Chapter 2 Growling Stomach And Cold Sweats

• I heard my mother sigh, her voice laden with hesitation as she spoke. "Hays, you really have to take care of yourself, okay?"
• With a determined nod, I looked into her eyes. "Okay, Mom. I promise you, I will take care of myself."
• Her voice trembled slightly as she repeated her plea, her concern shining through. "Take care, okay? Promise your mother, okay?"
• "I promise, Mother. With all my heart," I replied earnestly, attempting to alleviate her worries with my reassurance.
• A playful glint entered my eyes as I turned my attention to Dodong. "Hey, Dodong! While I'm away, I need you to be the strong one for Mother and Ate Datdat. And perhaps, if you can find a way, try to lighten Papa's mood. I know you can have a way with him, little brother," I said, trying to infuse a touch of lightheartedness into the heavy atmosphere.
• A smile brightened Dodong's face as he nodded eagerly. "Yes, Ate! I'll take good care of them. You take care too, and make us proud!"
• Before departing, I cast a final glance at my mother, feeling the weight of bittersweet emotions tugging at my heart. I enveloped her in a tight embrace, the warmth of our connection mingling with the underlying sense of longing. As I handed her my keypad cellphone, a tender smile curved my lips. "Keep it, Mom. This way, I can always reach out to you. I've already saved the number of this phone. If I need to contact you, I can borrow a phone at the mansion."
• Tears welled up in her eyes as she embraced the phone, holding it close to her heart. "Thank you, Lyka. It means a lot to me. And don't worry about us. We'll manage. Focus on your dreams and aspirations. You will always have our love and support."
• Her words stirred a mix of emotions within me—gratitude, love, and a hint of sadness. The embrace lingered a moment longer, conveying unspoken sentiments before I finally pulled away, a sense of purpose propelling me forward.
• As I settled into the bus seat, the weight of uncertainties ahead settled upon my shoulders. A heavy sigh escaped my lips, the weight of the world seemingly pressing down upon me. My mind wandered, contemplating what awaited me in that grand mansion—would it be a place of opportunity, or would it present unforeseen challenges?
• Lost in my musings, a pang of hunger interrupted my thoughts, reminding me of the sacrifices I had made. I remembered giving Dodong the last piece of biscuit from my mini bag, knowing deep down that he needed it more than I did. Although my stomach growled in protest, I held no regrets. Dodong's well-being was worth more than my temporary discomfort and hunger.
• As the bus rumbled along the road, I leaned back in my seat, closing my eyes for a brief moment of solace.
• "Hey miss, I'm selling biscuits. Would you like to buy it?" A woman in her early 30’s approached me.
• I wanted to buy them because I was hungry, but I didn't have any money left. I only had enough for transportation. I hadn't eaten anything because there was no food at home.
• "Thank you for offering, but I'm not hungry," I politely replied.
• She smiled mischievously and insisted, "Oh, really? I heard your stomach growl like a hungry lion! Rawr! Rawr! Rawr!" She even acted it out.
• "No, you must be mistaken. I'm perfectly fine! I'm not hungry," I said, glancing out the window, pretending to be interested in the view. But honestly, it was just the pollution outside, not something worth looking at.
• I decided to try and sleep to forget about my hunger. Maybe if I slept, it wouldn't bother me as much.
• –
• I was on my way to the mansion, riding the third bus. The problem was, I was really hungry, and it was making my head hurt. Everything looked blurry, like there were two of everything. It was a terrible feeling.
• "Relax, Lyka! Take it easy," I told myself, trying to calm down. But I couldn't stop the cold sweats that covered my face. I tried drinking some water to ease my hunger, but it didn't help much.
• Finally, we arrived at the mansion, but I still needed to take a cab to get to the actual house. The villa was enormous—when I say big, I mean really big! I couldn’t believe one family only lives here, it could pass as a subdivision!
• I could barely walk straight. My head was pounding, and my vision was still blurry. A man in a jersey noticed me and asked if I was okay.
• "Yes, I'm fine. Can you help me find a cab, please?" I pleaded, feeling like I was going to be sick. My stomach was in knots. I just needed something to eat!
• "Okay, but are you sure you're alright? You look pale," he said, concerned. I nodded repeatedly, not knowing what would happen next. All I wanted was to lie down, take a nap, and eat. Life can be so cruel sometimes.
• "Miss! I found a cab," he called out.
• I smiled and thanked him, relieved to have found a way to my destination. As I climbed into the cab, cold sweat continued to trickle down my palms. This was not good. I wanted to make a good impression on my first day, but my face looked tired beyond measure.
• "We've arrived at the address you gave me, miss," the cab driver informed me, snapping me out of my thoughts.
• I paid the cab driver and expressed my gratitude before stepping out. Despite my weakened state, my face still reflected a sense of astonishment as I took in the sight of the mansion before me. It was grand and exquisitely beautiful!
• The exterior showcased a vintage charm with a touch of uniqueness. The theme and design emanated elegance, promising a sophisticated interior that matched the grandeur of the outside.
• A woman in her forties, dressed in a housekeeper's uniform, approached and asked if I was okay. I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to hide my current state. "Yes, ma'am," I replied, my voice slightly shaky.
• She observed me for a few moments before speaking again. "Oh, great! You must be Lyka Montefranca. Come, let's go inside. Madam is waiting for you," she said, leading the way towards the house.
• Though still feeling lightheaded, I gathered my strength and followed her. With a sigh, I caught her attention.
• "Are you okay, Lyka? You look pale..." she asked, concern evident in her voice.
• I mustered a smile to disguise my condition. "Yes, ma'am."
• She chuckled and corrected me, "Oh, call me ‘Linda’, not ma'am. It's too formal! HAHA!" Her laughter lightened the atmosphere as we continued our walk towards the mansion.
• As we entered, the sight of the dazzling chandelier welcomed us with a warm glow. The place exuded opulence and hinted at its extravagant cost.
• "Madam, this is Lyka, the new housekeeper of this mansion," Linda introduced me to an elegant woman. Contrary to what I had seen in movies, where the "Madam" character often appeared strict, she wore a gentle smile. At that moment, I sensed her kind-heartedness.
• “Hello, Lyka!" she greeted me warmly.
• I attempted to reciprocate the greeting with a smile, but my body refused to cooperate. Fatigue and dizziness overwhelmed me.
• That was the last thing I remembered before everything faded into darkness.