NIGHT BLOOD UNIVERSITY

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NIGHTMARE

"Are you excited, Luna?" My mother asked as we both waited for the clock to drop its last tick at exactly twelve midnight. I nodded while smiling from ear to ear. 

It will be my birthday in just a few more minutes from now, and I can't contain my excitement. Finally, I'm turning sixteen.

Every year, this has almost been our ritual. My mother and I will wait 'til twelve midnight so she could greet me first. It's not like there would be other people who would greet me anyway since we don't have neighbors cause our house is located in the most secluded part of the own. And also, unlike other normal teenagers, I'm not allowed to go outside which is the reason why I don't have friends too. 

"Tignan mo ang buwan, mama. Ang ganda niya, hindi ba?" Bulong ko habang manghang nakasilip sa kabilugan ng buwan na ngayon ay tanaw mula rito sa bintana ng kwarto ko. 

Ngumiti naman si mama 'tsaka marahang tumango bilang pagsang ayon. "Alam mo ba na no'ng ipinanganak kita ay kabilugan din ng buwan no'n? Kaya nga pinangalanan kitang Luna Hyrreti dahil kasing ganda mo ang buwan. You're beautiful and mesmerizing just like a moon, Luna." 

Itinaas niya ang kaliwang kamay at saka marahang hinaplos ang buhok ko. Her voice is soothing, like a gentle wind brushing on my skin. I looked into her eyes which were now illuminated by the moonlight causing them to glim, like a blue ocean sparkling in the light of the moon. It's like a reflection of mine, a pair of blue sapphire orbs.

"You're beautiful too, mama," I replied and hug her. She softly chuckled before she tackled me into a warm and tight embrace.

We were just halted by the faint sound of the small clock placed on the side table of my bed.

Tumunog iyon, indikasyon na alas dose na nang hating gabi. Ibig sabihin ay kaarawan ko na. Humilaway siya sa pagka-kayakap sa akin 'tsaka siya may dinukot mula sa maliit na bulsa ng suot niyang blusa.

"This is my little present to you, sweetheart. Happy birthday, anak ko," bulong niya.

Napatingin ako sa kamay niya nang e' abot niya sa akin ang maliit na kulay itim na kahong kinuha niya mula sa bulsa ng damit niya. Kaagad ko naman iyong tinanggap saka ko siya ulit binigyan ng isang mahigpit na yakap.

Yes, I grew up isolated from the world around me, but with she and father beside me, I have no complains. They were more than enough for me to be happy. More than enough.

"Open it, I'm sure it will suit you." She said and I happily obliged. It was a necklace with a silver moon pendant. Mangha ko iyong tinitigan. "Ang ganda, mama" I whispered, amazed. My eyes lit up in happiness.

"Mabuti naman at nagustuhan mo." Inabot niya ang isang kamay niya. "Tara at hintayin na natin ang ama mo sa baba. Sigurado akong nag mamadali ring umuwi 'yon ngayon para batiin ka sa kaarawan mo." Tumango ako saka ko itinago sa loob ng bulsa ng jacket ko ang kwintas na ibinigay niya.

I grip on her hand and we both walk out of my room chit-chatting about some stuff that we wanted to do tomorrow to further celebrate my birthday.

Papa's late again, as usual. It's because of his work. Sabi ni mama na hindi madali ang trabaho ni papa kaya naman ginagabi ito sa pag-uwi. Well, I've already gotten used to it so it's no big deal. I just hope it won't affect his health.

We were walking down the stairs when our front door banged open. I gasped in shock but my surprised face swiftly turned into confusion when I saw my father, hurriedly shutting the door before nervously leaning into it.

He's perspiring really hard and he also looks pale. He looked in our direction and my confusion heightened up as I saw dread etched on his pair of eyes. Why does he look so terrified? Para siyang nakakita ng multo.