“If you want, hija, I can ask Eva to accompany you to—” Salvador began gently, concern evident in his voice. He wanted to make sure Celeste felt supported, especially since she was heading out alone. His eyes softened as he looked at her, ready to offer any help she might need. After all, he cared deeply for her and just wanted to see her safe and comfortable.But Celeste smiled warmly, cutting him off with a light laugh. “No need, Grandpa—I’m already grown up,” she said confidently, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Besides, have you forgotten I grew up in America?” Her tone was playful, as if reminding him that she was capable and independent, no longer a child who needed constant supervision. The soft laughter in her voice revealed the affection she felt for Salvador and the ease of their relationship.Salvador chuckled quietly to himself, shaking his head in agreement. He admired her independence and maturity, but the old man’s heart was still full of protective love. Leaning do
In the dining room, Celeste was momentarily overwhelmed by the sight that greeted her—a lavish and well-prepared lunch spread that looked like it could feed a small gathering rather than just a single person. The table was adorned with steaming dishes, perfectly arranged servings of various viands, fresh fruits, and an array of desserts that seemed more fitting for a festive celebration than an ordinary midday meal. It was clear that a great deal of care, thought, and perhaps even extravagance had gone into its preparation. Yet instead of blurting out what she felt or commenting on the obvious excess, she chose silence. It wasn't out of indifference, but out of a quiet appreciation she couldn't quite articulate. The gesture, though unspoken, wrapped around her like a warm blanket—comforting, even touching.As her gaze swept across the table, she couldn't help but imagine the hands that had worked behind the scenes to make the spread possible. Perhaps her grandfather had ordered it sp
Celeste watched Eva as she quietly stepped out of the room, her eyes following every movement until Eva disappeared from sight. A gentle sigh escaped her lips, a mixture of relief and anticipation swirling within her. She sank down onto the edge of the bed, the soft wood beneath her fingers grounding her thoughts. With a small, almost shy smile, she reached out and lightly touched the post of the four-poster bed.“You’re really beautiful,” she murmured softly, her voice filled with wonder, as if speaking to the room itself or perhaps to the dreams she was beginning to nurture.After a moment, Celeste rose to her feet and moved toward the door that opened onto the veranda. She pushed it wide open, welcoming the warm, fragrant breeze that immediately greeted her. The wind felt like a gentle caress on her skin, wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. She closed her eyes briefly, savoring the delicate scents carried by the air—the faint aroma of blooming flowers, the salty hint of
“CELESTE! Welcome home, hija!” her Grandpa Salvador greeted her enthusiastically. Celeste offered a shy but sweet smile in return, her heart swelling with a quiet mixture of relief and affection. The moment felt surreal—stepping out of the van after a long journey and immediately being enveloped in the warm familiarity of family. As they passed through the grand gates of the mansion, her eyes landed on the elderly man who had been waiting there just for her. Dressed neatly and standing tall despite his age, Salvador radiated a kind of joy that softened the edges of her weariness. His face lit up the instant he saw her, his open arms and eager smile making it clear just how much he had missed her.“Grandpa,” was all she could manage to say, her voice barely above a whisper, thick with emotion. Without hesitation, she rushed into his embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around him. There was something grounding in the way he held her back—firm and full of unspoken love. For a few seco
TEN YEARS BEFORE"What would I even do there, Daddy? You can see it, right? My life is here in America. My friends are here," Celeste Montemayor, seventeen years old, replied with a scowl. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest as she slouched in the chair, frustration evident in the way her words escaped her lips. She had tried to make him understand before, but it seemed as though Ismael was determined to overlook her perspective. All her life, Celeste had been surrounded by the comfort and familiarity of her friends and life in the States, and to suddenly uproot herself to a place where she barely felt connected felt like an impossible task. The thought of leaving everything behind—the freedom, the friendships, the life she knew—made her feel trapped in an inescapable situation."That’s exactly why you need to go. You'll learn to be responsible, unlike here where all you do is spend time with your friends and go to parties," Ismael said in a serious tone, his eyes never lea
Just as Ismael had said, it was already afternoon when they rushed Salvador to Manila. The urgency of the situation was evident in the tense atmosphere surrounding them. Ismael, ever the responsible son, chose to accompany Salvador in the ambulance, making sure that his father was in the best possible hands.Meanwhile, Celeste and Eva rode together in the family car, driven by their trusted driver. The vehicle moved swiftly, weaving through the city streets, but despite the motion, a heavy weight settled in Celeste’s chest. The air inside the car was thick with unspoken worries, the soft hum of the engine the only thing filling the silence between them. As they traveled, Celeste’s gaze wandered outside, her eyes catching sight of St. Joseph University through the window. The familiar sight sent a rush of emotions through her, a bittersweet feeling tightening in her chest. The campus held so many memories—some filled with laughter and joy, others tinged with longing and regret.She co