5.

Lorain was deep in thought as she walked away from CD Inc.

“What happened to Rica? Did she really need to send me away before she went to look for my husband? She doesn’t even know what he looks like... Oh well, never mind. I’ll just eat this myself. What a waste, I really thought I’d finally see my husband today,” she said regretfully while on her way home.

“I’ll just drop by the market to buy his favorite dish. I’ll cook dinner later.”

Lorain: “Ma’am, how much for this bunch of broccoli?”

Vendor (Manang): “It’s cheap, dear. I’ll give it to you for a good price—you're my first customer this morning.”

Lorain: “Thank you so much, Ma’am. Keep the change. Thanks again!”

“What a kind customer she is,” said the old vendor, shaking her head in admiration.

“Oh dear, Grandma is smiling again,” said Rico to the old woman selling vegetables at the market.

Rico: “Wow, Ma’am... you must be happy to get such a big order and even a tip. Who wouldn’t smile because of that woman—she’s so kind, and sometimes pretty amazing too.”

Rico (smiling): “Really, Grandma? Do you think she’s married?”

Lola: “Oh, I wouldn’t know, dear. I’ve never seen her with anyone whenever she comes to the market. But if I were you, I wouldn’t set my hopes too high—she’s beautiful and slim, probably being chased by many men!”

Rico: “Hahaha!”

“You were the one who said she always shops alone. Maybe she really isn’t married, Grandma,” he said with a smile.

Lola: “I don’t know about you, Rico! Anyway, I’ll head back inside. I still have a lot to do.”

(Rico nodded.)

“What a shame I didn’t get to see her face. I hope I get to recognize her if our paths cross again,” Rico said to himself.

Lola: “Oh! I thought you’d already left, dear?”

Rico: “Ah—yes, I was just about to go,” he replied, embarrassed.

“Young people these days... they get all dazed when they see a beautiful woman,” the elderly vendor muttered.

That afternoon, at Lorain’s home...

She was busy preparing dinner.

Shane: “Mama! Is Papa home yet?”

Lorain: “Oh, baby, Papa’s not home yet. Maybe he’ll be here later.”

The child pouted, clearly sulking over her father’s absence.

Lorain: “Don’t be sad, sweetheart. Let’s call Papa now.”

Shane: “Yay! Yes, Mama, I want to talk to Papa!”

Lorain: “Just a second, sweetie. Papa’s not answering my call.”

Shane: “Why? Papa’s not answering? Is he busy with work again?” —She asked with a mix of anger and disappointment.

Meanwhile, at the Durumio residence...

Crisanta Durumio: “Who’s calling, Winson? We’re in the middle of dinner! Turn off that phone.” —said his mother angrily, while they were at the dinner table with his father and two brothers.

Crisanta: “When are you going to move to Florida?”

Winson: “Why are you bringing that up now? I thought we already talked about that, Ma?”

Crisanta: “Yes, we did! When are you going to give us a grandchild with your wife? Your father and I aren’t getting any younger, and here you are still living like a bachelor!”

Crisanta (to Rico and Carlo): “And you two—Rico, Carlo—when do you plan to get married?”

Rico: “Uhmmm… Now we’re getting dragged into this too? Come on, Mama!”

Winson: “Alright, Ma. I’m heading out.”

Crisanta: “Why not sleep here tonight? You’ve got no one waiting for you at home, right? This is the only favor I’m asking. Please.”

Winson: “I’ll just call my maid at home. She might be waiting for me and won’t go to sleep until I get home.”

Rico (smiling): “Wow, that’s a dedicated maid! I haven’t visited your house in a long time, Kuya. Maybe I could drop by sometime?” —Rico said with curiosity, which surprised Winson.

Years had passed, and not one of his family members had visited his house.

Rico: “You look surprised, Kuya?”

Winson: “Me? Surprised? Of course I am! You guys never visit my house. Why the sudden interest?”

Winson: “I’ll just step out for a bit and have a smoke.”

Outside...

Winson (on the phone): “Hello, honey. Is Shane still awake?”

Lorain: “She fell asleep waiting for you. What time are you coming home?”

Winson: “Sorry, I can’t come home tonight, honey. I’ve got work to finish at the office. My boss needs me to wrap it up ASAP.”

Lorain: “Is that so? Okay, take care, honey.” —she replied sweetly, though her heart ached a little.

Winson: “I love you, Lorain. Bye.”

The line went dead, while Lorain still held the phone to her ear—then it suddenly rang. Startled, she dropped it, and the phone was slightly damaged.