life, she hasn’t even step a foot outside of their mansion. She hasn’t seen anyone other than her grandmother and Mr. Tummy their butler, who’s been with her since she was born.
“Yes, apo. Maraming bad guys sa labas. They may hurt you and that’s the last thing I want to happen. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Bakit may bad guys po? And why would they hurt me, grandmama? I’m a good girl naman po, di ba?” The sadness on her voice was visible. She felt sad at the thought of someone hurting her.
The old woman looked lovingly at her beautiful grandchild.
“Of course, darling. You are the sweetest girl in the world. Grandmama and Mr. Tummy will protect and guide you. No one will hurt you. Grandmama loves you so much.” The girl innocently looked at her grandmother and gave her a tight hug.
“I love you too, grandmama. And when I grow up, I would travel the world with you.” She smiled sweetly at her.
She wishes to have her own freedom, but maybe it’s not yet the time for her to have it. She just wishes she gets old a little faster, so she can have a glimpse of the world she longed to see.
