[An Island Born of Fire] Calm Before the Trip

“Did you know that there are seven volcanoes in Camiguin? At active sila lahat!”

I laughingly said as we were having lunch in the office, a few days before our trip. I was hoping that they would laugh, or say “weh?” Instead, they were quiet and thoughtful.

“Hindi nga...?” asked one of the girls.

“Sabi ni Wikipedia eh,” I said. “Pero hamo na, dude, may sariling office naman 'dun ang PHILVOCS, so mukhang safe naman!”

They laughed, but I can tell they were bothered.

“Guys... ano ba. Wala naman sigurong sasabog dun sa pitong bulkan 
habang nandun tayo.”