Chapter 6

I’m here now. Reality is right in front of me. It’s been so long since I left the city. So much has changed. There are more establishments now, more traffic, and so many people.

I blinked a few times, staring at the sight before me. One of the most renowned and private hospitals in the Philippines—famous and prestigious, not only in the country but even abroad. It stood tall, a modern building that exuded sophistication and the promise of top-tier medical care. The glass windows gleamed, as if welcoming anyone in need of healing. But to me, every step closer felt heavier, as though each one pressed down on my chest.

It felt like just yesterday that I was last here, but this time, my reason for coming was different. Back then, they wouldn’t let me in—poor, pregnant, and desperate for a job as a janitress. But now, I return carrying the pain and grief of the past… with my child in my arms.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Why did my feet feel so heavy? I sighed and closed my eyes, forcing the memories away. I needed to move forward. My child’s safety depended on it.

When I opened my eyes, the hospital was still there—strong and unyielding, with people constantly coming and going.

Zephyr clung to the hem of my skirt as we entered the hospital together. I didn’t even bother to check its name. I didn’t care to know; I had buried it deep in my past. What mattered now was saving my child.

We were taken to a room, and thankfully, they attended to my son right away. I had thought this hospital only catered to the rich—that they prioritized wealth. But I was wrong. Their care was equal. Zebediah was now asleep in bed, while Zephyr sat quietly on the sofa. The hospital was undeniably expensive. All I could do was wait for the results and find out what was wrong with my son.

“Zephyr, sweetheart, are you hungry?” I asked softly so as not to wake Zebediah. When there was no response, I turned and saw Zephyr staring out the window.

“Mama, there are so many cars. I hope I’ll have my own someday,” he said quickly. I could only shake my head and smile faintly.

Someday, my son. Don’t worry—Mama will do everything to help you reach your dreams.

My attention shifted to the door when it suddenly opened. A doctor entered, holding some papers. He wore glasses, his hair slightly messy. He looked down at the file first, then raised his gaze to me and smiled.

“What’s wrong with my son, Doctor?” I asked anxiously.

“Your child has dengue, ma’am. But don’t worry too much—good thing you brought her here right away. She’s stable now. We’ll continue to monitor her and wait for the rest of the test results. She just needs to rest,” the doctor said kindly.

Even with the worry still lingering in my chest, I finally felt relief knowing my child would be alright. I spoke with the doctor a bit more about Zebediah’s condition. I wasn’t as anxious anymore, but the cost of the hospital kept weighing on my mind. Could I still afford it?

Our conversation was interrupted when Zephyr suddenly spoke up. The doctor and I turned toward him.

“Mama, I’m hungry,” he said, still looking out the window.

“Alright, I’ll go buy some food outside,” I replied. He turned to me with a small smile, but it quickly disappeared when his eyes landed on the doctor. His brows furrowed as he glared at him intently.

I rubbed my forehead. Oh no…

“What are you staring at?” Zephyr asked sharply.

I grimaced and turned to the doctor, ready to apologize—but froze when I saw his reaction. His eyes widened as if he had seen a ghost. He blinked repeatedly, shook his head slightly, and then looked again at Zephyr—his expression unchanged. The doctor’s gaze flickered to Zebediah, sleeping soundly on the bed, then back to Zephyr, and finally to me.

He swallowed hard, his brows drawing together.

“Is there a problem, Doctor?” I asked, puzzled. He shook his head and forced a small smile.

“Nothing. I’ll take my leave now,” he said before turning to go.

But before the door closed behind him, I heard him whisper—

“Same face. Same eyes. Carbon copy.”

I frowned, staring at the closed door after hearing the doctor’s faint whisper. I couldn’t quite understand what he said—it was too soft, barely audible.

I shrugged it off and turned to my son, Zephyr, who was now sitting firmly on the sofa, his brows furrowed. I raised an eyebrow at him.

“What’s wrong with you?” I asked curiously. He pouted.

“I don’t like him, Nanay,” he said grumpily.

“He’s your sister’s doctor.”

“Still, I hate him.”

“Why?”

“I dunno,” he muttered. Oh, this kid.

“Alright then! Stay here and watch over your sister, okay? Don’t go outside. I’ll buy us some food. I know you don’t like hospital meals. What do you want, my dear prince?” I asked, seeing him think for a moment.

“I want ampalaya and torta, Nanay,” he replied cheerfully. I nodded with a smile. My kids loved eating vegetables. They rarely ate meat—and they disliked pork entirely. They only wanted chicken raised at home, not bought from the market. My children were picky eaters, so it was always best to ask what they wanted first.

“As you wish, Your Highness. Watch over your sister, alright? If she wants to drink, her tumbler’s in the bag. And if someone knocks—unless it’s Doc—don’t open the door. Be careful, okay?” I reminded him. He scratched his head.

“Nanay, you don’t need to remind me. I already know what to do. I’m not a baby anymore,” he said, pouting. I walked over and ruffled his hair, making him frown even more.

“You’ll always be my baby,” I said softly. “Alright, I’ll be back soon. Don’t forget what I said.” I kissed his cheek, and then his sleeping sister’s forehead, before leaving.

While walking down the hospital hallway, I caught sight of Zebediah’s doctor ahead. He was on the phone, seemingly in a heated argument. I saw him rubbing his forehead as he paced back and forth. I walked past him, thinking nothing of it—but his words reached my ears before I could get far.

> “Fck it, bud. I’m telling the truth. If you don’t want to believe me, you’re fcking sht! Get your fcking ass over here, motherfcker… What? You won’t believe me? You’re a fcking pain in my as, ashoe… What? Guards? Guards? What the hll do you need your motherfcking guards for? …Fine! I’ll do it. Fck you. My middle finger salutes you, man.”

I could only shake my head. That doctor sure had a mouth on him.

I glanced once more at his back before heading out of the hospital. Once outside, I started looking for a cheap place to eat—which was nearly impossible in the city. Luckily, I found one a bit far from the hospital, but the food was affordable and healthy enough.

I crossed the pedestrian lane, sweating slightly as I carried the food back. But when I reached the hospital entrance, I froze.

Several black vans and cars were now parked out front—so many of them that passersby had started to stare. The vehicles looked expensive, sleek. What caught my attention even more were the men in suits and others in plain clothes, patrolling the hospital grounds like security personnel. Some of them were in deep conversation before dispersing around the area.

What’s going on? They weren’t here earlier.

I shook my head and quickly went back inside, though my mind lingered on what I’d seen.

What’s happening? Why are there so many of them? Are they guarding someone important in this hospital? But why that many? How important could that person be?

And why do I feel uneasy? Why does it feel like something bad is about to happen?