After the strong earthquake that happened in North Cebu, everyone in our family felt very anxious. Even though we were safe, the fear of what might happen next never left our minds. The aftershocks kept coming, and each time the ground moved, our hearts raced. It was hard to sleep at night, and we were always alert.
Because of this, my mother decided that it would be best for us to go to the city for a while. She said it would help us rest and feel safer, away from the constant shaking and worry. My cousin, my auntie, and I all agreed. We knew that even just a short stay somewhere peaceful would help us relax.
That morning, we started to prepare our things. We packed our clothes, important documents, and some food. I helped fold the clothes while my mother checked our bags to make sure we didn’t forget anything important. The house still felt quiet, but there was also a rush in the air. Everyone just wanted to leave and find a place where we could finally rest properly.
Once everything was ready, we carried our luggage outside. The road was still dusty, and there were people walking around, some also packing and preparing to go somewhere safer. It made me realize that we were not the only ones feeling scared and unsure. Everyone was trying their best to stay strong.
We called a taxi to take us to Cebu City. The ride took a while, but I was glad to finally be on the move. Looking out the window, I could see broken walls and fallen buildings along the way. It was a sad sight, and it reminded me of how much damage the earthquake had caused. Still, I felt thankful that we were safe and together as a family. When we finally arrived in Cebu City, the atmosphere felt different. It was busier and noisier, but somehow, it also made me feel more comfortable. The buildings were standing tall, and life seemed to go on normally there. For the first time in days, I could breathe a little easier.
We decided to stay at Andy Hotel, a place my mother chose because it was clean, comfortable, and close to the city center. When we entered, the cool air from the lobby welcomed us. It felt nice after spending days under the hot sun and open skies back home. The receptionist greeted us politely and helped us check in.
Our room was simple but cozy. It had clean beds, soft pillows, and a quiet atmosphere. I could tell that this was exactly what we needed a short break from all the noise and fear.
My cousin and I unpacked our bags,while my mother and auntie talked about our next plans. We didn’t know how long we would stay, but we agreed to rest here for at least three nights.
That night, we all slept better than we had in days. The room was quiet, and for once, there were no aftershocks or sounds of things falling. I remember lying down on the bed, feeling thankful that I could finally close my eyes without worry. My cousin and I even joked a little before sleeping, trying to make things lighter.
The next morning, we had breakfast together in the hotel’s small dining area. It felt nice to eat properly again warm food and a calm place to sit. My mother looked more relaxed, and my auntie smiled, too. It was a small sign that things were slowly getting better.
During our stay, we spent time just resting, talking, and checking the news. Sometimes, we walked around the nearby streets to buy snacks or stretch our legs. Being in the city made us feel more secure, even though we still missed home.
As the days passed, I realized that leaving for a while was a good decision. It gave us time to breathe and recover from all the fear we had felt. Staying at Andy Hotel was not just about being safe it was also about finding peace after everything that happened.
Even though we didn’t know what would happen next, I felt comforted by the fact that we were together as a family. No matter where we stayed, what mattered most was that we supported one another.
When our three night stay ended, I felt a little sad to leave the hotel because it had become our small comfort zone. But I also knew that we were stronger now and ready to face whatever came next.
This short stay reminded me how important it is to take a break when things get too hard. Sometimes, stepping away from the chaos helps us find peace again.