Chapter 14
Nille carefully pulled a small piece of cloth from his pocket. It was Granny Amparo's handkerchief, soft from years of use. Without glancing at Lin Meiying, who was still quietly behind her curtain, he moved toward the small restroom tucked in the corner of the room.
The curtain separating the other patient remained closed, giving him a sense of privacy. His focus was entirely on his grandmother. At the sink, he turned the handkerchief over in his hands, letting cold water run over it. He pressed, rubbed, and rinsed carefully, planning to gently wipe Granny Amparo's face.
When he stepped back into the room, the attending nurse was already there, standing beside Granny Amparo. She gave him a polite nod as he greeted her, but then froze when she noticed the damp handkerchief in his hands.
"Ah… wait," she said, stepping closer. "That's not the proper way to clean a patient." Her voice was gentle but firm. "You could accidentally irritate her skin, or spread bacteria. Handkerchiefs like this… they're not meant for direct contact right now."
Nille's brow furrowed slightly, but he stayed quiet, listening.
"The doctor, Doctor Jasmin Dizon, has already asked us to take care of your grandmother," the nurse continued, her tone softening. "We'll change her into a regular patient gown, and give her a proper sponge bath. Everything will be done carefully."
Nille looked down at his feet, unsure what to say.
The nurse smiled faintly and added, "You're a lucky young man, you know. Doctor Dizon has taken a liking to you. She specifically requested that we make sure your grandmother is comfortable, and that she gets personal attention while she's here."
Nille's eyes widened slightly.
"Lucky?" he murmured.
"Yes," the nurse nodded. "The hospital director is planning to make this hospital semi-private then to private in a few months. Once we have more personnel and the new wing is fully operational, families like yours may not get this kind of special attention." She glanced at Granny Amparo, then back at Nille. "Right now, we're waiting for more trained staff to start, but in the meantime, we follow the doctor's instructions closely. That includes keeping your grandmother comfortable, safe, and clean."
Nille nodded slowly, absorbing every word.
"Thank you… ma'am," he said quietly, a hint of gratitude in his voice.
The nurse gave him a small, approving smile. "You don't need to do anything right now, young man. Just… stay close, and don't worry. We'll take care of her. You've already done your part by being here, watching out for her."
Nille simply glanced toward Granny Amparo's bed, his small hands still folded in front of him, determined to stay vigilant, even as the nurse began preparing her for a proper bath and clean clothing. The room, though busy, had a calm rhythm now. an unspoken reassurance that his grandmother's safety was in good hands.
The female nurse gave Nille a small, understanding smile as she adjusted her gloves.
"You've been here a long time," she said gently. "Why don't you step out for a bit? Get some fresh air… try to ease your stress." She glanced down at his worn clothes and the smudges on his hands. "And… you look like you could use a quick freshening up yourself. Junior, Mnang Jun's son, he can help you."
Nille nodded, grateful for the suggestion. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke quietly, almost shyly.
"By the way… my name is Nille."
The nurse gave a small nod, her smile softening.
"I'm Nurse Cruz," she replied.
With that, Nille stepped out of the room and headed toward the main lobby on the ground floor.
The hospital struck him immediately—clean, modern, and new. Most of the rooms across the hall were still vacant, their doors closed and quiet. The wing that connected to the new building led to the emergency ward, where the activity was steady but orderly.
From the outside, the U-shaped, two-floor admitting building looked modest—smaller than some other hospitals he had seen—but inside it felt expansive. Wide hallways curved along the shape of the building, and rooms opened off either side. The space could accommodate up to 200 patients, though at the moment, it was quiet. Only six rooms were in use.
One of those rooms housed Granny Amparo. Another held Lin Meiying's grandfather. The remaining four were occupied by other patients, scattered sparsely along the hallways.
As Nille walked, his eyes roamed the lobby and corridors. The hospital might have looked small from the outside, but inside, it hummed with potential, a place where people came to heal, quietly supported by staff and doctors who cared more than appearances might show.
Nille felt a small sense of reassurance, knowing his grandmother was in capable hands, even as he prepared to find Junior and freshen up. When he reached the main lobby floor, he spotted Junior pushing a cart stacked with cleaning materials.
Nille waved and called out, "Hey, Kuya Junior! Hi! Um… do you know where I can freshen up?"
Junior paused, slightly perplexed at first. Then his face brightened when Nille mentioned Nurse Cruz.
"Ah, So Nurse Cruz told you that? Perfect timing!" Junior said with a grin. "I actually found a small mat you can use later, and I'll have my wife bring some of our son's old clothes for you. That way, you can get cleaned up properly."
Nille blinked, a mix of amazement and quiet shock crossing his face. People treated him with such kindness and generosity, simple, unassuming gestures, but it felt rare in the world he knew.
Junior noticed his expression and chuckled softly. "It's normal to help, Nille. But… remember, not everyone is like this. Have you seen those three people who went to that elderly man injured in the car crash?"
Nille nodded slowly.
"Greedy, selfish," Junior continued, shaking his head. "They're already wealthy, but they still want more. My father always taught us that happiness comes from living a simple life. Health and family, that's the real wealth. Money… it's just paper."
A small smile appeared on Nille's lips. He nodded in agreement.
Junior laughed, a warm, easy sound. "That's why my father likes you, you're practical, realistic. Come on, let's go toward the janitorial office. By the way… did you hear that this hospital will become private in a few months?"
Nille shook his head slightly.
"It's the new owners' plan," Junior explained. "Investors are coming in, they want a first-class hospital. They're planning a huge hotel-casino complex here, too. It's going to be big… impressive… and a little disturbing if we can't manage our own house properly."
Nille nodded silently, but his thoughts wandered elsewhere. The area around the hospital was still mostly vacant. Across the wide plot of land, a large sign read: "Soon: Rice Residential Towers." He guessed that some of Granny Amparo's former property might have been included in the sale.
For now, though, he didn't dwell on it. His focus remained where it always had been—keeping Granny Amparo safe and cared for.
Junior gave him a friendly nudge. "C'mon, Nille. Let's get you cleaned up."
And with that, they headed toward the janitorial office, the hospital's quiet halls stretching before them.
After about an hour, Nille had finished a quick wash. The warm water and the small mat Junior had prepared helped him feel refreshed, if only slightly. Just as he was finishing, Junior's wife arrived, walking briskly from their nearby house, a few minutes away from the hospital.
In her hands, she carried a small bundle: a few clean shirts and an old pair of tactical pants.
Nille stepped forward and accepted them openly, bowing slightly in gratitude. "Thank you… really," he said, his voice quiet but sincere.
Junior's wife gave him a brief, encouraging smile. "Don't mention it. You and your grandmother… you survive with the kindness of others, don't you?"
Nille nodded, understanding the meaning behind her words.
"I can't stay long," she added quickly, glancing at her watch. "I'm in the middle of something important, but… hello, Nille." Her greeting was polite, but she didn't have time to introduce herself properly. Before he could respond, she waved and left, leaving a small trail of brisk energy behind her.
Junior, still seated on the chair, opened the electric fan, letting a breeze circulate through the small room. He watched Nille with a light smile as he shook his head. "She's always like that… can't stop, always busy. But she wanted to help, so that's what counts."
As Nille finished changing into the clothes Junior's wife had brought, he noticed something remarkable: the long scarf he had washed earlier had dried instantly, as if it had never been wet.
He wrapped it carefully around his neck once more, the soft fabric settling snugly against his skin.
Junior was preoccupied nearby, carefully placing small beads into a plastic container, humming quietly to himself.
"Many beads… here," the scarf murmured softly, its voice faint but deliberate, vibrating lightly against Nille's neck.
He glanced down at the folding table, noticing the beads scattered across it, dozens of them glinting in the light. The scarf's tone wasn't urgent, but it carried a curious insistence, as if pointing him toward something just beyond ordinary observation.
Nille's fingers tightened slightly around the scarf. It's like it's… aware, he thought, a small thrill running through him. The beads, the scarf, the faint energy he could sense, it all felt connected, waiting for him to understand.
Nille's eyes flicked down at it, a small, knowing smile forming. The scarf's awareness, its reactions, it felt alive in a way that went beyond the ordinary.
Nille took a deep breath, adjusted the scarf's folds around his neck, and followed the faint pull it seemed to be indicating. His gaze fell on the folding table, where dozens of small, shiny objects were scattered, and Junior was still adding more.
Nille's eyes widened slightly. "Those… are beads?" he asked, his tone cautious, almost unsure.
Junior chuckled, noticing his reaction. "Oh, these? Yeah, they're just beads," he said casually. "The forest behind our place has a lot of them lying around. Kids like us always play with them. The place is basically a giant playground."
He leaned back against the chair, gesturing vaguely toward the pile. "These things are really popular at your age… everyone collects them."
Nille squinted, noticing something unusual. The beads weren't ordinary, they glimmered faintly, as if carrying a subtle energy.
Junior, catching Nille's look, scratched the back of his head. "I guess I kinda took them unconsciously , hoping i could turn them into something profitable , but i never had the opportunity to work on it, when Nille responded
" making accessories… little trinkets for decoration. "
Junior nodded slowly, glancing at the beads in the container. To him, they were just ordinary trinkets.
Then, almost on a whim, he asked, "So… are you interested in this?"
Nille looked up, curious.
Junior smiled and continued, his tone casual but careful. "My father told me you were scavenging last night… that's dangerous. Here, take this. Maybe you can craft something out of it and earn a little. I actually have more at home."
He leaned closer slightly, lowering his voice. "These beads… I found them on the vacant, large, but dense, plot of land behind the hospital. I even secretly planted some sweet potatoes there. The soil's really fertile… but shh, it's a secret, okay?"
Junior grinned, then handed Nille a small container, about half a gallon, the kind normally used for ice cream. "It's a common thing here in the Philippines," he explained. "We reuse ice cream containers for small things like this."
Nille accepted it, eyes wide, realizing the kindness and thoughtfulness behind Junior's act will make the scarf grow even faster, as the scarf never stop saying , "soo much food!"
Nille stared at the half-gallon container of beads in his hands, a spark of curiosity lighting his eyes.
"Can… can I go to that vacant lot too? Maybe I can gather some beads there," he asked cautiously.
Junior leaned back in his chair, studying him with a faint grin. "Yeah… you can," he said slowly. "Just… stay clear of the old barbed wires scattered around the place. Let's just say… many reports have been logged that the area has become a sort of meeting place for teen lovers frolicking in the tall grass at night. Going there at night might get you in trouble."
Nille blinked, a little taken aback. "Oh… okay… I wasn't planning to go at night anyway."
Junior waved a hand dismissively. "Good. If you do go, just… be mindful of your step. You might accidentally step on my sweet potato patch." He smirked slightly.
Nille tilted his head, frowning. "Why are you telling me all this?"
Junior's grin widened, and he leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees. "I know that look," he said, tapping Nille's shoulder gently. "It's a look of opportunity. I've seen it before on kids who can't resist the chance to explore… and I know you'll go there eventually."
Nille's lips twitched into a small, almost guilty smile.
"You're… predicting me?" he asked.
Junior laughed softly. "Not predicting. Just… giving you a fair warning. Think of it as… friendly advice. You've got curiosity written all over you. If you're going to go, better to know the hazards first."
Nille nodded, glancing at the beads again. "Alright… I'll be careful."
Junior stood up, picked up the fan's remote, and turned it slightly toward Nille. "Good. And… hey, if you find anything interesting, maybe you can show me sometime. I'm curious what you'll come up with."
Nille's eyes sparkled faintly, the thrill of possibility settling over him as he clutched the container of beads. "Yeah… I will."
Junior chuckled, giving him a playful pat on the shoulder. "That's what I like to hear. Now… finish freshening up, and don't get too distracted. Granny Amparo is well taken cared ."
Junior leaned back slightly in his chair, letting the breeze from the electric fan wash over him. "Oh, and by the way," he added casually, "I'll bring you some food later, around noon, okay? My wife will be back then, and I'll ask her to bring the rest of the beads too."
Nille's eyes lit up, and he gave a small, gracious smile. "Thank you… really, Junior. I appreciate it."
Junior chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Don't mention it. Just take care of yourself—and be careful out there."
He didn't bother standing, letting himself relax fully as the fan's cool air rustled the edges of his shirt. For a moment, the small janitorial corner felt like a quiet island of calm in the midst of the bustling hospital.
Nille clutched the half-gallon container a little tighter, feeling the weight of kindness and trust from people who didn't even have to help him, but chose to anyway.
As soon as he stepped out of Junior's view, the scarf stirred lightly around his neck.
"Give… beads… please" it murmured, the voice soft but insistent.
Nille glanced down at the container, then slowly reached in. He took a handful of beads and held them out. The tip of the scarf, like a slender, flexible finger, reached toward the beads and began to wave gently, almost impatiently.
One by one, the beads—different sizes, shapes, and colors, vanished into the scarf, slipping silently as if being drawn into a hidden storage within the fabric.
Nille watched, a mixture of awe and curiosity rising in him. He could feel the faint energy of the beads mingle with the scarf, almost as if it were cataloging them, learning from them, storing them for later use.
When the last bead disappeared, the scarf wrapped snugly against his neck again, quivering slightly, as though satisfied.
"Many beads… here… so happy" it whispered, almost proudly.
" going to adsorb it learn more , evolve more"
Nille smiled faintly. Somehow, the beads weren't just objects anymore, they felt like a bridge between him and the strange, living companion now resting on his neck.
He thought back: just thirteen beads had been enough to give the scarf a voice, a faint consciousness capable of communication.
So… what would a whole handful do? he wondered, glancing down at the beads now absorbed into the scarf's hidden storage.
The fabric quivered slightly, almost as if responding to his unspoken question. A soft, eager vibration ran along its length, and the tip twitched.
"More… learn… more… many…"
The scarf's voice was brighter now, sharper, almost animated. The energy from the beads seemed to multiply its awareness, filling the scarf with something like curiosity, or even hunger.
Nille's eyes widened slightly. He realized that giving the scarf a handful of beads didn't just feed it, it expanded it, made it more capable, more aware, more… alive.
For a moment, he felt a thrill of both excitement and caution. Whatever this scarf was becoming, it was growing fast, and he was the one holding the key.
Nille walked slowly back toward Granny Amparo's room on the second floor, as he was about to go up the staircase, the small half-gallon container now empty, and the scarf snug around his neck, quivering faintly.
"I really don't understand," he asked quietly, almost to himself. "Why are you eating these beads? Are they really that important?"
The scarf shifted gently, as if settling before responding.
"Not all beads are evil… many are kind," it murmured. "My purpose… is to feed on the negative energy… and use it to do good. The beads are not all bad, so my power and evolution grow only slightly lower when consuming the good ones."
Nille frowned, absorbing the explanation. "So… the evil ones give you more power?" he asked, glancing down at the scarf.
"Yes," the scarf replied simply, vibrating lightly along his neck. It was slightly growing in size, the energy from the handful of beads making it more alert.
Nille thought for a moment. "The handful I gave you… there were four evil beads, right? And the rest… were good?"
"Correct," the scarf replied, digesting the energy. "I have absorbed the beads' power… and some residual memories of their creatures. The god beads came from flying pixies… the evil ones came from Lamang-lupa, or dark gnomes dwelling in vacant land"
Nille's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind piecing it together. The scarf wasn't just a strange companion, it was a collector, a filter, a vessel. Every bead carried not just energy, but history, memory, and intent.
"So… the more evil the creature, the stronger its bead," Nille said softly, almost to himself.
"Yes," the scarf agreed, the vibration along its length intensifying faintly.
Nille clenched his fists lightly, a mix of awe and caution stirring in him. He realized that every bead, every bit of energy, was shaping the scarf, and shaping him, too, in ways he didn't fully understand yet.
The corridor stretched before him, quiet except for the soft hum of the hospital, and Nille took a careful step, feeling the scarf pulse lightly against his neck, alive with the power of the handful of strange, mysterious beads.
Just then, Nurse Cruz appeared, descending the stairs with her usual calm efficiency. Seeing Nille, she gave him a warm, reassuring smile.
"How's Granny Amparo?" Nille asked immediately, his concern bubbling to the surface.
"She's fine," Nurse Cruz replied, her tone gentle but firm. "Still sleeping, but it's normal. I've already given her vitamins, changed her clothing, and made sure she's secure. She's perfectly okay."
Nille exhaled quietly, a wave of relief washing over him.
Nurse Cruz's eyes softened as she glanced at him. "By the way… you look refreshed. I can see you've taken a little time for yourself. Let me give you some advice, don't stay cooped up in her room all day. Stretch a little, get some sunshine. Your grandmother is just having a long power nap. Many watchers tend to forget about themselves while caring for their patients. Seeing her fine and slowly recovering… now it's your turn to be proactive. Be productive. Take care of yourself too."
Nille nodded thoughtfully, absorbing her words. He could feel the scarf pulsing faintly against his neck, as if in agreement.
A small determination settled in his chest. If Granny Amparo was safe and stable for the moment, he had the chance to act elsewhere. He glanced toward the vacant lot behind the hospital, thinking of the handful of beads, the forest behind it, and the secrets Junior had hinted at.
He decided then: he would go there. He would gather more of the evil beads, investigate what had happened in that place, and uncover whatever mysteries lingered while there was still time.
Nille adjusted the scarf one more time, feeling its warmth and subtle energy settle comfortably around his neck. He began walking toward the exit, careful not to ignore Granny Amparo, he was simply taking the opportunity to gain more knowledge and power from what was happening around him.
As he approached the edge of the hospital grounds, near the vacant lot, he spoke quietly to the scarf. "Can you… detach and distinguish the evil beads from the good ones?"
The scarf shifted against his neck, quivering slightly, then responded in a clear, confident tone.
"Yes, I can. But… I need to consume a few more beads to increase my ability to Level 2. After that, distinguishing will be faster and more precise."
Nille noticed something remarkable. The scarf's communication had changed, it could now form full sentences, speaking with clarity and intent rather than faint murmurs or fragmented phrases. Its words carried a subtle weight, a sense of awareness that made it feel almost alive in a new way.
He glanced down at the half-gallon container he had brought, already imagining how feeding it a few more beads would increase its strength. Level 2… the thought sent a thrill through him. The scarf wasn't just a tool anymore; it was a partner, a living ally capable of action and thought.
Nille took a careful step toward the lot, his heart steady, his mind alert. "Alright… let's see what's really out there," he said softly, the scarf's pulse vibrating lightly against his neck in silent agreement.
Together, they moved toward the forest of beads and secrets, ready to uncover whatever lay hidden in the vacant land behind the hospital.
As Nille carefully stepped into the dense vacant lot, the tall grass brushing against his legs, his eyes widened. Dozens of beads were scattered across the ground, glinting faintly in the sunlight. Some were clear and shimmering, others darker, almost pulsing with subtle energy.
The moment his foot pressed on a patch of the grass, the scarf quivered sharply against his neck.
"Careful… step slow… many hidden dangers… and beads here," it murmured in a calm but urgent tone.
Nille froze for a moment, listening to the scarf's warning. "Hidden dangers?" he whispered.
"Yes… some beads are evil, stronger than the others. Let me guide you… I can detect a few them.
"Yes… some beads are evil, stronger than the others. Let me guide you… I can detect a few of them near you," the scarf murmured, its tone calm but focused.
Nille felt a subtle vibration along the length of the fabric, almost like a heartbeat syncing with his own. Just four more vile beads… the scarf seemed to imply, and I'll reach Level 2. It won't take long.
He stepped carefully into a small clearing, his eyes scanning the soil littered with countless beads, their colors glinting faintly in the filtered sunlight. Some shimmered innocently, clear or soft-hued, while others had a darker, ominous glow that made Nille's stomach tighten slightly.
The scarf pulsed more insistently now, its tip twitching toward clusters of beads scattered across the ground.
"Here… one, two… three… four," it whispered. "Vile beads detected. Absorb them carefully… do not disturb the others too quickly."
Nille crouched, his fingers hovering just above the soil.
Then the scarf spoke again—this time, slower… heavier.
"There is an unseen war in this area… many pixies are dying. The dark gnomes are invading… they are killing each other."
Nille's hand stopped mid-air.
He glanced around, but all he could see was grass… dirt… scattered beads.
No battle.
No creatures.
Just silence.
"…A war?" he asked quietly.
"Yes. The pixies have greater numbers… but the dark gnomes are stronger."
Nille clenched his jaw slightly. Even if he couldn't see it, he could feel it now—the tension in the air, the faint, lingering energy in the beads beneath his feet.
"Can we help them?" he asked.
There was a pause.
A rare one.
"Sadly… we cannot," the scarf replied. "This is a dispute only their leaders can resolve. Interference from outsiders may worsen the balance."
Nille lowered his hand slowly, his expression tightening.
For a moment, he felt something unfamiliar,
Helplessness.
He was standing in the middle of a battlefield he couldn't see… surrounded by the remains of something alive… something fighting.
And yet,
There was nothing he could do.
"…Then what can we do?" he asked quietly.
The scarf pulsed once.
"We learn. We grow. And we prepare."
Nille exhaled slowly.
Then, carefully, he reached down and picked up the first vile bead.
One.
Then another.
Two, Three, Four, Five and Six
As the scarf absorbed the beads, its grip around Nille's neck tightened slightly, not painfully, but with a growing, steady strength.
"I will begin absorbing them now," it said, its voice clearer than before. "You should return to the hospital… before we are noticed."
Nille's eyes narrowed. "Noticed… by what?"
The scarf didn't answer directly.
Instead, it continued,
"Unlike other awakened… their dukun abilities have no use for these beads. That is what makes you different. The more beads I consume, the larger your spirit orb will become."
Nille blinked. "You mean… that one inside my Enclave? The melting orb?"
"Yes."
The scarf pulsed again, stronger now, as if something within it had unlocked.
"With this evolution… I can craft more secret weapons for you. And the more beads I consume… the more your powers will manifest."
Nille felt a strange pressure in his chest, not painful, but present. Like something deep inside him was slowly expanding.
He looked back toward the scattered beads, then toward the hospital in the distance.
"…And the others?" he asked quietly.
The scarf's voice lowered.
"The more power you gain… the more attention you will attract."
A brief pause.
"And more of them… will begin to take interest in your presence."
The wind shifted slightly through the tall grass.
For the first time since entering the vacant lot, Nille felt it, not just curiosity… not just opportunity…
But risk.
Real risk.
Still, he didn't hesitate for long.
He turned.
Step by step, he began walking back toward the hospital, the scarf faintly pulsing with each movement, absorbing, evolving… growing.
Behind him, the unseen war continued.
And ahead,
Something far bigger was beginning to notice him. a woman was watching Nille from a far but it wasn't interested at him, it was more interested as his scarf, she stood motionless among the tal grass and walked backward as she slowly vanish among the tall grass and insects in the area flew toward her direction.
Nille only took a few minutes to make his way out of the dense vacant lot, carefully stepping through the tall, wild grass. Each movement was deliberate, mindful of what the scarf had warned him about.
As soon as his feet touched the concrete pavement of the hospital grounds, the atmosphere shifted, safer, quieter, more ordinary.
Near the entrance, he spotted the maid attending to Lin Meiying, standing patiently just outside, the car they came in with her , silently waiting for the young girl's call. She stood straight, composed, as if time itself moved slower for her. then as Nille walked a few meters from her , the maid took out the car keys and opened the car and sat inside the driver seat and closed the car door and waited for the call from there.
Nille paused for a brief second.
He noticed something else. the maid smart phone was place off the car dashboard just above the steering wheel.
Many of his classmates had smartphones, devices they used for games, messages, and distractions. He had never felt jealous before. In truth, he didn't even know anyone personally who owned one.
But after meeting the two doctors…
A small thought crossed his mind.
Maybe… someday… I might need one too.
He frowned slightly and shook his head.
"What am I thinking…" he muttered under his breath.
That kind of life, normal thoughts, normal wants, it felt distant now.
The truth was simple.
His normal life was already gone.
And thinking about things that didn't matter… might only shorten his life in the path he was now walking.
Nille's expression steadied.
Instead of wandering thoughts, he focused inward.
The Enclave.
If he had time before lunch, then he would use it well.
He adjusted the scarf once more, feeling its quiet, growing presence around his neck.
"I'll train," he whispered.
And with that decision, Nille moved forward, no longer just a boy returning to a hospital…
But someone preparing for something far greater.