Close Call

It's been more than a week since I had my brush with Death; wherein I luckily and blessedly eluded.

My brother left for school when he forgot to lock the door. While I, busy with folding our clothes upstairs; did not bother to come down to check the door.

Less than five minutes, after my brother left...I felt a presence in our home...I thought it's my parents who went to Divisoria to buy some stuff for our home. Strangely, I realized that if they are really here...they would have called me, but they didn't. So I decided, to went down to check. As I took my first step down, I found a dark and tall man at the foot of the stairs. He's about to make his way up. Gasping, I asked him who he is and what is he doing in our house. He didn't answer. Instead, he ran. Realizing that he's a thief. I screamed my head off, calling the attention of my neighbors. I even shouted "help" and "magnanakaw" (burglar/thief).

As I reached the foot of the stairs, while him, at our front door near our dining area; he pulled a gun from his clutchbag. Then he pointed the gun at me....roughly with a distance of 4-5 meters away from me. Instantly, I stopped screaming...held my breath...and waited for the gunshot. My God! I simply stand in there and waited for the worst thing to happen...my death. I stared at him. After 3-5 seconds he went out. After few moments, I started screaming again. But I have difficulty of doing so, I felt my heart beating fast in my throat. Letting myself out of our house to see where he went. At this time, my 10 year old neighbor asked me what happened, I simply told him that a man who tried to break-in our home.

Despite of my warning, he went out to check. After a minute, he returned and told me that the guy rode alone in a motorcycle, registered plate numbers were covered. I went back at home to check if something's missing. Fortunately, there was none. It's a good thing that my parents valuables are locked in our cabinets which they usually carry the key with them. By this time, two of my neighbors asked what happened. Then I relayed what exactly happened. One speculated that this thief might have been checking our compound, days before he tried to break in at unholy hour; wherein most of the people are at their offices or school or simply at home taking siesta. Others said that the guy wouldn't dare to break in alone if he's not armed. They say I'm so lucky to elude such trouble. I waited for my parents to break the news and to recieve a lecture, much to my chagrin.

Strange...because all that happened I didn't cried nor resorted to hysterics (which I normally do). But there's a nagging realization and restlessness that can't be put to rest. I suddenly craved to be hugged to ease my nerves. Just a couple of hours, after what happened...my 3 year old neighbor, Kyle was playing with his toy car in front of our home (which he always does). I went to him and asked for a hug, which he did fondly and obligingly . No questions asked, which made me feel better.

Funny....thinking that if I died that day I wouldn't be able to hug li'l Kyle...plans, dreams, wishes and goals that could not accomplish or attain. It made me realize how I took life for granted...I could have been shot with almost negligible chance of survival. It's not yet my time...like what my friends said. But if it is...it would have been such a waste...for I wasn't prepared to die. So I guess, this will take back my drive for life that has been dampened in these past few years.

Another thing, to all people out there...this serves as a warning to be more cautious and alert with our surroundings. Always check the doors if it's locked before you leave the home. Never leave any valuables in places where it can easily be seen by visitors or passersby. Never, ever dare to go after an armed crook who just attempted to hurt or steal you.

I went to church to give thanks to Almighty God for keeping me safe and giving me another chance to live my life as He wanted me to. The lesson learned from this case could have been so costly. I have to prove yet how deserving I am to have this Second Life. I must have done something really good in my 30 years, that He appreciated...Thanks again, God!

Cheers to Second Life!