Chapter 48

**Zara's POV**

I feel very bored. I can't do anything at home. I've walked around the entire hallway of the house, and I've also walked along the beach. But I really feel very bored. I even beat someone locked in a cage. My range of motion is very limited. How long will my life be like this?

Since I had nothing to do, I went to the kitchen and cooked my food. Pancakes, cupcakes, noodles, and more Until I got bored and went back to the living room to watch television.

I couldn't find a show that I enjoyed. I really don't know what to do! Hey.

It's always like this when Nick isn't around. I'm always alone; even going to the other barangay is not forbidden to me. Manang is always close to me. I don't want to be reprimanded.

Sometimes I can't talk to Manang, and he's a little aloof with me. So just imagine how bored I am right now.

While I was searching on the internet, I saw that there was a resort on the other side of the island. I was like a child who came up with a very lame plan. It's almost noon, and I've already eaten lunch. Manang cooked milk shrimp and crab earlier. It looks like the old man slept well. I'm outside and getting some air. I was wearing a white dress while holding my tablet.

I was thinking deeply about the events of the previous night when I had a strange dream. That I am said to be getting married, to

of the man who had good looks, but when I woke up, I didn't recognise his face.

That's why I stopped taking the medicine that was being given to me. Because I feel that the medicine is not helping me. Its side effects are still surprising to me. I get dizzy very often. Then my eyes blurred. When I don't drink, nothing bad happens to me. So I secretly stopped taking the medicine.

While I was out of the house, I couldn't really handle my boredom. I need to wander. Even now, I will run away first, and maybe if this continues, I will kill the boredom that is overwhelming me. I don't want to keep thinking about it all at once.

Sometimes I just think about how my day goes by eating, checking Facebook, and sleeping.

I went to the kitchen first. I created a note for Manang in case he finds me, so the old man won't worry so much. Nick won't know this, and besides, I'm only going to the other barangay. I'll just visit them, Nena, to go sightseeing.

Dear Manang

When you wake up, I'm just in the other barangay, right? Don't worry, I will be home before dawn. I just can't handle the boredom. I will be careful and bring my cell phone. Come on, bro, it's ok, right? Hehe.

Zara.

After I wrote the letter, I prepared for my departure. I still have pocket money here that can be used. I also brought a cellphone, power bank, umbrella, and handkerchief. I also changed my suit to a better dress. Just a summer dress, and then I left.

I walked to the neighbouring barangay. During my walk, I was swallowed by my deep thoughts. I wonder how long I will be imprisoned on this island.

I was like one of the women in the story who was imprisoned, like the Lady of Shallot. I feel like I'm being robbed of my freedom sometimes. I feel like I don't belong in this place. I mean, don't get me wrong, this island is a paradise. But I feel that I have memories outside that I should return to.

I didn't realise that deep in my thoughts I had already arrived at Nena's barangay. I was immediately greeted by the girl's hug.

"The young lady got out of her home! Why did you get lost, your majesty?" Nena immediately opened up to me! I laughed at him. He really left what he was doing just to surprise me with his arrogance.

"It's just an escape. Nick and Manang don't know. It's boring at home," I said to Nena while sitting next to her. They now make baskets that are exported to other countries.

"Look, I'm mad at your dad, Nick. He's the one; if he locks you in the house, you'll run away from him to the other side of the earth. Hello! If I'm your husband, I'll tie myself to him! What else are you looking for? Rich, elegant, handsome, and looks wild in bed, rawr!" I just laughed at this girl's nastiness.

"It's not obvious that you have a crush on my wife, right? Besides, maybe Nick has a reason why he wants my actions to be limited. I trust him and his reasons too," I said while smiling.

"Oh, that's your English, sister." "Your grandfather is possessive."

I noticed what they were doing. I also want to learn to craft a basket. It doesn't seem easy, but if it's fun, I'm willing to learn.

"How do you make a basket, Nena? I'll teach you. Let me help you! was my suggestion. She sighed.

"We're about to finish Zara. If I want you to join forces with us, We're going to the other side of the island, where there are many tourists. We're going to deliver the baskets! What? Are you G?" he asked. I was a little excited but still sceptical somehow.

"Eh, if Manang and Nick find out about this, I'm sure I'll be fine." That's scary to think about.

"What are you doing? You ran away, didn't you? Haler?! You might as well admit it's your fault. Come on, don't be too scared, Zara. They won't kill you. It's just once and to get rid of boredom," Nena teased. What else can I do? Batman doesn't care if it's a coincidence.

I went with them. We rode a boat around the island. Nena is really good at driving a motorised boat. It's also interesting sometimes, even though most of what he knows is nonsense.

We did reach the other island. As I searched on Google earlier, it is like this in the picture. There are resorts and hotels. There are many tourists, whether foreigners or fellow Filipinos. This place is actually more beautiful and lively.

The beauty of the white beach cannot be overstated. You can see yachts and boats carrying local tourists in the sea. It's like I'm happy all of a sudden. I feel

I had momentary freedom after a long time.

"You're already there, right? We're going to go to our dealer in the basket. Let's just meet in front of our boat, right? Just don't go too far, so we don't worry. Then my cellphone number? You have it, does it not?" Nena told me.

I laughed at her being like a mother to me. "Yes, I can take care of myself, Nena. I'll go and wander around first. There are a lot of souvenir shops. I also plan to look around."

Nena said goodbye again to Jenny and Aries. I started entertaining myself. I went to souvenir shops. The goods there seem to be good. There are necklaces and accessories made of shell and other local materials.

There are also nice shirts and square pants. I bought one for myself. Nick gives me a lot of compliments, especially whenever he comes from Manila. But it's still different when I shop for my clothes myself.

While I was walking, I even bought a nuko from a manok. Quench thirst and heat too. Even though it was windy, it felt warm on my skin. It's good that I have a handkerchief with me, so I don't sweat much because I wipe myself after a while.

I didn't realise that I was already far from the boat. It looks like I need to go back. The only chaos was that I was shocked when a child who was around the age of 11 or 10 years old hugged me. It is beautiful and cries with me while hugging.

"Mama, I miss you so much. Mama, I finally found you. Please don't leave us again; I will be a good son," he said while crying.

I feel sorry for this boy. Maybe I just look like her mom. I took my extra handkerchief and wiped her tears.

"Sorry huh? I am not your mother. Maybe I just look like me. Don't cry," I told her. He stubbornly shook his head.

"You are my mom. It's been three years, Mama Zara. Look? I have this, your gift to me," said the child while showing a pendant with my picture, and what's even more shocking is that this child knows the name I.

I suddenly felt my head getting painful because of the rushing memories that are still vague. I was blinded by the thread. I walked away from the boy, but a man blocked me.

He looks familiar. He seems like what I dream of every night. The man is wearing a wedding gown.

I was about to leave when he held my hand.

"Do you really think I will let you go?"