Samuel Maeser Lim III

 The Ride Home It was around midnight when I got on a jeepney going home. Normally, I would ride a jeepney whose route would take me to my regular stop and tonight was no different. The chill of the night wind was hitting my face but I didn’t mind that all. I love chilly breezes. I love the night. I love the hustle that happens during the night. People coming out of their daytime jobs who are in a rush going home, call center agents trying to get to work on time, people who are also trying to make a living during the night then there’s me and a number of other students, who stayed out late for study-outs or rehearsals. I, however, am the latter. I was never scared of going home late. As the jeepney ride went on, I passed by USC-TC going to Cabancalan area. I felt a sudden pang, a sudden unease. I am not clairvoyant but this was different. I felt unsafe. I looked around the jeepney and passengers looked exhausted and drowsy but normal. I felt a little comfort but the ominous feeling won’t go away. My confidence started to waver a bit. I tried to pull myself together, acting tough. I stared down each passenger so I could draw a clearer picture should anyone do something unusual. They did not seem to care that I was staring at them, some were sleeping. I saw my stop was fast approaching so I signaled to the driver that I’ll be getting off, paid my fare and he stopped me right at my regular stop. As I got off the jeep, I saw this man who was looking at me as if he was waiting for me there. He was just sitting down but he was staring at me. I started to tremble inside but I remained composed, outside. Despite of the circumstance, I stood there and just waited for another jeepney to take me directly home. The man stood up slowly and all I could think of was to run but I didn’t. I didn’t mind. Moments later, he pulled out something from his bag which was just lying on the curb. I thought that tonight is the night is somewhat unexpected. As I looked at what he pulled out from his bag, I saw a knife. I have accepted my fate. I have concluded that this man is going to do me real harm. All I know is that it was going to be bad. I was scared for my life and was panicking in my brain trying to think of a plan on how to literally get away with murder. I looked at the distance anxious for a jeepney but there’s none. The slate was filled with other vehicles but no jeepneys. My mind was racing, heart pounding and I am really anxious to get a ride. I was screaming inside my head. A few moments had passed this man was still looking at me while flailing his knife around. As he walked towards my direction, I was about to run. I looked the other way around and headlights just shining, slightly blinding me. Luckily enough, it was my ride home. I hastily embarked on the jeep and sat down. I let out a breath of relief knowing I was saved.