Dear Diary,
I awoke to the first light of dawn, the sky painted in soft hues of pink and orange. The silence of the village was now a solemn companion, each moment a reminder of the loss I had endured. I felt a hollow ache in my chest as I rose to my feet, brushing the dirt from my clothes and wiping the tears from my eyes. Today, I would leave Tañong Bayan behind, but its memory would forever linger in my heart.
I took one final walk around the village, my steps slow and deliberate. The familiar sights, now reduced to ashes and rubble, tugged at my heartstrings. The charred remains of our home, the remnants of the market where we would gather each morning, the schoolhouse where laughter once echoed—all stood as silent testaments to the life we had lived here.
As I passed each ruin, memories flooded back—Mama teaching me to cook in our kitchen, Papa sharing stories under the stars, my brothers chasing each other through the streets. Each memory was a bittersweet reminder of the happiness we had known and the devastation that had followed. I paused at the graves I had dug the day before, whispering a final goodbye to my family and friends.
By the time the sun reached its zenith, casting its harsh light over the village, I knew it was time to go. With a heavy heart, I turned away from the ruins and began my journey into the forest. The path ahead was uncertain, but staying here, surrounded by ghosts, was no longer an option.
I walked aimlessly for hours, the dense forest closing in around me. The canopy above filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was thick with the scent of earth and foliage, and the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of birds. As I wandered, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease—an uncertainty about where I was headed and what lay ahead.
It was then that I saw him—the water buffalo we had saved from the mud just days before. He stood in a clearing, his eyes meeting mine with a calm, steady gaze. My heart swelled with a mix of relief and gratitude. It was as if he had been waiting for me, sensing my need for comfort and direction.
"Hello again, old friend," I whispered, my voice trembling. I approached him slowly, my hand outstretched to touch his coarse fur. He didn't flinch, instead, he lowered his head slightly, as if inviting me to climb onto his back. With a tentative smile, I accepted his offer, clambering onto his broad back. The warmth of his body against mine was a soothing balm to my weary soul.
As we moved through the forest, the gentle sway of his gait lulled me into a sense of calm. He seemed to know exactly where to go, his steps purposeful and steady. I leaned forward, resting my head against his neck, letting the rhythm of his movements soothe my frayed nerves. The forest around us was a symphony of life—the rustling leaves, the chirping of birds, the distant hum of insects.
We traveled for what felt like hours, the forest gradually thinning out until we reached a hidden cave nestled at the base of a hill. The entrance was partially obscured by vines and underbrush, but the water buffalo nudged them aside with his strong neck, revealing a small, sheltered space inside. He knelt down, allowing me to dismount, and I stepped into the cave, feeling a sense of safety envelop me.
"Thank you," I whispered to the water buffalo, my voice filled with gratitude. He gave a soft grunt in response, his eyes watching me with a gentle, understanding expression. I found a corner of the cave to lay down, the cool stone floor a welcome respite from the heat of the day. The mana stone in my pocket pulsed faintly, a reminder of the mystery and promise it held.
As I settled into the cave, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. The path ahead was still uncertain, but I wasn't alone. I had the memory of my loved ones, the companionship of the water buffalo, and the strange, comforting presence of the mana stone. For the first time since the attack, I felt a flicker of determination ignite within me. I would find a way to honor my family's memory and discover the purpose of the mana stone. One step at a time, I would forge a new path forward.
Until tomorrow, Diary.
Lia