جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 50

Dylan and I had agreed to meet at the Vicente Carnival today. Since the fiesta was approaching, he planned to dispose of some items there. I simply got dressed in my usual outfit and let Mum know I was heading out.I was much happier these days seeing how Dad was genuinely making an effort to recover. Mum and I were on good terms again as well. She was back to her old self, and we could finally talk without either of us raising our tempers. There was no longer any heavy burden weighing on our hearts.I knew she still didn't approve of what I was doing. After all, what parent would want to see their child put in harm's way? But even so, she never failed to remind me to stay safe. Most importantly, she told me she placed great trust in me not to let myself get hurt.Hearing Mum say she trusted me brought a fresh wave of hope into my spirit. I held onto that trust as a constant reminder to be even more careful and keep out of danger.Before long, I arrived at the carnival. Dusk had alread

Only two days remained before Dylan was scheduled to enter prison as agreed upon. It was almost funny to think about—how most people are terrified of going to jail, yet my boyfriend had his entry and release dates marked on a calendar. All of this was for the promotion of the protector guarding us drug dealers. A higher rank for the protector meant stronger leverage for the dealers.I wanted to laugh at the justice system here in the Philippines. Those in power blatantly played with the lives of ordinary people. They were all the same, and you never really knew who actually cared. I wasn't generalising everyone, but this was based on everything Dylan and I had experienced and the people we had met.I was hanging out at Mum's shop to cool off while watching the plaza. A large crowd was still idling about even though it was late. Some were playing games, others were chatting, and couples were being affectionate with one another."Mia, do you want me to top up your drink?" Marla asked me

I sat quietly in Mum's garden, gazing at her plants. I noticed the roses were beginning to bloom, their petals slowly unfurling alongside the other flowers.I took a deep breath of the fresh morning breeze, closing my eyes as I released a long sigh, reflecting on the memories of the past—both happy and painful."Mia." I turned around at the sound of my name and saw Jr standing behind me, holding two taro-flavoured bubble teas. I looked at him and gave a brief nod, gesturing for him to come closer."For you," he said, handing one over."Thank you," I said, offering a small smile."Mind if I sit?" he asked, pointing to the chair across from me."Go ahead, it's free."Once he sat down, he placed his drink on the table. I reached into my pocket for a cigarette, but upon checking the pack, I realised it was empty. I set the empty pack and the lighter on the table.Perhaps it was time to gradually quit smoking altogether. I had only taken up the habit because I was constantly around Dylan—a

I was wearing a yellow floral dress while waiting for Dylan to come out of his cell. I was sitting in the corner of the waiting area here in the prison where he was detained. He had been here for four months now, and it had also been almost four months since I made a decision that I knew would be for the good of all of us. And the reason I was here was to say goodbye to Dylan.I asked Uncle Pao for help so I could visit without any trouble. The City Jail was very strict regarding drug cases, and since I was a woman, it wasn't impossible for other jail guards to target me. I followed everything Uncle Pao told me to do, which was why being able to visit wasn't easy for me.Shortly after, I saw Dylan coming in with a police officer, entering the waiting area. I also saw them remove his handcuffs.Dylan looked around, so I raised my hand so he would spot me right away. When he noticed me, he walked toward me with a broad smile."Mia," he greeted as he approached, pulling me into a tight e

THREE YEARS LATER“GOOD MORNING, sunshine! Good morning, flowers! Good morning, teddy bears! And "Good morning, room!” I greeted everyone here in my room while stretching my body. I was still a bit dazed with sleepiness, but I was still excited to get up.Yawning, I walked toward the window and peeked out.“Good morning, world!” I shouted, smiling happily.Today is my first day back in the Philippines. I just arrived yesterday afternoon after my three-year stay in Taiwan as a factory worker. This isn't just a simple vacation because I won't be returning abroad anymore. I am going to stay in the Philippines for good to be with my family. Besides, I have already saved up enough money for a fresh start. So I don't need to go back abroad and leave my family behind.We have also overcome all the problems we went through. Janel has already graduated from her studies as an architect. Dad has fully recovered and is now helping Mum with online selling, aside from the bubble tea shop.I also sa