As Thalia stepped into the classroom, the sounds of chatter, laughter, and the occasional bickering of her classmates filled the air—even from the doorway. She let out a small sigh.

Now in Grade 10, Thalia was preparing to move up to senior high school. She studied diligently—not for ambition or recognition, but for her family.

Quietly, she made her way to her seat, brushing the back of her neck as the noise around her buzzed like a restless hive. Thalia attended a private school—an expensive one. That fact alone was enough to make her push herself harder.

She often wondered why her older brother had chosen to enroll her here instead of a public school. It would’ve been enough, she thought, to study somewhere more affordable.

Sigh. That was all she could think.

“You’re already here, Thalia!” a cheerful voice called out, followed by a friendly slap on her arm. It was Ruth.

“Good morning, Ruth,” she greeted with a faint smile.

“Morning!” Ruth replied brightly, plopping down beside her.

“I heard we’re going on a camping trip,” Ruth said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Where?” Thalia asked, though her tone already hinted at unease.

“Near the site where those two sisters were found dead a few months ago,” Ruth whispered. “You remember? The ones who were murdered?”

Thalia shot her a sideways glance. “Isn’t that far from here?”

“Not that far,” Ruth leaned closer, lowering her voice. “They say the spirits of the sisters still haunt that place.”

Thalia arched a brow, trying to decide whether Ruth was joking or serious.

Before she could answer, their adviser entered the classroom with a stack of papers in his hands. Instantly, the room fell silent. Thalia and Ruth exchanged a look and straightened up.

Their adviser—Mr. Jake—was young, handsome, and effortlessly confident, which explained the muffled giggles among some of the girls. Thalia nudged Ruth, who was already trying (and failing) not to blush.

“Good morning, class,” Mr. Jake greeted with a smile.

“Good morning, Teacher Jake!” the class replied in unison.

“Please, take your seats,” he said, handing out the papers. “These are the consent forms for next week’s camping trip. Make sure your parent or legal guardian signs it and includes a phone number.”

Thalia silently prayed that her brother wouldn’t let her go. Aside from the strange feeling in her chest about the trip, the cost alone was already too much for their tight budget.

“Just a reminder—this trip is compulsory,” Mr. Jake added, emphasizing the word.

Thalia sighed again and slipped the paper into her bag. Something about this camping trip didn’t feel right. It wasn’t fear of ghosts—she didn’t believe in those. But she did believe in her instincts.

By the time Thalia arrived home, the sun was dipping below the horizon. Their life was simple but filled with quiet resilience.

Orphaned at a young age, Thalia and her siblings had been raised by their eldest brother, Felix. He worked multiple jobs just to put food on the table and keep them in school.

“Oh, you’re home already, Tata,” Felix greeted warmly, busy preparing dinner.

“Yes,” she said softly, forcing a smile.

“You okay?” he asked, immediately noticing her expression.

“It’s nothing,” Thalia replied quickly.

“That sigh says otherwise. Something wrong at school?” Felix asked, voice gentle but firm.

Thalia hesitated, then pulled out the permission slip from her bag. “We have a camping trip next week.”

“And?” he asked, taking the paper from her hands.

“It’s just... expensive,” she admitted.

Felix frowned slightly but smiled. “If it’s for school, I’ll allow it—no matter the cost.”

“Brother, you’re already supporting me and Jenny,” Thalia reasoned. “Her midterms are coming up, and that’s another expense.”

Felix chuckled softly. “I’ve already paid your sister’s tuition. Next thing you’ll tell me is to save for Greg’s schooling, huh? Don’t worry—I’ve already started.”

“Brother, you should keep something for yourself,” Thalia said, scratching her head. “You always put us first.”

He smiled, signing the paper before handing it back to her. “All I can give you is education, Tata. Even though I never finished school myself, I want all of you to graduate.”

“Now, go change. When your sister gets home, we’ll eat together.”

Thalia didn’t argue. She often wondered how Felix managed everything. Despite never finishing school, he was clever, hardworking, and endlessly resourceful. Already in his late twenties, he could’ve had a better life—if only their parents had lived.

“Oh, by the way,” Felix said suddenly, “where’s your camping trip going to be?”

“Far. Near the place where those two girls were murdered,” she replied quietly.

Felix paused for a moment, nodding thoughtfully. “Alright,” he murmured. “Call me when Jenny arrives.”

Thalia gave a faint nod, though a quiet wish echoed in her heart—
that somehow, something would happen to keep her from going on that trip.