There were times Cecilia would run towards them as if fearing for her life, "Daddy! Daddy!"
"What's wrong, darling?" John came to the rescue of the distressed child.
"I saw a scary man over there, he was chasing me." The girl buried her face in her father's shoulders.
2003
Worried for their daughter, they sought medical help. The neuropsychologist presents the family with a new plate of the child's brain scan. "We can't see anything wrong in your daughter's results to explain her condition. That accident that happened to her two years ago left no damage to her brain." She then took out her notes on the child's psychoanalysis. "Her mind is intact, and I can't see anything wrong with her; she is a perfectly healthy child. My professional opinion is that this is still a part of her growth, but should it persist in her teens, then bring her back."
The couple looked at each other with worried glances, and not even science could explain their daughter's actions. They watched her sit on the bench, reading a book.
2005
The straw that broke the horse's back came when she was nine. One afternoon, Cecilia came home from school. After kissing her parents, she went straight to the backyard to play. At first, the couple watched happily, but in an instant, their happy faces were replaced by dread, fear, and terror.
They witnessed firsthand that their daughter made an apple float as if she had handed it to someone invisible. They quickly snatched their child, ran inside their house, and locked the doors. The apple suddenly fell to the ground.
They brought their daughter to Tagaytay to speak to a 'mananambal' or faith healer. The couple watched as the old woman whispered enchantments in indiscernible languages while gliding her hand over the scared child. After her incantations, she asked Cecilia to go with her assistant and wait outside.
"Is it serious that the child can't be present?" he asked the old woman.
The faith healer sat up straight and explained what she found out. "There is nothing wrong with the child. However, that accident that you described has somehow awakened an innate ability, which is why she can see and communicate with entities that normal humans could not see or perceive."
"Ghosts? You are telling me that my child can see spirits?" John concluded; his expression showed frustration; he could not believe that in this day and age, such superstitions still exist.
"Your science could not explain what is happening to her, right? That is why you are seeking my help," The old woman gently explained to the man
Selina quickly intervenes, "Please excuse my husband, Nana. What should we do to close her connection to the spirit world?" Asking in the hope that Cecilia's condition could be remedied.
With a heavy sigh, the old woman braced herself to reveal her insights about the child. "Unfortunately, this is not a mere case of being able to see the departed. Cecilia's gift surpasses that; she not only perceives and hears spirits, but they also appear to her as tangible beings, much like the living. I assume that she can even traverse the veil that separates our world from theirs. This is something unheard of; I would even assert that she is the first to exhibit such a remarkable ability."
"Ability? This is a curse!" John stood up and walked out of the room. "Let's go, we are leaving!"
Before Selina could stand, the old woman grabbed her hand. "Heed my words, your daughter is a bright and irresistible beacon to those poor souls lost and wandering our world, and she must not fear her abilities, for if she does, she will be broken. Teach her to embrace that aspect of her life, and it will be her blessing!"
Cecilia's mother did not reply to the old woman; she removed her grip and followed her husband and daughter. The old woman and her assistant watched as the family boarded their car and sped off. "I hope the mother listens to me for the sake of their child." She then glanced at the young lady who was her assistant. "Let's close up for tonight. That girl's abilities have tired me out. You should get some rest as well." The young lady bowed and disappeared into thin air, leaving the old woman to close the doors to her house.
Ten-year-old Cecilia's breath came in ragged gasps as the nightmare gripped her tightly. She was drowning, pulled under by cold, unforgiving waters that swallowed light and hope alike. Her small fists clawed at invisible currents, desperate for air that refused to come. The darkness pressed in, cold and endless, and the panic rising in her chest was suffocating.
Suddenly, she jolted upright in bed, eyes wide and wild, a scream tearing from her throat. "Daddy! Mommy!" she cried, voice trembling with terror.
The door burst open, and her parents rushed in, faces etched with worry. Her mother swept the damp hair from Cecilia's forehead, whispering soothing words, while her father's strong arms enveloped her protectively. They exchanged anxious glances, the silent language of parents deeply concerned for their child.
Cecilia's tears spilled freely as she clung to them, her body still trembling from the nightmare's grasp. The shadows in the room seemed to linger, mirroring the fear that had settled over their family—a fear that this was only the beginning of something darker.
Her mother's voice was soft but firm. "It's okay, darling. You're safe now."
Her father nodded, brushing a kiss against her temple. "We're here. Always."
Late one night, Selina was stirred from sleep by soft giggles and whispered words drifting from her daughter's room. Peering inside, she saw Cecilia talking quietly to someone invisible, her eyes wide with innocent wonder. A chill ran down her spine as she recalled the faith healer's words, " ...your daughter is a bright and irresistible beacon to those poor souls lost and wandering our world."
Without hesitation, she gently but firmly pulled Cecilia into her arms. "Listen to me, sweetheart," she whispered, voice trembling. "Never speak to anyone if Mommy and Daddy can't see them. Ignore anyone who tries to talk to you when you're alone."
Cecilia looked up, eyes shining with trust, and simply nodded, understanding the gravity behind her mother's words even if she didn't fully grasp the danger lurking just beyond sight.