Chapter 5

Daisy

The days that followed were a beautiful chaos. My tiny room at Aling Sonya’s house, once just big enough for me, now overflowed with the joyful noise of three newborns. Diapers, bottles, and tiny clothes were everywhere. Sleep became a luxury, but every exhausted moment was filled with an indescribable love. Aling Sonya, Lila, and even Manang Ising, came to my aid, their hands always ready to help with a feeding, a diaper change, or just a comforting hug.

“They’re so small, Daisy,” Lila whispered one afternoon, watching in awe as I tandem-fed two of them. “Like little dolls!”

“Little dolls who eat a lot and make lots of noise,” I chuckled, but my heart was full.

My biggest task now was to name them. Dr. Reyes had filled out temporary birth certificates, but she insisted I finalize their names soon. I wanted names that were unique, special, just like them. 

Names that carried hope and strength, but also sounded lovely in our simple setting. And since their father’s name was Augustus Caesar, I was determined to give them names that would connect them to me, Daisy Rodriguez, and my humble roots.

I spent hours poring over books Aling Sonya lent me, some old, some new, searching for inspiration. I wanted names that weren’t too common, but also easy to say and remember. Something that felt right for my two strong boys and my feisty little girl.

“What about ‘Elias’ for one of the boys?” I mused aloud to Aling Sonya one evening. She was expertly burping one of the twins. “It means ‘the Lord is my God.’ It sounds strong, but gentle.”

Aling Sonya nodded. “Elias. Yes, I like that, hija. It reminds me of the old stories.”

For the second boy, I wanted something that sounded equally grounded and classic, but still uncommon. “And for his twin brother… maybe ‘Silas’?” I suggested. “It means ‘forest’ or ‘wood.’ It’s calm, isn’t it?”

“Elias and Silas,” Aling Sonya repeated, a thoughtful look on her face. “They sound good together, like brothers should. Strong, yet peaceful.”

Then came my little girl. My heart melted every time I looked at her, so tiny and delicate, yet already showing a spark of determination in her cries. I wanted a name that was feminine and beautiful, but also hinted at inner strength.

“For my little girl,” I began, my voice soft, “I want a name that means something pure, something radiant. Something like ‘Luna’?” I saw the moon as a symbol of gentle strength, always there, even in the darkest nights.

Aling Sonya smiled. “Luna. The moon. Beautiful, Daisy. And it sounds so lovely with Elias and Silas. Elias Rodriguez, Silas Rodriguez, and Luna Rodriguez.” She said them aloud, testing the sounds. “They fit you perfectly, hija. All three of them.”

Hearing their full names for the first time, a wave of emotion washed over me. Elias Rodriguez. Silas Rodriguez. Luna Rodriguez. My children. My unique, precious children. They now had names, their own identities, separate from their powerful father. It was a small victory, but it felt enormous.

I wrote their names down carefully on the official forms, my hand steady. I felt a surge of pride, a deep sense of connection to them. They were truly mine.

Life continued in its whirlwind of feedings, diaper changes, and tiny coos. Elias was the quieter of the two boys, often observing the world with wide, curious eyes. Silas was more boisterous, already showing a playful mischief in his gurgles. And Luna, my little girl, had a surprisingly strong cry and a determined grip, already a testament to the feistiness Manang Ising had predicted.

“They’re growing so fast, Daisy,” Dr. Reyes commented during one of our check-ups. “Healthy, active babies. You’re doing an excellent job, considering everything.” She gave me a warm, encouraging smile.

I was indeed doing my best. I learned to juggle, to soothe, to love unconditionally. My days revolved around their schedules, their needs. I found a new rhythm, a new purpose. My mornings still started with a cup of coffee though now it was often interrupted by a hungry cry and the joyful anticipation of another day with my beautiful children. 

I talked to them constantly, sang lullabies I barely remembered, and whispered promises of a safe and happy life.

“Mama loves you, Elias,” I’d coo, gently rocking him. “Mama loves you, Silas.” “Mama loves you, Luna.”

Every touch, every glance, every moment was precious. They were my world, my universe. And with every passing day, the fear of Augustus seemed to recede a little further, replaced by the boundless love I felt for my triplets.

 I was so engrossed in their little worlds, so consumed by their presence, that I almost forgot about the one who sought to claim them.

One afternoon, as the setting sun cast long shadows across the floor, I was trying to get all three of them to nap simultaneously. Elias was finally asleep, Silas was almost there, and Luna was just starting to drift off. The house was quiet, a rare and cherished moment of peace.

Suddenly, a loud, insistent knocking echoed from the front door. My heart leaped into my throat. It wasn’t Aling Sonya’s usual soft rap. This was firm, demanding, a sound that brought back a flood of terrifying memories.

The babies stirred, disturbed by the sudden noise. Luna let out a small whimper.

Aling Sonya, who had been in the kitchen, peered out nervously. “Who could that be, Daisy? No one usually comes calling so late.”

The knocking came again, louder this time, accompanied by a deep, resonant voice that sent a shiver down my spine. A voice I knew, a voice that had haunted my nightmares.

“Daisy Wife! I know you’re in there!”

My blood ran cold. It was him. Augustus Caesar. He had found me. The peace, the joy, the safe haven I had built, threatened to shatter into a million pieces.

I clutched my babies closer, my eyes wide with terror. Aling Sonya looked at me, her face pale, understanding dawning in her eyes. The air grew thick, heavy with unspoken dread.

The knocking intensified, a relentless assault on the flimsy wooden door. “Open this door, Daisy! I’m not leaving until I see my children!” His voice was calm, controlled, but beneath it, I could hear the steel, the unyielding will of a man who always got what he wanted.

My children. My beautiful Elias, Silas, and Luna. He was here for them. And I knew, with a certainty that made my breath catch in my throat, that this was the moment I had dreaded. 

The game was truly on. And this time, there was no running away. My safe haven was breached, and the monster had arrived at my doorstep, ready to claim what he believed was his.