Before the sun peeked over the horizon, the voice of their chief superintendent, Sir Rodriguez, could already be heard issuing orders to his team.
“Alright officers! Wake up and get ready, we’re continuing our ascent of Mount Apo,” said Sir Rodriguez.
They immediately emerged from their tents and began preparations, gathering equipment and some preparing breakfast for the morning.
“Make sure those stomachs are full, because once we reach Lake Venado, we’ll start our firefighter drills right away. Clear?” Sir Rodriguez shouted.
“Sir! Yes Sir!” Everyone replied.
After getting ready, they began hiking towards Lake Venado. It was still dawn, with the sun slowly rising.
Ryan, Romar, and Jake walked one after the other, discussing their plans after their hike on Mount Apo.
Meanwhile, Datu Bulon followed behind Jake.
“Sir Rodriguez gave us 4 days off after this hike. It might get boring if I just stay at the boarding house. I might go home to Ormoc,” said Ryan. “What about you guys? Going home to Ormoc sounds good, right?” he added, trying to persuade them.
“Yeah, that’s a good idea, let’s go home Jake. Come on!” Romar suggested.
“I just got home last week, so I’ll stay here for a rest,” Jake declined.
“Aw, alright. Yeah, I remember. Okay, we’ll go home then,” Ryan said.
While they were talking, Datu Bulon suddenly spoke up and asked Jake, “Could you include me in your conversation, Jake? It’s sad, it’s like you don’t see me.” Datu Bulon said jokingly.
Jake frowned but ignored Datu Bulon because he was with Ryan and Romar.
Morning came, the sun slowly rising in the sky as Jake and his companions continued their journey towards Lake Venado in Mount Apo.
The air was cool and the scenery was breathtaking, but Jake’s happiness was tainted by Datu Bulon’s continued annoyance.
“It’s boring, Jake. I’ll just tell you a story.” Datu Bulon said, laughing. “Listen to me.” He added.
“Jake, have I not told you about the time I danced with a tribe of fireflies under the moonlight?” Datu Bulon exclaimed excitedly, his voice cutting through the silence.
Jake restrained himself, his patience wearing thin as Datu Bulon continued to tell stories.
“There’s more, Jake! Have I told you about the time I tricked a group of trolls in the mountains? Hahaha, that was fun. Hahaha,” Datu Bulon exclaimed, eager to share another story.
Jake was so annoyed that he slowed down his pace to distance himself from his companions. He approached Datu Bulon.
“Hey, Datu Bulon, don’t you see that I’m trying to enjoy the journey with my friends? Didn’t we agree that you wouldn’t talk to me when they’re around?” Jake whispered under his breath, giving Datu Bulon a cold look.
But it seems that Datu Bulon doesn’t notice Jake’s irritation, ”Yes, I know! It can be boring, Jake, but it’s just exciting because this is the first time I’ve had someone to talk to. Hahaha,” Bulon laughs.
“Okay, Bulon, please, don’t talk to me for now. You’re getting on my nerves,” Jake says, turning away and walking towards his companion. “Agh, why did I agree to your condition,” Jake mutters to himself, regretting his agreement with Bulon.
“Jake, wait! I have a funny story to share!” Datu Bulon shouts, his excitement evident.
With a heavy sigh, Jake stops and faces Bulon with a tired expression.
“Datu Bulon, I appreciate your company, but I need some space right now,” Jake says firmly, he shouted, his voice tinged with irritation.
Jake’s companions, Ryan and Romar, are surprised by Jake’s sudden outburst, so they quickly run to Jake’s location.
“Jake! What happened? Are you okay?” they ask Jake, their voices filled with concern.
Meanwhile, Jake covers his mouth with his hand, realizing how loudly he just shouted.
“Sorry, guys,” Jake says, avoiding their gaze. “I was just startled by a huge snake that suddenly appeared beside me.”
Ryan and Romar exchange skeptical glances, and Ryan speaks up, “Jake, we heard you talking to someone. Who were you talking with?”
Jake denies it quickly, shaking his head, “No, I wasn’t talking to anyone. I must have been imagining things. Hehe.” Jake slightly chuckled.
Ryan and Romar exchange another glance, still unconvinced.
Then Romar and Ryan tease Jake, chuckling, “You must be seeing things, Jake. Maybe you need to see a doctor. Are you going crazy? Hahaha.”
Jake rolls his eyes at their jests, but he can’t help but smile at their attempt to lighten the mood. “Very funny, guys,” he replies sarcastically.
Romar and Ryan continue their walk, still chuckling, and call out to Jake with a laugh, “Come on, Jake! Don’t let that imaginary snake get you! We’ve got a long way to go!”
While Datu Bulon is laughing at the situation he witnessed, “Did you see your face, Jake ? ‘Oh, I saw a huge snake,’ hahaha, what a lame excuse, Hahaha. that’s hilarious,” Bulon teases Jake.
“You’re such a mischievous little dwarf!” Jake retaliates to Bulon, with annoyance evident on his face as Jake continues walking with the group.
Bulon stops in his tracks, “What? Dwarf? I told you I’m not a Dwarf!” Bulon retorts, annoyed by Jake’s remark.
“Yeah, you’re a tiny little dwarf!” Jake teases Bulon.
“No!” Bulon shouts.
"Yes! You are."
The two continue their banter as they walk.
… [At Lake Venado] …
“Alright officers! We’re here at Lake Venado. It’s already noon, so it’s best for us to rest for an hour first, then we’ll start our firefighter drills. Clear?”
Commander Rodriguez orders.
“Sir yes sir!” they all shout, and everyone quickly gets ready, while some take a rest.