Moving on from the death of someone you once loved is a journey that is as individual as it is profound. It's a process of navigating through the complex emotions of grief, loss, and acceptance, all while trying to find a way forward in life. For me, it meant coming to terms with the fact that Vicente would always hold a special place in my heart, even as I opened myself up to the possibility of new chapter with Vince.

At first, the idea of moving on felt daunting, almost impossible. Vicente's death had left a void in my life that seemed insurmountable, a constant ache that echoed in the depths of my soul. Memories of our time together flooded my mind, each one a bittersweet reminder of the love we had shared and the life we had planned. It was tempting to cling to those memories, to let them consume me in a haze of grief and longing.

But as time passed, I began to realize that moving on didn't mean forgetting Vicente or the life we had built together. Instead, it meant honoring his memory by embracing the present and embracing the future with an open heart. It meant acknowledging the pain of his loss while also allowing myself to experience joy and happiness once again. Dahil buhay pa ako, nandito pa ako.

"Ito na lang ba ang ibababa?" Tanong ni Vince sa akin, pinapatukuyanang huling kahon ng mga gamit na iniligpit ko para dalhin sa unit niya. I was moving in with him and moving out of the apartment I once shared with Vicente.

Tumango ako kay Vince at sandaling inilibot ang aking tingin sa paligid, may mga naiwan pa akong gamit, furniture and appliances halos ang lahat sa mga iyon. I couldn't believe I was really moving out. Sa loob ng mahabang panahon ay dito ako sa bahay na ito nakatira, may kasama o mag-isa, dito ako. It was difficult to think about but was also liberating. I was reclaiming my life that I had put on pause since the accident.

Vince hugged me from behind, his warmth enveloping me in a comforting embrace. Nararamdaman siguro niyang medyo nalulungkot ako sa ginagawa kong paglilipat ng mga gamit.

His lips brushed against my shoulder as he whispered. "Mag-iwan ka kaya ng ilang mga damit mo rito. You could always come back here. I wouldn't mind kung minsan gustuhin mong dito pa rin magpalipas ng gabi. This place, these memories, they're a part of who you are. Kaya kung mahalaga ito sa'yo ay mahalaga rin ito sa akin."

I smiled at his words, grateful for his understanding and acceptance of my past. But as much as I appreciated his offer, I knew that I needed to fully commit to this new chapter of my life with him. I reached up to touch his cheek, shaking my head gently as I met his gaze with determination.

"Thank you, Vince," I murmured softly, hinaplos ko ang kaniyang pisngi nang mas humigpit pa ang yakap niya sa akin. "But I think it's time for me to let go completely. Holding on to these things, these memories, it's only holding me back from fully embracing what we have together."

There was a moment of silence between us, the weight of my words hanging in the air as we both processed the significance of what I had just said. But Vince's response was immediate, his eyes softening with understanding and love.

Vince's touch was tender as he brushed away the stray strands of hair from my face, his lips pressing softly against my cheek.

"Thank you, Vicente," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity and respect. "For taking care of Nicole and for being a part of her life. I promise to cherish the memories you shared and to honor the love you had. But now, it's my turn to take care of her, to love her with all that I am."

His words washed over me like a gentle wave, filling me with a sense of warmth and belonging. It was as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, freeing me from the burden of the past and allowing me to fully embrace the present.

I turned to face Vince, my heart overflowing with love and affection for this man. "And now, I love you even more."

Ngumisi siya bago ako pakawalan at tumayo ng tuwid, inabot niya ang aking mga kamay at marahang pinisil. "We're each other's home now, Nic. Dapat lang na mas mahalin pa natin ang isa't isa."

He was right—we were each other's home now, and that realization filled me with a sense of warmth and contentment that I had never known before.

Home.