Chapter XI: Morality
The day drags on, each passing hour weighing heavily on Liz. By the time the school bell signals the end of the last class, she feels utterly drained. Her steps home are slow, her thoughts tangled in the mundane chaos of the day. Yet, as she enters her room, a sense of peace washes over her. Here, in her small sanctuary, she feels closer to herself—and to him.
Her nightly routine is simple yet sacred. Liz kneels at the side of her bed, clasping her hands together as she closes her eyes. The faint glow of the bedside lamp bathes her face as she prays.
"Lord, thank You for this day. Please guide me tomorrow and always. Help me make the right choices, and... keep Bennett close in spirit."
As she finishes, she reaches for the small, framed photo of Bennett on her nightstand. Her fingers trace his smiling face.
"Good night," she whispers, pressing a kiss to the glass. With that, she slides under the covers, the world fading into a tranquil silence.
Liz's dream begins like a warm memory. She finds herself standing in Bennett's room, bathed in the soft light of the setting sun filtering through the curtains. The air feels warm, familiar, and safe. Bennett is there, sitting at his desk, his back turned as he scribbles on a piece of paper. He turns when he notices her, his face lighting up with that signature smile that always melted her heart.
"Hey, Liz," he says, gesturing for her to come closer.
"Let's go over your religion subject. You've got a quiz tomorrow, right?"
Liz nods, her lips curving into a small smile as she approaches him.
"Yeah... I guess I should prepare." She sits down beside him, feeling the familiar warmth of his presence.
As Bennett starts to discuss the lesson, Liz's gaze drifts downward. Her smile falters, and her shoulders slump slightly. Bennett notices instantly. He sets the paper down and turns to her, concern etched on his face.
"Liz? What's wrong?" he asks, his voice soft but steady.
She hesitates, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.
"It's just..." She pauses, searching for the right words.
"It feels like there are two versions of me fighting inside. One part of me wants to do what's right, to handle things the way I should. But the other part... it's like it's always making the wrong choices, dragging me down."
Bennett leans closer, his eyes never leaving hers.
"An internal struggle," he says thoughtfully.
"That's tough. But why do you think that's happening?"
Liz sighs, her gaze distant.
"Maybe it's disappointment in myself... for not handling problems better. I try, but it always feels like I'm not enough."
Bennett's expression softens even more. He moves from his chair to sit beside her on the bed.
"You're more than enough, Liz," he says gently.
"But if you're feeling this way, let's talk it out. What's really been bothering you?"
Liz bites her lip, hesitating again. Finally, she speaks.
"It's my online shopping. I keep ordering things even when I know I don't have the money for them. It's like I can't stop myself."
Bennett chuckles softly, though his tone remains understanding.
"Liz, that's a bad habit," he says, tilting his head to meet her gaze.
"You have to consider the consequences before hitting that buy button. It's not just about money; it's about responsibility."
"I know," Liz replies, her voice tinged with frustration.
"But I can't help it. I get caught up in the moment, and then it's too late."
Bennett stands, placing a hand gently on her shoulder.
"You can't keep doing this to yourself," he says. Then, with a soft tug, he guides her to lie down on the bed. He lies beside her, turning to face her, their noses almost touching.
"Liz," he begins, his voice firm but kind,
"you need to believe in yourself. You're stronger than you think. Start by making better choices, little by little. Do the good things, not the things that might get you into trouble. Trust me, you'll feel so much better."
Tears well up in Liz's eyes.
"I'm sorry," she whispers, her voice breaking. "I'll try harder, I promise. I just... I love you so much, Bennett."
Bennett's lips curve into a soft smile.
"I love you too, Liz," he replies, brushing a stray tear from her cheek.
"And I'm here for you, always."
Their lips meet in a tender kiss, a silent promise shared between them. They stay there, cuddled together, the world outside fading away. In this moment, everything feels right.
Liz wakes with a start, the dream still vivid in her mind. Tears streak her cheeks as she sits up in bed, clutching the blanket tightly. The weight of longing presses against her chest. She misses those moments with Bennett—his unwavering support, his warm embrace, his calming presence.
Wiping her tears, Liz looks over at his photo on the nightstand.
"I miss you," she whispers, her voice trembling.
"But I'll do better. For you. For us."
The first rays of dawn peek through her window, casting a soft glow over her room. With a deep breath, Liz resolves to face the new day, carrying Bennett's words and love in her heart.
The morning sun casts a golden hue over the school gates as Liz steps out of the jeepney, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. Wyn is already there, leaning casually against the gate, scrolling through her phone. She looks up as Liz approaches and waves enthusiastically.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Wyn teases, grinning.
Liz chuckles.
"Good morning. I wasn't late, was I?"
Wyn shakes her head.
"Nope. But you almost were. Come on, let's head inside before the bell rings."
The two make their way to the classroom, weaving through the usual morning chaos of students chatting and hurrying to their respective rooms. The morning session goes by in a blur of lectures, scribbled notes, and the occasional whispered joke between Liz and Wyn.
Finally, the lunch bell rings, and the classroom empties as everyone rushes to the canteen. Liz and Wyn grab their lunch trays and find a quiet spot under a tree near the school's monument.
As they settle down, Wyn pulls out her phone and shows Liz a collection of memes.
"Look at this one," she says, barely able to contain her laughter.
Liz snickers.
"That's so dumb, but it's hilarious."
The two spend a few minutes scrolling and laughing, their voices mingling with the chatter of other students. But as the laughter dies down, Liz's expression turns pensive. Wyn notices immediately.
"What's on your mind?" Wyn asks, tilting her head.
Liz hesitates, fidgeting with her spoon.
"I... I remembered something. A story, actually. From when Bennett was still around."
Wyn leans forward, intrigued.
"Oh? Do tell."
Liz takes a deep breath, her gaze distant as she begins.
"This was back when I was in elementary school. I met this guy online—a year older than Bennett—and I started calling him my 'brother.' But he was... well, he was gay."
"And?" Wyn prompts, sensing there's more to the story.
"At first, it was just casual chats," Liz continues.
"But over time, he started teaching me bad stuff. Swear words, negative thoughts... you name it. I didn't even realize it at first, but I started adopting that behavior. I became... different."
Wyn raises an eyebrow but stays silent, letting Liz go on.
"One day, I went to the mall with my grandma and my aunts. I wanted to buy stickers, but they didn't let me because we didn't have extra money. I got so mad. When we got home, I..." Liz's voice falters.
"I swore at them. I called them useless. Even Bennett texted me that day, and I snapped at him too."
Wyn's eyes widen.
"Wow, that... doesn't sound like you at all."
Liz nods, guilt evident on her face.
"I kept acting that way for weeks. I did bad things, Wyn. I even got scammed online and labeled as a bogus buyer. But the worst part? I made Bennett cry."
"What happened?" Wyn asks, her tone softer now.
Liz's gaze drops to her lap.
"One day, I berated him for not doing what I wanted. But instead of arguing, he... he scolded me. He brought out a crucifix and hugged it tightly. Then he looked at me and said, 'This isn't the Liz we know. I'm begging you, let this devil leave you.'"
Wyn gasps.
"He said that?"
"Yeah." Liz's voice cracks.
"It was like something snapped inside me. I dropped to my knees and cried. I apologized over and over. Bennett hugged me and said he forgave me, but he wanted me to apologize to my family too."
"Did you?" Wyn asks.
Liz nods.
"We went to my grandma and aunts. I hugged them, crying and apologizing. They told me I needed to think before I spoke and remember they only wanted what was best for me. Bennett even backed them up, saying they cared for me and didn't want anything bad to happen."
"That must've been tough," Wyn says, her voice filled with empathy.
"It was," Liz admits. "But it was a wake-up call. From that day on, I promised myself I'd be better. I'd be disciplined."
Wyn wipes a tear from her eye.
"Bennett... he really went above and beyond for you. The patience he had? It's almost superhuman."
Liz smiles faintly.
"That's one of the things I loved about him. He never gave up on me, no matter how difficult I was."
The two sit in silence for a moment, reflecting.
"You know," Wyn says finally,
"wherever Bennett is now, I hope he's in good shape. I really miss him."
Liz nods, her eyes glistening.
"Me too. He was always there, guiding me, keeping me grounded. I'll always be grateful for that."
They finish their lunch quietly, a shared sense of longing hanging in the air. Though the weight of the past lingers, they both feel a renewed appreciation for the lessons Bennett left behind.
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