3

As I strolled to the brief stop to cool myself and pass the time, the difficulties of the situation took me aback. I felt constricted as if I couldn’t breathe through the anguish, but even more so, if I gazed, nothing would happen.

 

I could hear only the ringing and hum of the air conditioner since very few people were going by at this hour of the night.

 

"We have coffee, ma’am. Perhaps you want it. It’s only twenty-five pesos." I nodded and grinned. Each time I recall a phrase Mama left me, I am enveloped in darkness and despair.

 

She put an end to all my hopes for our family. I merely want support, but when times are tough, they’ll return it to me.

 

"I appreciate it." I smiled once again and handed the coffee over. He stared at me and was perplexed by the objects next to me.

 

"Why are you lugging along so many garments? If you’re waiting for the bus to depart for the province, it will depart at 4 AM." I drank my coffee and nodded.

 

"I’m expecting something. And then I can not return to the province." He simply nodded and walked away, leaving me alone once more.

 

Carlo immediately sprang to mind. It was awkward, but I could ask him when I requested help.

 

Even though I had a hard time carrying my bags, I was not the only one who got up and walked to the nearest bus station in the province.

 

I'm sure Grandma Bining, in the province of I, ’m sure he’ll be able to assist me.

 

"Is there a bus yet," I inquired who had arranged the ticket?

 

"Yes, ma’am, I have, but it will depart later." I nodded and ran after the bus. Although it was still hot within, I let go. so that I can rest before returning to Laguna.

 

I recall what we left behind when on a family vacation there.

 

So far, I’ve allowed myself to rest first because I’ve forgotten what it feels like to sleep normally.

 

***

 

"What has happened to the owner of this house?" I inquired at the store, which was still open although it was nearly six in the morning. We were forced to walk because of the travel speed, although it was not fully booked.

 

Something has declared me legally dead for three years. Her children have received the key. Have you noticed the house on the terrace? "Knock them down, Jessa, and they may assist you." I merely smiled and accepted the items I brought.

 

"Many thanks!" I expressed my heartfelt gratitude and smiled once again.

 

"How are you?" it inquired as I reached for the bag.

 

"I am my granddaughter. My name is Miranda." He simply nodded and fixed his gaze on me, from head to toe.

 

"You are the daughter of an attorney. What? How unfortunate for your mom. If you’d applied your intelligence, you’d have advanced like Jessa." I regretfully nodded and ultimately said my goodbyes.

 

I was anxious as I rang the doorbell at the large house, fearful that someone could still be sleeping. They are living the ideal life for us.

 

"Is that you?" I was apprehensive when the woman shrieked and emerged with a haircut and a new curl in her hair.

 

"Howdy!" I screamed, perplexed by what he did.

 

"Junneng! How dare you, your lady is drawn to you! That's why you're driving me away; you're bringing your other woman! That is how you are going to open up to me on our anniversary! What a pig you are!" I recoiled in surprise and backed away.

 

When the little gate opened, I was scared. I could not talk because of my anxiety and dread.

 

"What, a lady, are you saying?"

 

"When Uncle arrived and secured his wife, I exhaled a sigh of relief.

 

"Yhra! How did you get here?" Tito’s shocked inquiry caused the woman’s gaze to darken.

 

"Is Aunt Jessa there?" He let me in and helped me carry my things as the woman kept looking at me.

 

"My sister has moved to the United States to live with her husband. Your aunt left the children with us." I nodded and took the coffee that was placed in front of me.

 

"How did Grandma Bining die?" Their expressions were sorrowful, and they hastily smiled to conceal their sorrow.

 

"My mom passed away. For whatever reason, we informed my sister, your mother and she did not appear." Someone took me aback and scowled at them.

 

My grandmother had died, and then my mother expelled me for an unclear reason. Tito’s expression darkened further.

 

"How about your sibling?"

 

"Mama did not send me, and because I refused to do what she desired, she became enraged and sent me away," I stated that it was as though heaven and earth were enclosing them.

 

"I truly do not know what is going on with your mother. Allow me to speak." I smiled and expressed gratitude.

 

"Is it possible for me to get the key to Grandma’s house? A place to stay is what I need. And I will work diligently. I made a vow and thought they would comply with my intentions. "

 

"Hija, your home remains filthy. In the meantime, you are the first to arrive. For better things, speak with your aunt Jessa so she is aware of your situation. While you are still young, you have worked. I’m sure you’re studying!" If they only knew, I would have liked to study and complete it, but they opposed Mama to the concept.

 

"Your cousin was still from Makati when you took him to the unoccupied room." As we ascended the steps, he grinned.

 

"I’m sorry, with talk like that, I assumed you were Junneng’s lady." I gave her a nod and a grin.

 

"I’m sorry, and I could begin. I am without a place to go." Tita simply smiled and stood there waiting for me to enter before she departed.

 

The size of their house merged, Aunt Jessa's, was once a bungalow but has been transformed into a more structured and elegant space. They have a doctor and an engineer as sons.

 

Because there was a bathroom in the room, I showered before sleeping.

 

For the pleasure of the water’s heat, there was only the rumbling of the shower.

 

After dressing, I quickly retired to bed and closed my eyes, exhausted. I was sobbing as I saw all I had dreamed of gradually going away.

 

They surrounded my nose with an unknown scent, and the caress reawakened me.

 

"Do not yell," a baritone voice said, and my nerves were on the verge of exploding.

 

"You’re going to enjoy this."