Dedicated to delouxeon

ZARINNA'S CHEST HEAVED as she heard the man speaking with the others in the water. He was speaking in Applai, and she struggled to grasp the meaning. Her thoughts swirled—confusion and shame wrestling inside her.

What in the world should I do?

The question pulsed in her mind. She drew a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Then, almost instinctively, her feet began to move—slowly stepping away, away from them. With careful, tense movements, she slipped behind the bushes and saw another pathway. She didn't know where it led, but anywhere out of sight would do. It would be unbearable to face that man again, no matter how kind he was.

Without further thought, she followed the path, hoping it would lead somewhere near her uncle's lawn. She moved quickly, clutching the warmth of the ules wrapped around her damp skin. Relief sighed through her when she recognized familiar surroundings—the very path she took earlier to reach the spring.

Oh, thank You, God! Oh, thank You, God!

She nearly laughed in silent gratitude. It must have been a longer route circling the spring toward her uncle's property. She stepped over the wooden fence behind her cottage and hurried toward the door—caring for nothing else but to be inside, hidden.

Relief swelled in her chest as she shut the door behind her. The sun had dipped low, the sky glowing a deep, burning red. A shiver ran down her spine. For a moment, it was quiet—safe.

"Oh, thank You, Jesus..." she whispered, tapping her chest as she leaned back against the door. She bit her lip, the memory of the man flooding back into her thoughts.

A strange feeling clung to her heart.

"Oh goodness... what have I gotten myself into?" she murmured, looking down at the ules covering her. Shame lingered, yet gratitude fluttered alongside it. Who was that man? she wondered. What would have happened if he hadn't come?

Oh Lord, You are good.

She inhaled and walked to her bedroom, removing the woven fabric from her skin. Her body longed for the comfort of pajamas. She opened her dresser—but froze.

My clothes are still at the spring.

Every. Single. Piece.

Her palms pressed over her face.

Should I go back?

The thought lingered—then she pushed it away.

No. Too risky. Too humiliating.

She pulled on a warm pajama shirt and pants, and the moment they touched her skin, she slumped into bed.

Tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll get them. Surely, they'll still be there.

"Yes... surely..."

RAYS OF SUNLIGHT  pierced her eyelids when she woke, the warmth slipping past the glass window.

"Ay... what time is it?" she mumbled, reaching for her phone.

7:06.

She sat up, folded her blanket, and drew in a breath. As she stood, her gaze fell on the calendar pinned to the door.

Oh... it's Sunday.

A familiar ache stirred. Back in Jesus Our King Ministries, she lived for Sundays. She lived in the church—burning, full of zeal. Now those days felt far away. Out of reach.

Lord, please... please make a way...

But guilt dulled the cry.

"Rinna!" Helen's voice called from outside, pulling her back.

"Coming!" Zarinna opened the door with a smile. Her Aunt held baby Vince, and instantly Zarinna's heart softened.

"Good morning, Auntie. Good morning, little guy." She gently touched the baby's cheek.

"Come to the house. Let's have coffee."

"Yes, Auntie!"

They walked together across the lawn, pine and grass scenting the cool air. The wind sang softly in the trees.

Wow... this place is like a paradise.

Inside, the smell of freshly brewed Barako embraced her. Casey and Elsa looked up—and immediately ran toward her.

"Manang!" Elsa squealed.

"How are you two?" Zarinna laughed, hugging them.

"We've been okay, Manang," Casey said, holding onto her arm.

"We haven't seen you for so long! You've gotten so beautiful!" Elsa chimed in.

"Oh, Elsa," Zarinna laughed, pinching her cheek. "You'll be even more beautiful one day."

"Here, Kaanakan," Uncle Dennis said, handing her a hot cup.

"Mmm...it smells so good," she sighed after the first sip.

"I'm sure you don't get this much in the city," Helen said. "They sell it too expensive there!"

"I know! I missed this. And—of course—this little guy." She lifted Vince into her arms. He giggled instantly, making her laugh.

"So, it's your first day tomorrow?" Helen asked.

"Yes, Auntie. I'm nervous... I don't know the culture well and..." she touched her chest, "it's my first teaching job."

"You'll be fine," Aunt Helen assured. "I believe you can handle it."

Her heart warmed. Just like Mama.

"Thank you, Aunt Helen. I should start unpacking soon..."

"We'll help you!" Elsa announced.

"Me too!" Casey added.

Zarinna laughed. "Are you sure?"

"Yes!" both answered.

"Go on and take them," Aunt Helen said. "Better in your cottage helping than playing in the mud."

Zarinna stood, returning Vince. "Thank you for breakfast, Auntie."

"Come for lunch later."

"Oh—Aunt Helen, I can cook—"

"Nonsense," Helen said firmly. "You'll cook when you're settled."

Zarinna's eyes softened. "I'm running out of thank you's..."

"You're always welcome, Kaanakan."

As they left the house, the quiet of her heart stirred again.

Oh Lord... You are so good to me.

Back in the cottage, as they sorted her things, Elsa spoke:

"Manang, you have a text message."

"Oh? Who is it?"

"Uhm... Na... Nathan."

Zarinna froze. She took the phone and opened the message.

I miss you. Kamusta?

Her heart clenched. Her fingers hovered—ready to type. Then conviction stilled her. Her hands fell limp.

"Elsa... turn my phone off for now. Come help me with the closet."

No. Enough.
She would not fall back into pain.
Not while the wound was fresh.

I will speak to you again, Nathan, she whispered silently.
When my heart is right... when these feelings are gone.

THE SUN was sinking when she finally stood. She had been sitting on the porch for nearly an hour, waiting for the right moment.

I need to get those clothes.

Nervousness crept through her bones.

What if someone sees me?

"Oh goodness, you're not a criminal," she muttered.

She reached the spring—and her breath stopped.

Her clothes were gone.

"Oh my... oh my..." she whispered, kneeling. "Where are my clothes?"

She searched everywhere.

Nothing.

Someone took them.

Likely one of the men.

A groan slipped from her as she sank to the ground.

Those men...

"What now..." she exhaled weakly.

Her hand reached for her chest instinctively—and froze. Her necklace was gone. Her eyes widened. Her pulse doubled.

My necklace.