STELLA
"Joining the military can increase your height, Ella," said Kuya Brandon, flexing his muscles proudly as he raised his arm. I simply looked up at him. Alongside him were four other friends who also had impressive physiques. They were gym buddies turned best friends. Their bodies were immense—too much. They resembled anime characters, and the fact that they were tall made them even more intimidating when they were all together.
Yet, they were all kind. Though I wasn’t related to them, they always picked me up from school. Because of that, the bullies stopped bothering me, considering I’m only 4'10". My younger sister, who is only thirteen, is taller than me. I’m sixteen, but… yes, yes, I know, there’s no hope left. But what can I do? Life goes on.
"Follow my lead, Ella-bells," said Kuya Tyron, flexing his arm as well. "I grew taller because of our training, but I chose to step back because I love cooking."
Well…
I simply scratched the back of my head as I slung my bag over my shoulder. I faced the road, watching the sunset while we walked. The sunlight wasn’t harsh on the skin, and the breeze felt pleasant. I could also hear the chirping of birds flying around. It didn’t feel like the world was in chaos. The streets were filled with kind people—though the bad ones were there too. My grandmother always said that during the pandemic, students’ only complaints were the mountain of schoolwork from their professors during online classes.
But now, it’s different. Our complaints range from the threat of stray bullets while walking to school. It’s just… messy now. Classes have been suspended several times across the Philippines, but nothing really changes.
Still, my life is good. I have a loving family. There are five of us siblings, and I’m the eldest. My parents support everything we do, and they’ve never laid a hand on us in anger.
"Come inside, Kuya Don," I invited the big men in front of me. "Mama is probably cooking already."
Kuya Brandon shook his head with a wide smile. "Not anymore, Ella. We’re heading straight to the gym. Go inside."
I gave them a small smile. "Thank you." I waved as I entered our house.
As expected, Mama was cooking. I could smell the aroma of Adobo in the air. Now, I realize just how hungry I am.
"Ate!" called out Joshua as he colored in his notebook.
The house became noisy with my siblings. Diana was asking for treats, and Petra was excitedly telling me about her school day.
This truly is a good life. Loving siblings, caring parents—my friends who have never left me—it’s peaceful.
There’s no pain here.
But I don’t understand why I’m here.
"ABALOS! Hurry up!"
I didn’t respond. Though my hands trembled, I obeyed swiftly. Even within the building where we stood, I could still hear the chaos outside. A mix of screams and crying children. I could feel the sharp pain in my left arm. Whether I’ve grown accustomed to the pain or if the fear is overwhelming, I no longer care about the bruises from earlier.
He’s here. No name. We don’t even know who he is. But one day, the news was full of stories about him. He had taken over five major cities in the Philippines. We didn’t know why—what his reason was.
I know. I know. I’m the slowest of all. Most likely, I’ll be the first to die. Am I ready? I don’t know. I haven’t even said goodbye to my parents back in the province. Why did I even join the military at this time? Everything is happening at once. I wanted to rid the world of evil—but not like this…
"Stay calm, Abalos. We’re leaving together," Calatrava whispered to me. I nodded because there was nothing else I could do but follow. When I heard the Lieutenant’s call, we exited the building. The noise intensified. Loud thuds echoed around us, rocks falling, riots breaking out. People following him—calling him a god. It’s ridiculous.
I hissed in pain as my arm collided with debris. My grip on the M4 was tight. I couldn’t afford to let go. Without a weapon, I’d be defenseless. I swallowed hard, trying to push away the dread.
I escaped him earlier. I don’t even know how, but I remember running back to HQ, hysterically explaining what had happened—how Cuavalo disappeared, the explosion—the giant creature—AH! I don’t know anymore!
And then I saw it again. The figure in the center of the city, destroying everything in its path—buildings, properties—
I froze. The sound of gunfire rang loudly in my ears. I could see my comrades shooting, but it was futile—useless. The creature’s massive limbs were swiping them away.
Oh, my God.
I staggered back.
His gaze locked onto mine. My grip tightened on the M4, but for some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to fire. I don’t know if I’m lucky or cursed, but he turned and started walking away—towards the North. The chaos continued. Soldiers were running, but where were the others?
Had they fled?
Were they crushed like the rest?
I squeezed my eyes shut tightly.
I’ve only been in the military for three months—but why is this happening? Fuck this. Mama was right, I should’ve chosen something else. Something safer. Something normal!
I should’ve changed my course. Damn it, I shouldn’t be here—I’m pissing myself in fear, my knees shaking uncontrollably.
If I hadn’t been stupid and believed Kuya, thinking that joining the military could help me grow taller.
I screamed, despite the trembling. I raised the M4 high. The rapid gunfire echoed in my ears. I almost vomited from the sheer terror when the creature turned to face me. It was massive—so many limbs, so many eyes. The movement was disturbing, and I knew—I knew—I couldn’t face it.
Shit, shit, shit. I shouldn’t have done that!
I ran. I didn’t know where the blaring music was coming from—it sounded ridiculous, especially at a time like this.
It was Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da by The Beatles. It came from speakers somewhere, blending with the loud thuds behind me. Where the hell is that music coming from? Are they mocking me?! I’m dying here!
I turned into a narrow alley. My mind raced like in those movies we used to watch. The military couldn’t save us—there were always heroes in stories to rescue the day. But where’s the hero now? Nowhere. Pathetic. I’m surely going to die this ti—
Suddenly, my senses went numb. There was an explosion. I fell to the ground, coughing violently as debris hit me. My vision darkened.
Something hit me.
I squeezed my eyes shut. When I opened them slowly, the noise faded. The creature was gone. I felt the weight on my back—a heavy object. Even in pain, I forced myself to move, pulling away from what I realized was a massive chunk of rock. My body ached—my side burned, my left arm felt disjointed.
At the end of the alley, I heard a voice. "Ob-la-di, ob-la-da. Life goes on, bra. La-la, how the life goes on..."
Someone was singing.
Breathing heavily, I struggled to sit up against the wall.
Oh, God—I—
I glanced towards the figure at the end of the alley. I froze in shock when I saw who it was. A tall man walking toward me, wearing a cowboy hat—
It’s him! That man—he’s here!
I frantically searched my pockets for the radio, but it wasn’t there. Most likely lost during the chaos. How do I warn anyone? Are there any survivors left?
Shaking uncontrollably, I cursed under my breath. Especially when our eyes met. His expression shifted to confusion first, then arrogance. His grin returned—a twisted, menacing smile. And I knew—I knew this wasn’t going to end well.
"You're lucky, you know that?" He said, his grin widening. I whimpered as he grabbed my cheek and squeezed it tightly. Then he whispered, "But not anymore."
****