Alter: Glitch

2

Insomnia?

Kumunot ang noo ko.

From the alarm clock, my eyes went to the water beside it. It's empty. Did I already woke up? Or I did forgot to refill it?

Why is it empty?

Kahit naguguluhan, walang pumasok na iba sa isip ko. Baka sa sobrang pagod ko ay hindi ko napansin na walang laman ang baso. I just stared at the ceiling, thinking. I know that I won't be able to sleep, it feels like I just woken up.

Mula sa bintana, kita ko ang pagbabago ng kalangitan mula sa madilim na asul, hanggang sa paghahalo-halong kahel, pula, at dilaw.

I glanced at the alarm clock.

It's six am.

Napahikab ako nang ininat-inat ko ang katawan ko. Napabuga ako ng hangin bago bumangon kaagad.

I did my usual routine. Before leaving my room, I washed my face, showered, and fix myself. I have plenty of time today. I don't have any scheduled interview, so I have time to eat breakfast. 

Dumeretso ako sa kusina ng bahay para matigilan sa sumalubong sa akin. I looked at the table, confused.

Walang nakahain. It's not like I can't cook for myself, but usually, Drea always cook for breakfast. The only time that she doesn't, is when she's out or sick.

But I've seen her yesterday, and she didn't mentioned anything that she'll be out. Is she sick?

"Oh, nandito ka." Rinig kong pagsasalita sa likod ko. Pareho kaming nabigla ng babaeng iniisip ko nang makita ang isa't isa.

Siguro'y napansin niyang nasa kusina ako. "You'll eat breakfast?" she said with a surprised tone. I'm surprised too, seeing her reaction.

"I-I didn't know, wait, I'll cook for you-"

"N-No need," paghinto ko sa kaniya. I tried to smile. "I'll just eat outside," sagot ko bago siya daanan.

Ramdam ko ang pagsunod ng mga mata niya sa akin nang daanan ko siya. Nakasunod ang tingin niya sa akin hanggang makalabas ako ng bahay.

That feels new.

My day went on as planned. I went around the city with my resume to find a job.

I really don't get it why I still don't have a job despite my background. IT graduates are in demand in this industry too. 

Iba naman kasi ang habol ng iba sa akin.

They're just greedy.

They don't want my knowledge, they want the outcome— the result of my knowledge. They want my app.

And I can't let them have it.

Greediness won't make them reach success easily. 

That's when realization hit me. Aren't I greedy too? I'm still reaching for something, despite having something already. . .

Napaismid ako at tinuon sa iba ang atensyon ko. Napatingin ako sa relo ko para tignan ang oras nang may napansin ako.

Kumunot ako nang makita ang maliit na kakaiba sa relos ko.

Relos ko ba 'to?

It looks like my watch but it isn't. Mine is black plated, and this. . . this is gold.

My forehead furrowed. Is it gold all this time? Mali ba ang pagkakakita ko?

Naguguluhan man, pinagpatuloy ko ang araw ko. Though, it really bothered me.