01.28.08. There was an explosion that happened in a two-story apartment a few feet away from our house. The glass window panes on my bedroom which was nearest to the blast site were shattered by the impact leaving sharp shards of glasses all over the room. Had someone been lying on that bed at the time it happened, it could have left the deepest cuts and even put a life in utmost danger.
Thank God I was spared. I was at the office when it all happened. My night shift assignment was moved by my team lead a week later. Also, my selfish plan of not going to work this Monday, which was shelved the moment I learned last week that my other teammate will be on training for two days and there will be no senior resource left in the team except me.
The moment I read my younger brother’s text message informing of the situation in our neighborhood, I immediately returned a call to check if they are ok. As much as I was needed at work, I had to take a half-day at work and head home the soonest. The worst scenarios began flashing on my mind— chaotic surrounding, wrecked homes, injured or possibly killed people. Things I never thought could happen when I left our place early this morning.
I reached home past 3pm, and learned the most details I could get of why such blast happened. Apparently, one of the tenants of the apartment has been doing illegal activities at heir own house. They were making dynamites to be used for dynamite fishing. Something those tenants were able to do discreetly, up until this accident happened.
Despite having cleaned up some of the mess, Mom, my younger brother, and also Dad who we called abroad to inform of the situation decided that we leave our house and transfer to my eldest brother’s house first, until the authorities have formally declared that the neighborhood was clear of any further blast that could happen again. I wasn’t exactly agreeing with this because seeing our residence, my room not as damaged as I assumed, made me more attached to it. I was sentimental over leaving but then I realize that I have to set aside my own feelings for the safety of the whole family.
We stayed at my kuya’s house for only two hours after Mom has confirmed with a police officer that we can already return to our home since the authorities seem to have full control of the situation. Returning to our house, there’s a sense of redemption that comes with it. I can never be too proud of the neighborhood I live in, but this where Mom and Dad had built a house for us, and this is basically home for me.
I’d like to thank all who has shown their concern to me and my family during this trying time. God bless us all.
