Friday, May 23, 2008

LA SOMNAMBULA

Everytime I listen to Bellini’s grand opera, La Somnambula, I am reminded of my friend’s unforgettable nightmare, an experience, which had brought the best and worst out of his guts.

When we first arrived in Saudi, we were assigned apartments in different areas. A flat with three rooms would house six employees, each room shared by two expats. Of course, we were all briefly introduced to each other at the pre-departure orientation. Francis became my buddy-buddy ‘coz he’s so fun to be with, very jolly, always had story to tell. He was in complete contrast with his roommate, who was so silent, not smiling, never uttered a word unless spoken to. He was always in the confine of his small world, his bed.

All went well in the flat during the first three days, but everything dramatically changed on the fourth night. Francis was awakened by loud repeated squeaking sound. His first reaction was to look at the clock on his side table. It was two o’clock in the morning. When he turned his face to the direction of the sound, he was surprised to see his roommate trying to force open the door leading to the terrace. An eerie feeling came rushing down his spine. What on earth would his roommate be doing at this hour of night? Gathering his composure, he asked him what was wrong, but didn’t get a reply, instead continued turning the doorknob, his eyes were opened but seemed not conscious of what he was doing. Francis stood up and shook him, suddenly he stopped moving, just stood there, his eyes were fixed on the door. Francis guided him back to his bed. He looked around first and got back to sleep. It seemed nothing happened.

Francis did not bother to talk to his roommate about the incident of the previous night. I encouraged him to request transfer of room assignment immediately, which would mean an agonizing three to four days wait.

The ensuing night was even more frighteninggggg!!!

What happened to Francis? Aaahhhhhh!!!

To be continued!!!


6 comments:

Bay Martin said...

Francis, hope you get to open my blog. This one is dedicated to you. I'll call you tomorrow morning!

Anonymous said...

Naku ikaw talaga masyadong mahaba ang memory. You have a fantastic way of putting things in words. Buti na lang iniwan ni Francis ang flatmate niya. I don't remember his name, do you?

Anonymous said...

What happened? I am so excited to know the next chapter. Please post it now!

Bay Martin said...

Wait ka lang at malapit ko nang i-post.

[G@ttoGiallo] said...

Hi Martin, a friend of mine woke up at night to find herself naked in her building lift ! her apartment door closed, no keys...

Anonymous said...

Yes, I remember this one! Francis transferred to another building. He said, he won't last another night with his roommate! Even I won't dare stay another night with a somnambulist.