IZON“So, how's life? Is Dad still giving you a hard time?” Saglit akong napabaling kay Izzah, kapatid ko, at kaagad ding umiwas ng tingin bago sumagot. “You know him very well,” I simply said and start to maneuver the car. It was past 10 in the evening nang makarating ako dito sa airport para sunduin siya. I offered her our family driver to fetch her pero tumanggi siya at talagang ako ang gusto niyang sumundo sa kanya. “Gosh! I missed Manila,” dinig kong bulong niya habang ang mga mata niya ay abala sa kakagala sa mga nadadaan namin. She left and went to Canada four years ago at ngayon lang ulit nakabalik dito. Plano niya nga sanang umuwi dito noong birthday ni Mom, but something happened kaya hindi siya natuloy. “Sigurado ka bang hindi mo sinabi kay Mom na uuwi ako?” tinapik niya ako sa braso para agawin ang atensyon ko. “I'm busy and I don't have time to update her with your sudden arrival,” sagot ko na lang at hindi siya binalingan ng tingin. “Besides, wala naman siya ngayon

AZALEA“Panay ka nangingialam. Ilang beses ko na sinabi sayo na hindi ko kailangan ang pera mo,” pasigaw kong sambit kay Izon saka ininom ang gamot na nilapag niya sa mesa. Kanina pa niya pinipilit na gamitin ko 'yong pera na diniposit niya sa bank account ko, ako naman 'tong panay tanggi kung kaya't hindi ako masyadong nakakain nang maayos. “You'll not gonna survive if papairalin mo 'yang pride mo. Ano naman kung gamitin mo 'yong perang binigay ko? I gave you my offer with sincerity and genuine concern, hoping to alleviate the challenges you face when juggling responsibilities and pursuing financial stability. Is it that hard for you to accept the assistance I'm extending?" Ayan na naman siya. Bakit ayaw na lang niya tumigil dahil kahit anong gawin niya, hindi kapani-paniwala na seryoso siyang tulungan ako financially without asking something in return. Napatayo ako at hinarap siya. “So what's the deal? You'll gonna use me? My body? Then strip away my dignity and pride? You rich f

THIRD PERSONBlinded by his anger and frustration, Izon stormed out of the VVIP room, leaving Samantha behind, hurt and bewildered by his sudden coldness. He didn't bother to consider her feelings; all he could think about was how his father was trying to control his life once again, dictating his future without any regard for his happiness.With a storm raging in his chest, Izon sought solace in the oblivion of a bar. He drowned his frustration in the numbing embrace of alcohol, desperately trying to escape the harsh reality that had unfolded before him. Hours slipped away unnoticed, and the darkness of the night clung to his troubled mind.Past three in the morning, Izon's drunken state reached its peak, causing him to lose control. His anger and despair spilled over, causing him to lash out, sending bottles crashing to the floor. The bouncer's gaze fell upon the shattered glass and the disheveled figure of Izon. Kaagad siyang inawat ng mga ito. Nakakaagaw na din siya sa atensyon n

AZALEA“I’m Nicolaus Villamor, chief executive of Magallon Law Firm and I'm your mom's cousin.” Inabot sakin ng lalaki ang contact card niya pagkatapos magpakilala.“Teka, pakiulit nga po ng sinabi mo.” naguguluhan kong tanong habang pinagmamasdan ang binigay niyang card sakin.Nandito kami ngayon sa sala dahil gusto niya akong makausap. Kakaalis lang din ni Izon dahil may emergency sa kompanya niya. Nag-aalangan pa siyang umalis kanina dahil ayaw niya akong iwan sa lalaking estranghero, pero sinabi ko sa kanyang magiging okay lang ako, at kung hindi man, sinigurado ko sa kanya na tatawagan ko siya. “I'm your mom's cousin. Siguro nagtataka ka kung bakit bigla na lang ako nagpakita at nagpakilala.” pag-uulit ng lalaki. I haven't had any contact with anyone from my mom's side. Kaya hindi ako sigurado kung totoo ba ang sinasabi ng lalaking ito. “Mag-iisang taon na din magmula noong sinimulan namin ang paghahanap sayo.” dagdag pa niya na mas lalo kong ipinagtaka.Hinahanap niya ako? At