✓ | The Altered Version (Fate's Transgression Series, #2) [UNDER REVISION]

TAV 23: Poor Situation

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE: Poor Situation

Clarinette | Liana

I could not take away my eyes outside the window as the car drove into the mouth of the forest. Hindi pa umabot sa bukana ang sunog, at may posibilidad na hindi ito aabot talaga sa bayan. The vehicle entered a one way road with parallel trees and bushes.

Lubak-lubak ang daan dahil hindi sementado ang parte na ito ng probinsya. Maraming maliit at malaking bato na dinadaanan ng aming sasakyan, kaya kadalasan ay napapaalog kami sa aming mga upuan.

All of us were wearing protective gear and respirators. There are four police officers, three medical volunteers, me and Teirro. I gave an order for the Knights who guarded the Duchy to come and aid the people. Darating din sila ilang oras mula ngayon.

I don't know why the assistance from the authorities is taking so long as expected. I arrived in this County 30 minutes ago, but they did not even confirm sending support. I should file a case against these retard officials, who is neglecting an environmental crisis!

The ride was silent, and I understood why. From the moment they saw who I am, and gleamed those curious mocking eyes at me, I tried not to punch someone. Alam ko kung ano ang dumadaloy sa kanilang mga tingin dahil ilang beses ko na silang nakitang nasa aking direksyon ang kanilang mga ulo.

Because of the respirator masks, I could no longer see their stares but rather, I felt them. I wanted to address the issue, but I retained my character. I will prove myself in actions, because that is the biggest unfiltered truth of who I am.

We followed the route for almost an hour and by then, we could see the smoke coming from just 2,000 yards away from the village.

Nang huminto ang sasakyan, mabilis kaming lumabas at kanya-kanyang nagsitakbohan patungo sa mga natataranta na mga taga nayon.

"Hey! We are from the County, you must evacuate the village before the fire catches up!" suway ko sa kanila. I directed them to the empty truck, and helped the children up.

Kailangan namin kumilos ng mabilis kaya halos nag-sisinyasan na lamang kaming dalawa ni Teirro. He kept on yelling curse words whenever I ran through the deep part of the village and helped those old people who cannot walk fast.

Marami sa taganayon ay matanda na. Even the Sheriff tried to head count the numbers to ensure everyone was already in the truck. Nagpapasalamat na lamang ako dahil mabilis maka-pick up ang mga kasamahan namin kahit sa simpleng senyas lamang.

I should reward these officers to convey my sincerest gratitude for the wonderful devotion of duty.

When it was almost empty, that was the only time I had a clear view of the village. Their houses were not built with concrete, but with wood and coconut leaves as their roof.

Instead of a gas or electrically powered stove, they used small pieces of dried cutted trees. Maitim na ang mga pwet ng kanilang kaldero at tanging gawa sa kahoy ang kailangan plato at kutsara.

Tanging banig ang pamatong sa matigas na higaan nilang gawa sa kahoy. May ilang punit-punit na tela na pinagtagpi-tagpi lamang para humaba at ginawang panangga sa init ng araw.

They use primitive tools to survive. Live their lives away from the population made by those running machines, and live a harmonious and peaceful life.

The village is remote, the route leading to this village is not safe. It feels like they were trapped in this poor situation, that they started relying on each other to survive rather than seek help from those authorities who are always late at accommodating problems.