Twenty Four

“Good morning, Gabriel. You alright?” Miss Jean greeted when he came in.

“I'm fine.”

“You look so stressed. Anong nangyari? Nakatulog ka ba?”

“I tried, but…”

“But? What happened?”

“Thank you, Miss Jean, but I think I’ll tell you when I know how to solve it. For now, I have to keep it to myself.”

“You know I'm here for you, right?”

“Yes, thank you.”

---

“Good morning,” I smiled at Gabriel and Miss Jean. I tried to walk past them.

“Anna?” Miss Jean called.

“Do you need anything, Miss?” I asked innocently.

“Why are you always late?” she sounded strict.

“I’m not late, Miss,” I looked at my wristwatch. “It’s only seven forty-five pa lang.”

She looked disappointed. “Don’t you remember? You s