Collision

It seemed like any ordinary day. I woke up at around 6:00 in the morning and got up after the second alarm (just to be safe, I always have my alarm clock set at 5:40, 6:00 and 6:30 in the morning). Then I took a bath, brushed my teeth, got dressed, and strode out of the boarding house. "The earlier I get to school the better," I thought. I would still have the time to enjoy a mug of hot choco or munch on my pandesal or better yet, munch on pandesal dipped in hot choco.

My neighbor, who's also a colleague, was already out by the street waiting for her ride. It came quite soon and it was almost full. I decided to wait for another 3A at the stop. It was early anyway--no need for a cab.

In less than a minute, the next jeep came. It was a pink one! And empty (just the driver and I). I took this one and I sat. There was quite a distance between the driver and I. I had to inch little by little in the seat and eventually gave the manong my fare. I was nearly back to my seat when I saw the manong frantically pedal on the brakes. Everything else seemed like flashes. Now, I know how it's like when they describe series of events that happen too quickly. I find myself "smashed" into the divider which separates the passengers from the driver. I had no time to feel the pain, however, for as soon as I heard the by-standers yell : "Gas! Gas!" while pointing at the street, I immediately got off the jeep. Indeed, gasoline was dripping right into the pavement and the smell would have made me dizzy. But not today. Not now.

I hailed another jeepney and eventually got to school. I was able to walk, and I hardly noticed the pain. When I was at the gate, the nurses were at their usual post--taking temperature through the thermal scanner. My supervisor happened to be there as well. Standing sternly she checked on kids being dropped off and entering the school gates. As I got nearer, she suddenly gave me a quizical look: "Are you okay, Teacher Rizha? " She was looking at my blouse--particularly the sleeves. I followed her gaze.Only then did I realize that my right sleeve had been smudged with rust.  At the same time, I realized my right arm seemed to throb. I told her what happened in the quickest way possible, and went to the school clinic, as advised. When I rolled my sleeve and eventually had to take off my pants, I saw the ugly bruises.

It was quite an experience...I pity the driver because I know the damage on his jeepney would cost him a lot. He was in his "right" lane. The other bigger jeepney zoomed past and stopped recklessly right in front--he was hoping to beat another jeepney and get more passengers. Amidst all these, I wondered: "If I hadn't taken his jeep, would I have stopped  this from happening?"

The bruises are healing. No bones have been broken. The nurses tended the throbbing muscles.

I am alive and well. I am thankful.