My eyes caught Mad entering our room and walking closer to Sam and me. "Hi, I saw you and Cassy talking. What did she do now? I wasn't able to catch you since I had to park my car." Mad asks me while Sam is listening. "Nothing to worry about, Mad; I can handle her." I give Mad a side smile, my way of convincing him that I'm fine. "If you say so." "Goodness, Cassy hasn't changed, such a bully. Don't worry, Angel, we got your back, me, Luke, and Mad." Sam reassures me as she squeezes my hand. Sweet girl. "Thank you guys, but I'm perfectly fine. You don't have to think about me; I don't intend to be a burden..." "No, you're not; Angel, we're friends.

We are excited about the basketball practice as we head to the gym. Samantha and I hand clasps while Maddox and Luke behind us are already wearing their royal blue jersey. I am comfortable joining them as mom had given me permission to do so when I called her. And I already informed the driver not to pick me up since Maddox will surely drop me home. "We should sit close to the players, so it's easy for us to assist them when needed." I didn't know we got a role to play here, probably an assistant or water girl. Sam is funny, but I guess it would be expected for her as Luke's girlfriend and me as Maddox's friend. "Yeah, I'm sure there's plenty of seats since this is just a practice." "Guys, we will join our team; you two find your seats there," Luke says, and then he

The following day is hectic as we are preparing for the intramurals and exams is not so far. I come home late and exhausted when I receive a call from Dr. M's Veterinary clinic. "Hello, what is it?"   "Ms. Carpio, we are waiting for you since you dropped by at this time. But we couldn't wait and wanted to inform you that Max is not in good shape now. Would you please come to the clinic now?" It's the front desk staff as I recognize her voice.   "Yes, I'll be there, thank you," I responded and immediately cut the call.   "Mom? mom?" I call out mom as I head out of my room, still wearing my school uniform.  

The silence is deafening. Unlike when Max was still around, he used to be our own alarm clock; and sirens rolled into one. Max stomps his feet on my face if I don't get up after a few scratches. Sadly our unit is lacking a spark for us to call it home. Max's photo on my side table catches my attention; he was still young, small when I had him on my birthday. My heart constricts thinking about him again, but I refuse to cry anymore. I want to remember all our beautiful memories together instead of just centering my thoughts that he is no longer with me. I fix all of Max's things, his sheet, pillow, and clothes, and put them in a box before I rush out of my room, starving.   Mom leaves early for work, so I am left alone having breakfast by myself, which doesn't help my poor appetite. I only have cereals and milk for breakfast before I start cleaning the ho

The three trucks separate; to have better coverage in rescuing street dogs in the city. Davao City is massive, so we expect not to finish the whole city dog rescue in a day. The truck's back is a compartment where we have the equipment needed and even a first aid kit for the dogs.   "Mad, how long have you been doing this?"   "I started since my mom founded the shelter, almost 10 years now, we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary before the year-end. Back then, I wasn't so passionate about it like I do now. It was my mom who opened my eyes to caring for pets and other animals. That they have lives like us humans and they are capable of taking and giving love."