Even though the young man was curious, he knew that he could not get any answer for now, so he kept his curiosity to himself and went on to explore the pages of the book. He opened the table of contents and was surprised to see that it too, was hand-written. Mawi then flipped through the pages quickly and found out that the whole book was hand-written by the author, even on pages where there were illustrations, they were all written or drawn by hand. The sheer amount of effort spent by the author in making this book could be considered inhuman by today’s standards.

Mawi however did not linger in amazement but went back to the page where a simple table of contents was written. There he found that the book was separated into four categories and after the categories are a short description of what they are.

“The first category listed here is about the “Sacred Spirits”, these spirits are considered as the greatest of all, and they have their own world that is much like to the humans’. These spirits are oftentimes read or heard whenever the topic of creation and other such myths are told.” Mawi started to read the categories listed and their descriptions.

““Nature Spirits” – spirits who dwell in nature, such as rocks, trees, mounds of soil and others like animal spirits.” He continued. “The next category is the “Unbound Spirits” – spirits who, like the former category can also be found in nature, but, unlike the “Nature Spirits” can live and even interact among humans, and travel from their own realm to the human realm and vice versa.”

“Hmm? The last category is called “Mortal Spirits”?” Mawi looked at the last category with a bit of confusion on his face. “The “Mortal Spirits” are human spirits, who, after doing something great, either bad or good, have their spirits given the ability to continue existing in the mortal world. However, they are unable to interact with mortals in the mortal world except when they are invoked by a medium.”

Just by reading the four categories of “Spirits” from the book, Mawi was given a better understanding of the spirits. Truly, this book given to him by Lola Yma is a treasure, and the information contained inside could be worth more than its weight in gold.

“I see that you have already opened the book.” As Mawi was still thinking how amazing the book is, a voice suddenly called out to him. Looking up, he saw that Lola Yma was already standing in front of him.

“Kuya, what is that? Is that a book?! WOW! That is so thick!” a high-pitched voice also sounded after Lola Yma’s voice. It was Sabel, whose attention is now on the book being held by Mawi.

“Hahaha! Why Sabel, do you want to read this book?” Teased Mawi. Having Sabel around has a tremendous positive effect on his condition. Even though he still has to get back his memories, Sabel’s playfulness and mindfulness of him helps him relax.

“Hmph! You are just making fun of me!” Knowing that she is being teased, Sabel pouted at Mawi. However, her actions were opposite of the words she said, as she climbed the bed Mawi was sitting on and stared intently at the book.

“You silly child. Your kuya Mawi has yet to read the whole book, yet you want him to read some for you already?” Lola Yma’s heart became warm when she saw how close Mawi and Sabel had gotten these few days.

“Why lola? Does kuya need to study this book?” asked Sabel.

“Yes, he needs to study it. However, once he has started to read some of the things inside the book, then he will be able to read some for you. So, you need to wait.” Lola Yma persuaded the young girl.

“Okay!” Sabel immediately agreed, a hint of excitement and expectation in her eyes.

After expressing her agreement with Lola Yma’s statement, Sabel then jumped off the bed and went inside their bedroom. In there, the little child played with her only toy, a yo-yo that, as Lola Yma told Mawi, was made by Sabel’s late father. Mawi of course, has not seen her play with it, as she never showed her yo-yo skills to anyone except Lola Yma.

“Lola, this book…” Taking the chance that the little girl was not with them, Mawi started to ask about the book, but he was stumped as he did not know where to begin.

“That book is not mine. It was given to me by an old friend of mine.” As if knowing what Mawi was going to ask, Lola Yma immediately revealed the origin of the book to him. A look of reminiscing and admiration evident in her uncovered, left eye.

“That person is none other than the author of that book!” said Lola Yma.

Mawi’s heart shook the moment he heard Lola Yma’s words.