77 Disappearances 1

As always, people were early at the marketplace. It was a fine day and receiving Ludovico's miraculous healing would make their day extra special. The devotees directed the people in arranging themselves. The gravely sick were in front of the queues while those with mild symptoms were at the back. The outbreak had indeed worsened as the number of severe cases increased roughly four times from yesterday. Worse, the severity was twice as bad.

The clock struck nine and the crowd became more excited. It was usually at this hour that Loduvico arrived at his usual spot. Minutes passed and they got even more restless. After an hour, their idol had not yet appeared and they became troubled and worried. By noon, countless speculations had passed from mouth to mouth, and the chitchats became louder.

"Where could our savior be?" an old woman asked.

"Why hasn't he appeared yet?" another inquired.

"Loduvico must be in trouble."

"Do you think the authorities took him?"

"He must have been captured by the police. Mass gathering is highly discouraged at this time and what he is doing is against it."

"The people are not physically distancing as they tried pushing one another just to get ahead."

"Some are not even wearing face mask. How disgusting."

"Do you think Loduvico also got sick?"

"He must have been infected by one of the people he healed."

"Oh no, our savior is sick."

From simple inquiries and theories, it was generally surmised that Loduvico was terribly sick and that he might not be able to heal as he was taking a rest. The crowd was disappointed with the news and after offering short prayers for Lovudico, led by one of his devotees, they dispersed and went their separate ways.

Mang Tomas saw everything from a distance. He still occupied his usual spot in the market area and from his angle, he could see everything that was happening in Loduvico's crowd since the first day. Like his followers, he also could not help but wonder what happened to his mate.

"Do you know what could have happened to Loduvico?" asked one follower who happened to pass by him. "I know you are also a prophet and had been making prophecies earlier than Loduvico. Could you possibly know if he is okay?

"Sadly I do not know," Mang Tomas answered. "I did not see him in my dreams."

In fact, dreams were becoming less frequent for Mang Tomas. The sad thing was that his dreams spoke of the same thing - that the end of Subangdaku, and possibly even of the whole world, would come. Yet, a savior would appear and fight the evil. He sensed Loduvico was not the promised savior for he believed that he was also like him. They were meant to preach what could happen very soon and to prepare the way for the savior. Unlike him, Loduvico had healing power and that what made people look up to him or even worship him. Yet, Mang Tomas must continue preaching his visions or everyone would be doomed.

"Can you communicate with him in your dreams?" she persisted.

He looked at her long and hard. He had never thought of that possibility before. If they had been dreaming the same thing, there could be a chance that they would bump into each other there. If he got luckier, he could even find the savior.

"Why would I do that, woman?"

"Because Loduvico could not be found anywhere."

Mang Tomas maintained his poker face. He knew the younger man was in trouble. He did not dream about it but he already sensed it the moment he woke up that morning. His dreams heightened his senses and subconsciousness that he could feel if something amiss was happening around him.

"How do you know he is gone?"

"Some of us went to his house to see if the prophet is fine. But when they arrived, his house was still locked. To their wonder, there were plenty of footsteps found on the ground. It couldn't be Loduvico's. He is living alone and the tracks were all over the place."

"I thought he is just sick and resting. That's what I hear people say."

"Oh no, that's not true-" the woman said but suddenly paused, uncertain whether to continue or to stop right there. She was being tactless and the legion agreed to keep quiet about the matter. "Could I trust you not to tell the people about it?"

Mang Tomas smiled and nodded.

"You see, that's the story we want the people to believe. We did it in good faith so that the crowd would not panic and got scared."

"Still, you lied to the people."

"We could not think of better excuse to tell the believers. Loduvico was missing and it seemed some people took him. Right now, we are uncertain if he is safe or in trouble. Until we find him, we must make the people believe that he is just sick."

"I understand. There are things we must keep secret for the greater good. Yet, the truth will come out sooner or later."

"And we hope that Loduvico is finally here when that time comes."

Mang Tomas simply nodded. He was already tired. The heat and humidity must have caused his early exhaustion. However, he had not been feeling well since Sunday. His body was aching but the pain was random. He felt it on his back most of the time but sometimes on his legs and neck. He had slight fever and just this morning, he was sneezing badly. So while he was talking with the woman, the ailments came back so that he felt tired and dizzy. Out of a sudden, Mang Tomas coughed hard. The people around him panicked and backed away from him, even the woman he was talking to. He coughed and coughed until he spat blood. The people became even more frightened at him. Just then, three local volunteer peace officers came and approached him.

"Mang Tomas," one of them spoke, "we are here to take you and temporarily detain you in the local station. You have violated some local orders related to the recent outbreak."

Mang Tomas looked at them, confused and pained. The tightness in his chest worsened that he could hardly breath.

"These violations include not wearing face mask in public and encouraging mass gatherings. For these reasons, you submit yourself to the authorities and explain."

Without further words, the men took Mang Tomas forcefully. The people watching were appalled, feeling both scared and pity for the man. Mang Tomas knew that was bound to happen as the coming of the savior got nearer. It was frightening nonetheless that he collapsed as the men took him in their patrol vehicle....