It was due to my personal experiences even at an early age that paranormal phenomenon became one of my fascinations in life. I never imagine though that I will witness another one so bizarre; so unbelievably freaky and yet so touching that regardless of how sceptic one could get...this is one proof that there is something inside in us all; call it spirit if you will that are truly immortals. This is a true story of love, death and friendship. This is the truth stranger than fiction with real names...real people.

(Note: this story is an excerpt from Apocalypse Countdown 666 copyrighted by Janus Publishing Co., London. Although, the copyright has returned to the author; no part of this story shall be published neither in print nor in the web without the author’s written consent.)

I knew both engineer Medel and his wife Marilou long before they got married. He worked as a consultant engineer in one of the construction companies in the town where I have spent most of the thirteen years I am in Saudi Arabia. Marilou meanwhile was the hospital dietician. Fortunato (Atoy) and his wife Lhenny work in the same hospital.

Khalil is not only a friend; we both came from the same Muslim tribe in the south of the Philippines.

I was on call as an ambulance physician that day, 24 January 1993 when I was called to the hospital. I found Medel on the X-ray table, blood trekking from the corner of his mouth, ears and nose. I back stepped with film of tears clouding my vision. The surgeon was talking to me but I could not focus my attention at that moment.

The general surgeon called the neurosurgeon in Assir Central Hospital and agreed to transfer the patient immediately. There were Marilou, Danny (male nurse) and I in the ambulance. The two hour drive seemed like an eternity. I had to turn my head holding back my tears every time Malou spoke to the unconscious Medel urging him to hang on.

Two days later...I read a copy of the CT scan report. I knew; Medel will never wake up. He died the following day.

In the morning of Friday, 7 February 1993, two weeks after the accident...I met Khalil at the hospital gate. He told me in not so many words that the spirit of his best friend possessed the body of Atoy and won’t let go. I couldn’t see any good reason why would Medel’s spirit choose Atoy. He was in Manila when the accident happened and they knew each other’s but the relationship is not the kind I can really call that of close friends.

I was invited to attend the ninth day of prayer for the dead on that same day (Friday). It was the only subject the Filipino community talked about but the hushed conversation did not escape the other foreigners in the hospital.

DAY 3 (of spirit possession) – Friday, 7 February 1993

Atoy (Possessed) bent on his knees during the rosary. Malou led the prayer. Atoy’s face contorted, his chin twisting uncontrollably. He reached for the tissue and blew his nose. Lhenny (his wife) who was kneeling on his right would once in a while nudge him with her elbow to stir him from the spell. We break up for the night at 9:00 pm.

DAY 4 – Saturday, 8 February 1993

I was startled by the incessant ringing of the door bell. I was on evening duty in ER the previous night so I spent the whole day in bed. I found Jesse, a Filipino male Nurse at my door. “Doc,” said Jesse apologising, “they are asking if you can come to the camp.” It was the place where the nightly vigil was being held. I peered at my watch. It was 4:14 pm.

“Why?” I asked.

“Atoy chased Malou in the hospital today. I don’t know the whole story but you will if you will come.”

“I will be there,” I said, trying to mask my excitement.

Malou is confused and emotionally freaked out. Atoy and Lhenny were likewise worn out by the startling tension they have been subjected to in the events of the last several days. Malou wanted to speak with her husband’s spirit for the last time. She wanted to talk him out of the spell; make him understand; make him accept but the terrified Lhenny won’t let her husband go again to the nightly vigil. She was obviously terrified by the bizarre incidents of the last 3 days. I was chosen to speak with Lhenny and bring Atoy with me.

“I’m glad you came,” said Atoy as he led me to the receiving room.

“I came to speak to you and Lhenny,” I wanted to speak my purpose.

He closed the door of the receiving room. There were Danny, him and I in the room.

“I need to speak to someone who understands.” I can feel his desperation for help. “People most probably think, I am crazy or out of my mind. I can’t walk with my head up.”

“Don’t torture yourself with those crazy thoughts. We all understand,” I said reassuringly.

“How many people believe that the spirit of Medel is inside me? Well...at least not now.” He brought out a small Bible he kept in the vest pocket of his pajama. “I read this to keep him away.” I can feel the presence of Medel with certainty. I can see it through Atoy’s eyes and in the way he looks and stares. He could be manipulating Atoy’s words.

“What is your belief on this,” he continued, “and how can I be free of him?”

“I don’t know,” I replied. “I have not heard of any dead Muslim, at least not here in Saudi Arabia who has returned to haunt the living. Jinn...yes! Some people can be possessed by Jinn what we commonly refer to as natural spirits. They can be exorcised but even if I can bring one who knows, I don’t think it will work. Muslim exorcism will not work with Medel because he is a Christian. He won’t understand.”

“What if he doesn’t leave me alone...will I become crazy?”

“I know Medel is listening right now,” I squirmed uncomfortably, “but he has no other choice but to go. Other spirits will come and take him. People who met an untimely death become restless. They cannot accept that they are dead so they do things they usually do without the body. If the living helps each others...the dead does likewise. They have spirit organizations too whose work is to guide the spirit of those like Medel. From darkness...they will help him to the light. In Islam, it is called Barzak where souls are supposed to stay while waiting for judgment day. I think it is what Christians call Purgatory. “

“I can remember everything but I can’t control it,” said Atoy and then, “No! I will not,” he almost screamed.

“What is it?” startled, I asked.

“He wants me to go to the Hospital.” Danny and I looked at each other then in unison turned to the wall clock. It was 6:30 pm, the usual time Medel fetched Malou from the hospital.

“No! I will not,” repeated Atoy loudly as if shouting at someone then he was calm.

“I know, spirits of the dead are very lonely and they are very eager to communicate,” I said to draw Medel into a conversation but so far, he had not spoken to me directly.

“True,” Atoy responded. “It was windy and very cold that night. He was naked sitting in the corner and very sad.” (5 and 6 February will be remembered as the night Saudi Arabia shivered. It snowed in some part of the kingdom.)

Day 1, 5 February 1993

“It all started on Wednesday,” recounted Atoy. “We came to the villa to attend the prayer for Medel. There was a spider crawling all over the place. I told the spider to stay away from the burner or be burned alive. It climbed over me and circled my head 3 times before crawling down. Someone stepped on it and crushed it to death.

Half-way home on the 15-minute drive...I felt itchiness on my neck. I scratched it. I could hear Medel in my mind asking if he could communicate through me. I said, “Yes, it’s okay.”

“Turn the car back,” I told Danny. He turned the car back but I tried to resist. I said, “No, turn the car back and drive home.”

We must have driven the car 3 times around the petrol station until finally...Medel won over me. Along the stone walk to the Villa...I fell on my face and sprawled over the plants. When I regained consciousness...I was on the sofa with everyone cowering over me. I felt cold so I walked to the bedroom. Malou (Medel’s wife), Lhenny, Elna and Molong followed me to the room. At this point, there was no doubt in everyone’s mind that the spirit of Medel is inside me. I asked everyone to leave except Malou and I asked Molong to stay to allay everyone’s fear.

Medel and Malou talked about their children and their plans. Medel insisted that Malou should continue with the building of their house. Khalil (Medel’s best friend) tried to enter but I screamed, “No!” with both of my hands raised. I kissed Malou and run out of the room sobbing uncontrollably.

“Let us pray,” I said after sometimes. I kneeled before the altar and everybody followed. Medel inside me was feeling hungry so he partook of the foods placed on the altar. I took a stick of cigarette from the altar and lit it. I held it in my left hand while I smoked. I wanted to hold it in my right but my right hand felt very heavy every time I tried so I kept it on my left hand.

(Atoy doesn’t smoke. It was the first time I ever heard of any dead person coming back and partaking of the food and smoking from the cigarette placed on the alter for the dead and in Saudi Arabia of all places.)

DAY 2, 6 February 1993

During the second stage of the rosary, Atoy did the unexpected. He ran out of the house agitated. He held the doorknob from outside pulling and pushing and wailing as if in pain.

“Atoy,” Khalil begged.

“Malou,” Whispered Khalil, “Speak to him.”

“Dad,” Malou called tearfully, “it is very cold out there. Please come inside.” Her voice quivered with tears. “You see! We put off the incense.” Everyone stirred into action. Windows were thrown open to let the smoke of the burning incense go.

Atoy walked back into the house and walked directly to the bed room. He came out thirty minutes later. “On Friday,” Atoy continued, “You know what happened, you were there.”

“How do you feel now?” I asked.

“I feel better at least at this moment. I don’t feel him now but there is one reason why he refuses to leave,” he squirmed on the flat chair.

“What is it?”

“I don’t think it is right but he is very persistent.”

“You have to say what it is,” I pressed on. When he whispered it into my ears, I said, “What?” I was shocked. I knew I was being given the task of delivering the dead man’s demand.

“Do you want to speak with Malou and get it over with?”

“Lhenny won’t let me.” I can tell; he was being evasive. The spirit knew I am very close to Khalil. He wants me to deliver the message.

“I will speak to her."

“No, I’m not ready and besides, Medel is not inside me now. I am trying to probe my mind but he is not there.”

“Dr. Khalid,” Romy called behind the door, “Khalil is here asking for you.”

“Let him in,” called Atoy back before I could say a word. The entrance door is several feet from the receiving room’s door. He was standing behind me while I spoke with Khalil standing at the main door.

“Atoy is alright,” I said, “there is no need for him to go.” Alright means Medel’s spirit is gone. I was wrong.

“In that case then, I will bring Malou to the Female Hospital Hostel.”

I saw the shocked look on Khalil’s face followed by a loud thud and commotion behind my back. Atoy was on the floor paper-white and unconscious. Lhenny was at his side confused and weeping while Romy was pulling him up from behind. The mention of Malou’s name and finally moving out of their villa to live at the hospital hostel triggered the spirit’s frenzy. We lifted his body and sat him on the long flat chair. I assured Lhenny that her husband will be alright and closed the door. In the room were Romy Afurong, Khalil Pangcoga, Danilo Garcia, Daniel, Atoy and I.

“Shall I control it?” Atoy murmured weakly fighting off the trance.

I said, “No!” this is the moment of truth...I wanted to add.

Atoy turned to me, his eyes glaring. It was scary.

“Dr. Khalid! Tell Khalil what I told you.”

“Nope!” I answered amusingly, “Khalil is here...you tell him.”

Khalil in that moment was sitting on his left and holding his arm.

“What is it?” Khalil reacted frantic at the mention of his name. “Tell me, you know I will do anything for you.” He pulled the small plastic children’s chair and sat in front of Atoy face to face. Atoy hesitantly delivered the dead man’s wish almost inaudibly into Khalil’s ear, I doubt if anyone in the

Khalil was speechless. He caught his head between his palms and held it while his elbows rested over his knees.

“Medel, you Are asking too much from your friend,” I chipped in to break the silence and bide time for Khalil. It was a decision of a lifetime...making a pact with the spirit of the dead.

“Medel,” Khalil finally spoke. “I treated you like a brother. I will be there for your family whenever they need me...I promise,” and Khalil raised his hand in oath. “Please, leave Atoy alone, he is very tired.”

Atoy nodded.

“Do you have any message for Malou?” I asked. “I love her,” the spirit (via Atoy’s) mumbled.

KHALIL’S STORY:

“Medel I am here,” Khalil looked around in the now empty house. It was eerie. “It is for Atoy and Lhenny that I am doing this. Come and speak to me.”

(I learned few days later that at the moment Khalil was calling Medel’s spirit, Atoy said to his wife, “I am Atoy speaking to you now but I have this strong urge to go and sleep at Medel’s house.” Lhenny and the other Filipino families sleeping in their house for support stopped him from going. It was the reason they were there to restrain him just in case.)

No one knew except for one friend that Khalil after he dropped Malou to the hostel had returned to the empty house to confront the spirit of Medel. It was the last day the Hospital director had given to the Filipino community to bring Malou to the hostel. It is forbidden for unmarried female employees to live out. The only friend Khalil invited to keep him company understandably declined.

The company’s small compound for the consultant engineers is isolated in the hills between the town of Zahran Al Janoub and the Saudi Arabian border with North Yemen. No other house is visible within miles of the perimeter...an extremely scary place to confront the spirit of the dead but then; what friends are for?

The clock chimed 3:00 am. The only sound in the rolling hills was the generator. Khalil’s lids were heavy. He couldn’t fight it anymore...he dozed off.

“I treated you like a brother and your wife is like a sister to me. I understand your concern but I have my own life to live. Please understand...I can’t promise to marry Malou but I promise; I will always be there for them.”

“Only then,” said Khalil, “did I realize that he was not alone. There were many of them outside the house. One by one, they walked into the house. A heavy fellow among them wrestled me to the ground forcing me to say yes.”

“Did you recognize any of them?”

“The fat guy who pinned me to the ground...I felt that he was Ka Erning.” (He was a friend in the same company who died of heart attack a year earlier.)

“Then what happened?”

“The heavy guy who had me on the ground with my face to the floor tried to tie my hands behind my back. The others came and tried to help Ka Erning hold me to the floor but Medel intervened and pushed them away to let me be free. I broke free and woke up. My entire body in spite of the cold winter dawn was perspiring profusely. I walked out of the house, climbed into my land cruiser and drove to our own camp five miles away.”

DAY 5: THE LAST DAY

I picked up the phone on the third ring. The emergency room was quiet. The time was 7:00 am.

“Hello.”

“Doc!”

“Yes,” it was Molong.

“He wants me to drive him to Najran.”

“Do it,” I answered anxiously. “He wants to see the place of the accident.”

Atoy told me later that he felt completely free of Medel’s presence when he saw the place where the accident happened.

EPILOGUE:

Strange, unbelievable, bizarre; call it as you like. Malou resigned from her work several months later and returned to the Philippines to take care of the children she had left to the care of her mother. She set up a bakery employing several people. She is doing very well. Khalil moved to another place in Saudi Arabia when the company sold out to another. The camp was abandoned. Atoy and Lhenny remained in their works. Atoy confessed that the experience have changed his outlooks in life. He said sorry to all the people he had disagreements with in the past.

The big problem was/is...Atoy had opened a portal for the spirits of the dead into his world. He would find them everywhere wanting some kind of help. He would find them early in the morning outside their door or by the windows and he would drive them away. I was once called to the X-ray department to find Atoy pale and half conscious on his chair. He was in a trance. He pointed to a magazine he was reading. There was someone in the article he was reading who died and entered his body (by just reading his name) wanting to communicate. I told him to say firmly, “No.” When spending his annual leave in Manila; the spirits would follow him everywhere into the bus and to the malls. He had to get use to their presence or he would lose his mind. I tried to convince him to tame the gift (if you can call it one) and become a professional medium. He was terrified that they would come in droves if he accepts to become a conduit for the departed. He spent a fortune trying to close the portal. He sought out professional psychics, paranormal investigators and spirit questors. They even brought him to the famous SPIRIT HILL in my country and bathed him in the supposedly enchanted stream in the hills.

It touched our hearts to the point of being pleasantly shocked that the dead should come back to ask his best friend to marry his wife. How many stories have you heard of someone marrying his best friend’s wife after he is gone? People gossips...right? Well, next time; don’t...someone beyond the grave could have fixed the marriage for who can you trust but the best among your friends.

(Atoy by the way didn’t know that Khalil went to the empty house in that evening and confronted the spirit of Medel. Remember...he told his wife; he wanted to go to the empty house and sleep there at the precise moment Khalil was calling for Medel’s spirit. He learned about it several years after the incident when I showed him the final lay-out of APOCALYPSE COUNTDOWN 666. We resigned from the Ministry of Health in 2000. My wife and I visited them in their house (Manila) in 2007 but we had to wait while someone called for them. He told me; they were in a prayer meeting. I didn’t ask if he is okay but the prayer meeting keeps me wondering...I STILL SEE DEAD PEOPLE.)

END

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