[Short Story]

UNEDITED

Written in 2014

***

When Dianara woke up, the sun had already risen. The glint of light caught her eyes through the window of her room. It was as if telling her to get up and be prompt because a good occasion, an awaited event of her life had come. She sprawled on her bed like she used to do. It is already 6:30 in the morning. She has to move quickly because two hours to go and the ceremony would commence. It was her graduation day. She was looking forward to it and her dream starts to become visible little by little. She stared at the wall, just imagining the past years she endeavoured in college. The 5 years she spent, taking up BS Architecture would be her too to repay all the sacrifices of her parents.

She saw a note on the table, telling her to seize the day. It was from her mother. The message was short yet comforting. She stuffed it her drawer and headed to the bathroom. She ate her breakfast which her mother prepared for her. Her parents must probably went somewhere. She waited for them to come and after a moment, a car outside the house parked. Her father waved at Dianara and her mother got off and went to her, telling her to hop in.

"Whose car is this?" Dianara asked, smiling, touched by the effort of her parents. Dianara, a mild-tempered, discreet young lady, holding herself aloof. She is tall and skinny. Her long black hang loosely reaching her waist. Her eyes were brown and also slightly round but sad.

She promised before that if she ever gets a job, she will buy them a car or any vehicle they can use.

"We borrowed this from your Tio Aldo," Nardo, her father, lightly stroking his mustache, merely shrugged.

"It's for your convenience, Dianara. You know how sorry we are for letting you walk that far everyday just to get to school," Tes, Dianara's mother, said in a low tone of voice, feeling sorry. She is a skinny woman and has a cheerful face.

"But you don't have to do this. I understand why I need to walk everyday because we have to stick on the budget. I should be the one to be blamed because I always give you discomfort," Dianara said, as if to weep but tried to hold her tears. Her eyes looked undefeated.

She was feeling sorry and guilty for pursuing college. After she finished high school, she decided to work already but her parents told her to continue her studies and not to mind the finances. However, as the years went by and her fees and school expenses increased, her parents' business also declined until they sold their other properties to pay their debt.

"Don't be like that, Dianara. You are our only child so we try to give all the best for you," her mother said. Dianara can no longer cease her tears. Everytime her mother says that she's their child, she thinks that she's living in pretension. Not that she doesn't love them. Of course, she loves them more than they think she does. But something is nagging on her head that it is all just a mockery of life.

She loves these two individuals in front of her. She has loved them since the day they offered their hands and brought her in a nice home. She learned to love them since the moment they laid foods in the table for her to eat, helped her to use forks and spoons correctly, dressed her beautifully and gave her things a six year old girl must enjoy- dolls, shoes, frocks, head bands, books, etc.

They gave her comfort and love. Dianara can feel it. She was always astonished by their surprises, yet, slammed by the guild everytime they showed ther fun-loving side. On her heart, she is longing for her parents- her parents who turned her down and were supposed to be standing in her front attending her graduation. What should she expect when those two souls left her alone in the middle of the battlefield?

Three of them went to her university riding in the car. As Dianara marched and got her diploma, she realized that it's not the end of everything but a beginning of another journey like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.

After the graduation, she processed her papers needed to apply for a job. She was accepted in one of the companies in the city. As soon as she received the notice to start working, she kept her things, said goodbye to the elders and relatives. When she told her parents, they accompanied her in looking for an apartment in the city. Even though she was trying to do it all alone, they still showed how they care for her and treated her as a kid when she just turned 20. It only made her more blame worthy.

The day before her leaving Santa Cruz, she planned to go to the countryside and take a glimpse of nature which inspired her to do artworks. Dianara's not the type of woman who hangs out with friends and joins occasions. She prefers to stay at home, to sleep or walk around the woods in which silence throbs in her solitary heart. This is the time when she considers everything as smooth and tranquil, the moment when even her heartbeat could reach her ears and her heart and mind talk in serenity. These are times of her life she could call her own. Most of the time, she wants to be invisible from the sight of anyone, talked to herself and burst out her pent up emotions, all the disappointment, hopes and melancholy.

She went to the countryside and stopped under the macopa tree. The place was truly undisturbed by human voices. She was the only one who went there. Tomorrow, she'll be leaving the place.

"Maybe the next time I go here, I could already see another figure in this spot, stealing my favourite place," she thought.

She looked for a rock on which to sit down. The scenery was absolutely amazing to behold. She sighted the view below where the wide grassland, flowers and wild ferns were dancing in the air. The sun had just set, bidding farewell for the day, giving its shimmering rosy light. The clouds, gradually hiding its bubble like fragments showed that day has to end and the night will now take its course. Dianara had been sitting for nearly an hour when she realized it's getting dark already.

She casted a glance on the place where she used to dwell in her outburst and sorrows since she was 6 years old. She walked few distances and when she turned her back to characterize the macopa tree and the surroundings, she saw a figure, someone who looked so many in gesture and in appearance. In spite of that, the man also looked so plain with high cheekbones and sad mouth and though it was a bit dark, she could still take a clearer view of his eyes that were joyless and no longer young. He's about 50 years old and his grey hairs were already visible. He was probably looking at the fascinating vast expanse below, Dianara thought. When the man felt like someone was looking at him, he gazed at Dianara with gloomy face. He didn't seem like he wondered of her presence. She thought with oddity that rather surprised her. She did not see him before. She did not even remember seeing this old man. Out of fear and uneasiness, she ran off. She never looked back. She told herself not to look back.

She wondered why he masked that face when a man of his condition should never have that wrath in his eyes. She thought, perhaps, he was a privileged man and she could tell it just by looking at the clothes he was wearing, the way he placed his hands in his pockets. She shrugged her head because of her assumptions. She continued walking until she reached the house. Her parents have just arrived after a day of working at the furniture shop.

"Dianara, where did you go? We knocked at the door and called you many times but no one answered. We thought you already went to the city and left us," her mother asked. Her expression was a sort of dismay.

"At first, I have thought of that but I changed my mind. It will be intolerably bad to leave you here without giving my farewell. I know it will only bring you pain if I leave without trace," Dianara explained, teary-eyed.

Tes hugged Dianara tight and kissed her forehead. Nardo held her face and said, "You've grown up much, darlimg. Your mom and I already expect some visitors, a lad in particular to come and ask for the hand of our princess."

"Saying like that Pa, I could somehow say that you would willingly hand me to a stranger," she exclaimed bluntly, changing her expression as if in a sly mood.

"Of course not. We will make sure that fall in good hands. We only have you and we could nto forgive ourselves when something bad happened to you," Nardo said. His expression implied more than Dianara could understand.

She decided not to take it seriously for she believed nothing will happen to them. They would be forever happy as they always did, she always assumed.

"Nothing bad will happen as you would think Pa. I assure you that. I could defend myself when something goes wrong," Dianara said with reassuring look.

Nardo smiled. "I'm thankful for that. Your words are enough to comfort us. Don't forget to pray all the time."

She nodded.

For the first time, Dianara felt afraid that she would be apart from them.

They paced inside the house and Tes cooked a special dinner. They played the stereo and listened to their favourite songs.

Dianara remembered the man she saw in the woods. She could not deny that she was curious of him.

"Will we meet again?" she asked herself.

She remember what her mother said, "The more you expect, the more it becomes elusive. It is better not to think of the improbabilities of tomorrow, not to fear the insecurities of life because it will just spoil your happiness at the present."

The sky was dark and no star to count. Tired of relishing her last night at home, Dianara retired.

One week after she left Santa Cruz, Dianara ventured in adapting her new environment and getting used to her workplace. She settled herself and advanced to the scheme of her new home. She felt the belongingness and acceptance but she was still empty. Homesickness was written all over her face. She was craving for something that she herself didn't even know.

She would go home whenever she had the time to see her parents but to think of the distant mile and the struggle to reach Santa Cruz, she limited her visits. Her parents missed her so much but they can't put into words when they sent her letters. She knew it. Few months after she left Santa Cruz, they were checking her in her apartment every month. She's always asked if she was doing alright. Though, at the outset, Dianara felt uncomfortable with the sudden alteration of conditions in her surrounding, the sounds she heared, the faces she saw and people she met. She was dissatisfied terribly. After many month, she indulged herself by socializing and putting away the unbearable homesickness by strolling around and getting herself new items.

She always recalled the times when she was still a young girl. One day, she met a young boy at the field. This boy had a pleasant look, and he used to say "Thank you." He was Theodore and his surname was famous in Santa Cruz. But the boy already departed the place; neither he nor other rich guys out there could remain longer in Santa Cruz because their families wanted a credible life for them. They can't find in an unheard place of Santa Cruz.

It was already years ago but the smile of the boy was still imprinted on her mind. They often met but whenever Theodore was called by the servant of his house, he would run. When summer of 2020 started, she never saw the boy again. The boy must be living abroad or somewhere in the capital city or perhaps in a place only his class could go.

On their last meeting, they were chasing dragonflies and releasing them after. The sun stood still in the west and the day refused to end. And as the last dragonfly escaped, they broke into cheers. At that moment, Dianara felt sadness in Theodore's young eyes. And as the voice of the man echoed over the field, she knew that the boy was not of her world.

Dianara suddenly missed the old times where she and her friend would spend their time at the wide grassland, running and plunging over the wild flowers and ferns. They landed their backs at the open space and stared at the sky.

"How I wish I could go back to that time!" she thought.

It was Theodore who accompanied her when she wanted to give up and stopped living. The boy always told her to be thankful for everything. Many years have passed, the boy never appeared. Dianara is already 21 years old now. The time seemed so fast. It was just like yesterday when she was a young girl. She had grown up and had to work for living. She never thought it possible for them to meet again and despite the often- quoted adage that the wold is such a small place.

The higher official of her company told her to look for the site along the Romma St. which will be converted into establishments and business centers. The site was said to be inhabited by squatters and upon hearing it, her heart almost stopped beating. She never complained. She still went there and as she stepped her feet at the desolate place, she looked around helplessly. The sky was clear but the surrounding was dark and filthy. Plastic sheets, cardboard boxes, plywood and metals were dingily scattered in this shanty settlement. A moment after that, she was out of breath and heart palpitated making her knees tremble. Her body shook while looking at the peasant faces hauling over the scavengers. She cannot stand straight. She leaned on the wall for support and directed her eyes around this so called home. She had once lived at this place and now all of the memories of the past haunted her. A mother who left a husband and her daughter because of his debt and fled away with another man and a father who promised to take care of her and to never leave her had never returned anymore.

She tucked up her legs, clasped her hands around her knees and bowed her head down. Her story and the stories of these unfortunate people were similar in some ways. Her story was their story too. She herself cannot understand this idea too clearly but that was how her hear explained. She saw herself as a 6 years old again who was waiting and crying at the same side of the area. If she could only roll back the clock and changed what had happened, she would do it and for at least, the sadness and resentment would fade.

After a moment, someone slowly tapped her back and asked her if she was alright. It's a guy with broad shoulders, magnificent posture, rounded eyes. He has a long and thick eyelashes. As she looked at his face, her heartbeat was tantamount as when she was alienated by her true family.

"Leave me alone!" she said furiously. She was still sitting and hugging her knees.

"Why? Aren't you supposed to look at the site?" he asked.

"How do you know about that? Who are you?" she taunted.

"I am Theodore Dela Vega," he said casually. "I know that you're looking at this site for some work- related purposes."

Dianara stood up and put herself into order again. She never faced the man. In her heart, she knew it was Theodore Dela Vega who she had known back then. He came unexpectedly, in the wrong place and wrong time. Dianara could not believe it.

"Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be living in a distant land where you and your kind could live?" she said with the tone of sarcasm.

He did not answer. He was only staring at Dianara as though recollecting his wandering thoughts.

"Why are you still like that, Dianara?" he questioned.

He still remembered her. Dianara was startled and shocked in a way that she was about to run when Theodore held her hand.

"Please, don't leave. I know you're Dianara," he said in conclusion.

"Why are you here?" asked Dianara trying to unlock her hand from his grip.

"I always come here," he said.

"Why do you get near this place? This is not for you to lurk around," she asked. Theodore finally released her hand.

"I come here when I can. I help people and in one way or another, I realize how it feels like to become homeless, living in the street and has nothing to eat," he sadly said.

However, as the conversation continued, they realized they were coming back to a particular point in the past when their childhood memories took place. They walked together and asked each other what happened after they parted.

According to Theodore, he and his family went to Teresa City before the summer of 2000 and he did not even say goodbye to her because he was not permitted again to go over the countryside. Dianara learned that Theodore studied Medicine.

While walking, a shabby house at the edge of the area caught her attention. Strips of woods, rusty roofs, sack cloth and banners were used to assemble the house. Dianara could feel the rush of her emotion as she approached the house. It was no different from the other tents standing all over the place. Her mind was telling her to step back and go home. Yet, she carried on and finally reached the house. She attempted to open the curtain which served as the door but a boy of about 8 years of age stopped her hand.

"Who are you looking for? This is our house. By your looks, you seem to be rich. This isn't your place. If ever you have lost your way, I could tell you the way to go out. Only poor people are living here," he said speedily.

Dianara seemed it unnecessary to renovate the area. These people will be homeless without this land. They considered it as their home.

"What is it you're holding?" Dianara asked getting away with his details. He was holding a plastic bag and seemed to be in a hurry.

"These are medicines and breads. My mother needs these," he sobbed. He looked at Dianara, "She suffers extreme cough and high fever."

"Is this your house? Can I take a look inside?" she asked, trying to convince him, "Maybe I can offer some help."

"Yes. My mother is waiting for me inside," he said.

He aided Dianara in getting inside the house. It was too small. There were old utensils placed at the top of a wood and a mat where an ill woman was lying. She was thin, almost dying. Her hair was untidy, so blowsy. Despite her condition, the excellent beauty of her younger years was still evident. Dianara couldn't hide her tears anymore. They were flowing softly and warmly. She brushed away her tears.

"Who are you, Miss?" asked the woman, her voice was breaking as she spoke.

"I lost my way out of this place. My name is Dianara. I happened to see your child outside and he told me you're very sick. I suggested offering some help if I could," she said trying to utter words as spontaneously as she can.

"Oh, God! Thank you for this blessing. You heard our prayers," she said. Her face was obviously overwhelmed.

"What is your name?" Dianara asked.

"I'm Aida," the woman answered. Seeing Dianara dissatisfied with the answer, she verified, "Aida Romero."

Dianara shivered. The woman was surely her mother. Upon hearing her name, she felt the disgust and pity intertwined in her heart. That very same moment, she wanted to ask all those questions she prepared for many years. Why did she leave? How in earth could she neglect her own family? This is the series of questions she wanted to ask to her mother but she was not in the point to interrogate the woman. Her mind was dominated by a particular emotion which she could not give definite meaning herself. She was out of words.

Seeing this woman, Dianara's conscience dictated her to embrace her. She found herself standing silently. After a moment, she opened a wallet and got peso bills. She gave it to the woman.

"Take this. It could help you both for quite some time," she gently placed the money in her palm. Her hand was warm and weak.

"You're so good. Thank you. But this is too much, Miss,' she said trying to get up to show her gratefulness formally. The boy aided her to sit down.

"Don't mention it. I just want to help. I notice you scarcely eat food and you're becoming weaker. This boy..," she looked at the child, "Is he your only child?"

"He is Marco. He has no parents. I take care of him and treat him as my own child since that I have no one," she affirmed, "I have a daughter but I lost her when she was young. I couldn't find her anymore. She is probably your age now."

Dianara looked sharply at her and turned her face. The woman held her hand and touched it like a mother caressing a baby.

"Thank you," she said.

To refrain herself from drowning in tears, Dianara said goodbye and hurriedly left the place. This place was supposed to be her home too but she was living pleasurably when she ought to be earning and looking after her mother. She felt lonely, solitary, cursed and abandoned.

Few meters away from her, she saw Theodore waiting and smiling. They walked and stopped at the restaurant to eat.

Dianara, trying to keep the peculiar moment a while ago all by herself, cannot keep anymore. She made up her mind to tell Theodore about it.

"My biological mother is living in that slum. She doesn't know me. This would be my last time seeing her. I promised myself not to go back," Dianara blurted out.

"How could you do that to your own mother? You're cold- hearted. Why didn't you tell her true "name before you were adopted?" Theodore exclaimed.

"I was abandoned by her. She abandoned us and here you're telling me that I'm cold hearted? Both my mother and father abandoned me. Aren't they shameless?" she recalled vindictively.

"Besides, you should be grateful. There are people who stood as parents to you in their stead," he said.

"Grateful? What for? I've been living a good life when I'm ought to be scratching dirt and mud. I owe these people my fortune. What should I be grateful for? I am in debt my whole life," Dianara defended.

"Nonetheless, the people who adopted you love you so much dearly," he said, "...and your parents who left you, love you too."

"I couldn't forgive them so easily," Dianara insisted.

"It is because you only think of yourself. You only want to show how miserable your life has been but you did not find the precious thing of all, that you're still blessed in spite of what had happened. You must count your blessings. Do you think you could ever find happiness? As long as you can't release that grudge, your heart will never find its way home."

"You don't know how it feels like being rejected by your own family," Dianara objected vehemently.

"My parents died in a car accident 2 years after we left Santa Cruz and I am living my life alone now. My papa's best friend stood as my companion. He listens to me when I'm troubled and down. He has no family too. I am thankful that he came to my life," said he, "I keep my eyes open to mercies. You wouldn't know how fortunate you are unless you wake up from nursing your anger."

"Don't compare our situations. Mine is entirely different from yours," she defended, "If you're unmindful of the bad things happening around you, well I'm not."

Dianara emptied the glass and raised her eyebrows. She left Theodore in that restaurant. She did not want to hear any word that would leave scar in her ego. Theodore, who had just appeared after a long time telling her what to do, for her was an indignity. His mind and thinking was already like of a man while she was living in immaturity. In her mind, she can't possibly overlook the situation. Fifteen years is a long time.

After many weeks, Theodore visited Dianara in her workplace. Dianara did not know how Theodore discovered her company's address. She was touched and her feelings were giving in. She was intolerant of her own desires. Self-governance is an omnipotent ground rule of her life. She was aloof and she enjoyed isolation. With Theodore's coming to her life again, she realized it's way better to have someone who partakes a moment with you even just for single hour a day and to have someone who accepts you even at your worst.

Theodore tried to convince her to go back to her mother and introduced herself as her daughter. He failed many times. Dianara was a hardened woman. He can't sway her heart in the issue for she has opposite thinking and has different perspectives.

"If you don't want to accept the truth, then you're doomed," Theodore said.

"Let's talk about something else," she reasoned out.

"I don't want to interfere in that matter anymore but I must tell you that there's nothing good in keeping vengeance," he explained, "...and in the end, it is always you who will suffer because you can't forgive."

"You don't know what you're saying. I'm not like you," Dianara said.

"I'm not telling you to see life in a rosy color because life is not about happiness always," said he, "...however, you must hold grudges for a long time. You deserve peace, Dianara."

The conversations always ended like that until one day, Theodore brought Dianara to his home. They went to a garden where different varieties of plants were planted.

"My mom took care of them. When she died, I made sure to visit this everyday. I can feel that she's just beside me everytime I water the plants and talk to them. She used to do that every morning when she was still alive. Everytime I miss her, I just find myself here pulling weeds," Theodore chuckled.

Dianara looked around. The place was admittedly fabulous. It could be turned out into a garden resort if Theodore wanted to but she quitted from saying it. She stopped herself from being straightforward. It was memorable for him and she did not want to spoil the value of the place.

"What are those?" Dianara asked while pointing at the trees in row. The trees were ascending and the last tree was relatively short.

"These are my trees. I used to plant a tree during my birthday. It had become a habit. It is actually good to have planted trees just to remind me that there's always hope in life and everyone is always given a chance to start a new life."

"You always talk like a philosopher," said Dianara, smiling, "Anybody who hears you could always reflect in your words."

He just nodded his head and Dianara just stayed still reflecting on what he said. Though she never responded in the words he said, she understood the point of his actions and the emphasis of the prominent display of his utterances.

Theodore took a pot with a tree seedling in it. He handed it down to Dianara. She accepted it and put it on her side. He smiled gaily and talked handsomely. His smile was still like in their good old days. A smile of an innocent cheerful boy has been restored.

"Happy birthday, Dianara," Theodore said happily.

He was close to her and suddenly she found herself imprisoned in his arms. She hugged him back and she could almost feel his heartbeats pacing fast. She loved the moment of being a captive. She had been stricken by strong emotion and she can't collect her thoughts. Later did she realize that they were hugging each other. She was surprised by the fact that he knew her birthday while she did not even remember it herself. It was her 21st birthday.

"Thank you," Dianara smiled a bit. She was filled thoroughly with gladness and contentment with Theodore beside her.

"Deo Gratias," he murmured.

"What did you just say?" she asked.

"Deo Gratias," he said, emphasizing every word.

"What does it mean?" she asked.

"Thanks be to God. It's like a code. Whenever I received something from Him which I sincerely asked, I always this code out loud. There were countless times which I deemed it unnecessary to be thankful because the situations do not conform to my expectations, yet , I just say the code," he said with nostalgia.

Dianara looked at Theodore in awe. He was so sincere in his words. He looked so young and fragile that he prayed like a child. Dianara felt she had never prayed her whole life. She had never been thankful for anything she got and here's Theodore who always treated things as blessings from God. She had really received a bunch of blessings from Him but never showed even a little appreciation. She hated herself for acting that way.

She carried the pot in their way out of the garden. A car stopped at the gate and came out a man whom in Dianara's memory has resemblance with the man she saw in the countryside a day before she went to the city.

The man was just few meters away from them. Dianara felt she was going to collapse from shock. She had accidentally thrown the pot she was holding. Appalled by the coming of the man, she wished that time would stop and everything would return to the way it was before when sorrows were absent and only joy could be felt.

She ran off. She ran as fast as her feet would carry her. She was panting for air and without second thought she shouted like someone like someone who had lost his sanity. Nobody heard her except the nature which seemed to be listening to her lamentations. Her knees were trembling and she can't think straight. Her mind was in chaos.

She decided to sit down and calm herself. She breathed for air. After a moment, she cried. Her warm tears were like crystals flowing down her cheeks. She bowed her head down and poured out all her emotions.

After like a thousand years, somebody slightly tapped her back. When she resolved herself in extreme determination, she raised her head and saw Theodore kneeling in her front.

"Why did you run?" he asked, "...and why are you crying? It was Hector, my father's bestfriend who I told you before. I invited him to join us to celebrate your birthday. I just want to introduce him to you for at least you will know who is guiding me at this moment."

"What is his name?" she asked in between tears.

"Hector," he said. "Hector Romero."

The truth hurt her terribly and she paused for a moment to think. The scars of the past were not healed yet. They would be permanently marked in her life and again and here comes another scar.

"He is my father," said Dianara, her voice shrill and grating.

Theodore was stunned and instantly remained silent within space of time. No one spoke and what could only be heard was the sound created by the trees, cold rain and nasty wind that crept under her coat. When Theodore found words again, all he could say was, "You are so blessed."

"What?" Dianara asked, controlled by the unexpected blow of rudeness.

"I have no one, but you have four parents," he said.

Dianara realized what he said was right. She was so blessed in many ways.

"He has been looking for you. He always mentioned Angela to me, how sorry he is for leaving his girl. The day he left his daughter, he was beaten up by the people who lent him money. He was dragged away in an abandoned house but he was able to escape. When he went back to where he left you, you were no longer there. One day, when my father was in critical condition, Tito Hector helped him. Their friendship started and Tito Hector told me of this girl who he had seen at the countryside. He said if only Angela was still with him, she would probably be of the same age with this girl."

"I am Angela and I was the girl at the countryside," Dianara said. "Theodore, I would like to see him."

They walked and as they reached the house, Dianara said looking at the sky, "Deo Gratias."

A day after, she came back to her mother at the shanty area. The woman was now at critical stage. Dianara brought food and helped the woman eat the soup.

"I'm thankful you still remember us," said the woman.

She nodded, smiling. "Where's the boy?" she asked instead.

She darted a sidelong glance.

"He has gone to look for food," answered the woman.

"How do you find this life?" Dianara asked.

"I'm not happy. I have made the biggest mistake in my life and I am still paying for it until now. I will be happy if I finally see my husband and daughter in good situation."

"Is that what you really want?"

"Yes. I would die happily if I see them both even from a distance. As much as possible, I'd like to be invisible from their sight. However, I want to hug them tight even if they think me as shameless. If I were given a chance to wish, that will be a one day moment with them," the woman continued.

"I am Angela, your daughter," Dianara said.

The woman cried. She embraced Dianara and touched her face.

"I knew it. We have the same eyes. I could see mine through yours," said the woman.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier that you already knew me?" Dianara said solemnly. She rose to her feet.

"I'm afraid you would not recognize me. I'm ashamed of my sin. I didn't have the courage to face you anymore," she said almost inaudibly. "Theodore... he is a good man."

"Yes. He is," Dianara replied. She can't hold her tears anymore. "I love you, Mama."

Dianara thought with bitterness as if to defy herself. What has she done to herself all these years? What did she gain by holding a grudge in her heart?

Dianara thought of Theodore. He had deepened her perspective. She realized her mercies in life. They're many to count. She acted vainly but Theodore still loves her even at her worst. She felt the divine love through him. One thing she could not forget about him was the secret code he thought her. Deo Gratias.

She already let go of the pain and it was solidly be kept in the past.

Hector and Aida met. They let go of the past. In their hearts, they wanted to start a new life with hope and forgiveness to each other.

Aida, suffering from lung cancer, died after their reunion. She died in Dianara's arms. The day she spent with Dianara and her father was, of all the days of her life, the best moment to remember.

The macopa tree was standing steadily and it produced fruits like the shape of the bell. Dianara's painting was spoiled by the sudden intrusion of someone in her haven. It was Theodore. He sat in meek silence. He was attempting to take a glimpse of her painting. But she backed away.

"Don't look at it," Dianara drew away, huddled herself.

"Where am I supposed to look at?" Theodore looked up, laughing at her remark.

She was stroking her brush over the canvass, feeling tireless. No nuisance to care about, her will to create artwork grew.

"Wow! It's incredible," Theodore interjected in enamoured eyes, bewildered at the showpiece as soon as he took hold of Dianara's painting.

"It's like and ordinary painting. It was spoiled when you suddenly came along. Nothing is so special about this that you should act like that," she glanced at him coldly but grinned after a while. She hastily sat down.

"How did you come up with the idea of putting it into portray?" he asked.

The portrait showed her mother and father planting a seedling together.

"Mama and Papa, starting a new beginning, had just opened the door for another chance. But the chance was too short that it only lasted for a day. I think, that tree represents new life we could have cherished," she said.

"It also represents you," he said, holding her hand. "That day was a well spent moment with your mother and father."

"I've planted a tree here, at the very same spot where I saw Papa," she said pointing her finger at the newly- dug soil with a tree seedling.

The setting sun warned them the exulting day was over. Together they walked and went back to the house of Tes and Nardo. Hector was also staying here and they brought Marco with them. Dianara considered him as her brother. They got closer.

Tes and Nardo were so uneasy at first because they thought Dianara would be taken away from the. Hector reassured them it would not happen. Still, Dianara is their daughter.

Theodore and Dianara planned to go back to the city. She had already released her hesitations and uncertainties. She felt the divine love from God, her foster parents, her Mama and Papa and Theodore who loves her at her best and worst.

On their way, she whispered, "Deo Gratias."

It was like telling something to God's ears. It's one of her ways of extending her thanks and love to God. She finally possessed the attribute which she never thought to govern her. That is sense of forgiveness.

Now she understood that her story is something that tells about the gifts of imperfections- that could lead her to understand life and love.

She shut her eyes tight. "Deo Gratias."