Chapter 11: Birthday

I'm already at the house, parking my car, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Stepping out of the car, I took a moment to gather my thoughts.

With a deep breath, I headed towards the house, hearing laughter ringing out. It was a sound that was both familiar and jarring, considering I knew it was only Zari and me in the house.

"Zari?" I called out, stepping into the foyer. The laughter stopped, replaced by a curious silence. I felt a chill run down my spine, but I pushed away the unease. We were here for a reason, and I couldn't let anything distract me from that.

"Zari, it's me," I said, moving further into the house. Despite the unsettling laughter, I was determined to face whatever lay ahead.

Kinatok ko nang kinatok ang pinto, ng biglang bumukas ito dahilan kung ba't muntik akong madapa sa sahig.

“Bakit ngayon ka lang umuwi?" Bungad sa akin ni Zari habang nilakihan ng bukas ang pinto. I didn't answer her, but instead I continued my search where those laughter came from