In the secluded part of the world, somewhere out there lies a mystery. Was it?

Happy Halloween! Is there a trick or treat at your place? Did you join, or perhaps your kid (s)? Back then up to this day, I have yet to experience joining such an event. Yet, I am looking forward to the future with my son. Before you flip your Calendar, let me tell you a spooky story that happened when I was still a teenager.

Flashback sometime a decade ago

It was almost twilight, and I could feel the chilly wind touch my skin as I went down our stairs made from bamboo. Our house was fully made of bamboo and SINROOF, yet only the main was fully furnished. There are just two rooms where we can sleep, yet we need to get down to cook. Yes, there is a roof but no wall, so I can easily see the outside.

Straight from where I stood, I could see my sister's abandoned house as they chose to live in the town. Even my father's siblings no one wanted to stay there as there was no electricity or running water, and it was approximately 500 meters away from the last house.

Wherever you look, all you can see are endless trees, and what you can hear is the sound of nature. On twilight, it's the crickets and maybe frogs during the rainy days.

I was traditionally cooking rice, firewood, and no clay stove but three big stones arranged arranged in triangular.

Mother and Father weren't at home, Tatay (how we address our father) was drinking with his friends, and (Nanay) was trying to convince him to go home. @asiaymalay was studying in the city, and @mjlaxel was young back then.

The light from the kerosene lamp was almost dying; no more gas and the wind blowing didn't help.

My heart beat faster, and I felt my hair stand, especially at the back of my neck. It was almost dark, and I was alone down here. MJ was taking care of our younger siblings up there. Oh no, why does it take so much time to cook this rice? 😫 I badly wanted to run upstairs but couldn't as I didn't want to show them I was scared. Knowing MJ, she would tease me 😤. *Lhes, you are brave; you can do it!

AWOOOOOOO Our dog started to howl, facing this side.

Brownie, stop it! I was yelling, but he wouldn't stop.

Wait, is there someone there? I saw a silhouette since it was dark. Without blinking, I stared and waited until it passed the barbwire fence. I feel a chill run down my spine as it suddenly disappears!

I was ready to pick up the casserole, not to give a damn whether the rice was cooked or not when I saw someone approaching.

Why did I say so even though it was dark? I could see a lot of cigarettes. Thank God, at least there is someone who will pass. Which I wish I had yet to see. As it came closer, the light from the cigar grew bigger! I was about to scream, but it suddenly faded until no traces.

Was there someone? There were no movements, as I hadn't heard someone walking. There are a lot of dried leaves and fallen twigs, so you would hear if there is a movement. With the continued howling of our dog?

There is no need to think; I pick up the cooking pot, not minding if it's hot, and went upstairs as fast as I could!

This is the actual scene; just imagine it being almost dark. I asked my niece to take a photo as I wasn't home. Back then, it was really dark at night as we didn't have electricity. Flashlight? My parents couldn't afford to buy a battery!

Is what I saw supernatural? I don't know. I have always believed that, aside from humans, other entities are sharing space with us. Who knows, they may have been in your house or office; you didn't feel or see them. What do you think?

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Photos are mine
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