The Murderer In My Shadow

Chapter Three: The Course of Killing

On the small island of Masbate, in the province of Aroroy, there lived a simple girl named Lihana. She's the only child in the family. Her parents were undergraduate and only finished elementary.

Despite that, Lihana lived a simple life. When she was young, they took care of her. They feed her with lots of healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits found in their backyard. Her mother loves vegetables and fruits, so her father decided to make a small plantation at the back of their small nipa hut.

While every little child wants to mingle around or play with other kids, Lihana prefer to be with her parents, to learn with them. Her childhood memories were full of happiness. A simple girl who loves smiling were a few characteristics of her. Her parents adored her much that even both of them can't stop laughing when she made silly or corny jokes in front of them.

Living as a farmer's daughter was a blessing for her until she reached the age of eighteen. That time, there was a storm surge in the ocean. Heavy rains continued and the wind was blowing too fast. That time, her parents were still in the mountain to secure their crops and livelihood. And she was left alone inside their small house.

Lihana was frightened because her parents have not returned yet. The whole day was raining and the ocean was angry. She doesn't know what to do. She wants to go out and help their parents, but she's also afraid that they might scold her.

The strong winds continue and the roof of their house was already blown away. Lihana went outside. She doesn't want to end up buried inside their house. Her eyes roamed around and looked for a place to stay.

She found a mango and coconut tree and hid in between them. Her nervous did not subside because her parents still did not return. She doesn't know when the storm will stop. What she can only do is to stay in the shadow of the mango and coconut tree.

Hours and hours later, the waves calmed and the rain has stopped. Lihana woke up and decided to find her parents in the mountain. To keep herself warm, she just embraced and rub her hands in her body. Halfway to her parents field, a horrible scene greeted her. Their crops were blown away and their rice fields were ruined.

“Father! Mother! Where are you?”

Left and right, she looked for her parents. She shouted out loud, so they can her voice, but no one responded. Calling them was the least she can do, but her mind won't stop telling her that they're gone. An hour later, she stepped on something sturdy, only to realized that it was her parents' bodies.

Her hands were shaking. The coldness she felt were even colder when she slowly checked it. Tears began forming from her eyes and saw two hands holding each other, unmovable and no longer breathing.

“Father! Mother!”

She wailed, shouted, screamed, and busted out, trying to revive them. But their pulse stopped and no one was even there to comfort her.

...

A week later, Lihana roamed around the downtown of Aroroy, walking alone like a beggar who needs food. She missed her parent, but she's not crazy. While strolling in the streets, one flier fell on the ground. Out of curiosity, she picked it up and read.

“Chambermaids and butlers are needed. Come and apply in my mansion. Compensation and salary guaranteed for three years. What are you waiting for? Apply now! Limited slots are available.”

Her spirits were awakened and decided to pursue it.

...

Lihana found herself lying inside a coffin. She remembered that she was on her way to the mansion and even recalled that she was hired. And then, when she was told to clean and change first, someone just knocked her out and found herself inside this coffin.

“Hello? Anyone! Is there any one in there?” she tried knocking, and pushing the coffin out, but she can't even move her body.

“Hey! Is there anyone who can help me? Let me out! LET ME OUT! Oh, God, save me. Please! Help! HELP!”

Lihana continued punching the coffin inside, shouting at the top of her lungs and trying to catch her breath. She did it many times, wishing that someone or somebody might hear her pleas. But, no one was there to help her.

Unknown to her, a shadow was just standing and continued to bury the coffin deep in the ground. He shoveled and shoveled, three to five feet under, burying her. After making sure that he successfully buried her, he smiled and put away the gloves and shovel he used.

Inside the coffin, Lihana was helpless and hopeless trying to catch her breath. Sweating were all over her body. She even micturated out of fear. Lihana lost her parents and now, she's facing another predicaments to save her breath.

“God, I don't think I deserve this. Please, help me. Help me get out of here.”

Sweating profusely and grasping her breath, she pleaded for help to God. Despite the congested place she was in, she tried her best to survive. She even grabbed her pockets and feel if there were objects she can use. But then again, she failed.

In the dark shadow inside the coffin, Lihana fought hard until her eyes closed and heart stops beating.

“This feels nostalgic and victory. I have never done anything like this before and it feels good. It's just the beginning of carrying out my plan. Amberlene cannot get away from this.”

The shadow in the dark area of the forest laughed. The suspect was happy to execute the plan to one of the victims. There are still a lot of prey to lure and the course of killing has just begun. The evil laughs slowly faded and the person who killed Lihana immediately went back to where he came from.

Just like a thief in the night, no one knows the presence and act of this suspect.