"The Hills of Marvi"

by Michelle Naomi Dumasig



It was late at night in Marvi Hills Subdivision, a neighborhood situated in Rizal. A tricycle driver just dropped off his final passenger of the day. He was heading home when he noticed a stranger. The tricycle driver saw its silhouette signaling him to halt. As a service provider, he stopped and asked for the person's destination. He realized that the presence in front of him was a female. Without saying a word, the woman climbed behind him and gestured up to the highest point of Marvi. To get there, they would have to overcome the range of hills that forms the topographic structure of the subdivision.


The tricycle driver started to feel a little heavy throughout the ride. Fear sent a shiver down his spine; therefore he made the decision to accelerate the vehicle until they reached the highest point of the Marvi Hills.


Upon nearing the lady’s destination, the tricycle driver turned around. He was stunned to see that the passenger behind him had disappeared. He made the quick decision to return home as if nothing had occurred. He never crossed Marvi Hills again and quickly forgot the occurrences with the weird lady.


However, almost two weeks later, while waiting for a passenger in the terminal, an elderly man approached the tricycle driver.


"Iho, could you drop me off at Marvi Hills?" the elderly guy slowly stated.


The driver felt pity for the old guy because he was hauling a lot of heavy goods. He led him to Marvi Hills despite his fear of returning.


Darkness surrounded them since the ride was lengthy. The old guy abruptly spoke as they were ascending to Marvi's highest point.


“Stop, iho.”


The driver stopped his tricycle in confusion. He was curious as to what the old man behind him was staring at.


When the driver turned around, he noticed a woman approaching him in a long, flowing white gown. The lady walked slowly, wobbling and hobbling. Because of his terror, the driver petrified, unable to move as the woman drew closer.


The woman suddenly screamed.


"That's the man who ditched me, Dad! He moved quickly and carelessly! Look what you did to me; you crippled me! We've been looking for you for a long time!"