AMARA'S P.O.V

At first, I couldn't figure out why we broke up. However, I trusted him to make that decision.

It was painful but surprisingly peaceful at the same time. I just told myself that whatever it is that will make us find ourselves again.

As the days went by and a new sun rose, I realized what he wanted us to have. After all of those pains and tears, I was finally able to reclaim myself.

It's funny how I thought I'd die without him, but after letting him go, my mind turned silent. The monster that kept chasing me disappeared. The heavyweight I was carrying vanished.

So this was peace.

At some point, seasons change and years pass by in the blink of an eye. The leaves fell from the trees and the cold of December visited the world. The scorching heat began to melt the footprints of winter.

I worked hard to be successful until I was satisfied with what I had achieved. I sighed in relief and chuckled at myself. I looked up the name of the school where I was hired to teach with a proud smile on my lips.

"I'm back at school again," I mumbled.

But not as a student.

As a teacher. Just like what I planned for myself years ago.

I can't believe I was already wearing the uniform I'd dreamt of wearing and I already had the abbreviations I wanted to put after my name.

Keleya Amara Teixiera, LPT

Every day has been the same. I go to work, teach students, and handle everything. I can't just say that doing this only makes me happy, it also makes me stressed and frustrated. But aside from that, I found comfort in it, and I saw myself enjoying it.

It was like falling in love again with life. I'm living again.

I already have it all:

A peaceful life.

A great set of friends.

A successful career.

I am living my dream. I've never been so proud of myself.

Ano pa ba ang kulang?

"Ayaw mo bang magjowa ulit? Reto kita."

Napalingon ako kay Vien nang sabihin niya iyon. We're in the veranda, drinking some wine while looking at the city lights. It's her vacation from the military kaya sinusulit namin.

Umiling ako. "Ayoko. Nakakapagod kumilala ng ibang tao."

She squinted her eyes towards me and scoffed. "Sus, inaantay mo pa rin siya. Mahal mo pa rin," medyo bitter na sabi niya.

"Ano naman ngayon?" sagot ko, sabay taas ng kilay.

"Teh! Magiging matandang dalaga ka niyan! Paano kapag natuyo ka habang buhay?!" OA na sabi niya, parang siya pa ang mas stress na stress sa akin at kinakabahan.

I shrugged, "Okay lang."

"Anong okay lang?! Hindi okay 'yon! Basta buhay pa tayo, dapat grab lang nang grab ng opportunity! Mapafil-am man 'yan o local! Kahit anong lahi para wagi!"

"Pass. Hindi ako interesado. "

She booed. "Grabe. Sobrang galing ba talaga ni Gahala na ayaw mong tumikim ng iba? Rate mo nga performance niya, curious lang ako kung bakit ganiyan ka kaloyal."

I chuckled, "No comment."

Nangiwi siya at tiningnan ako, "Tingnan mo 'tong gagang 'to. Nagre-remnisce lang ng segss with ex."

She looked at me unbelievably. "Wow, hindi talaga dineny," hindi makapaniwalang sabi niya nang matawa lang ako. "Pero ayaw mo talaga?"

"Oo nga,"

"Tanga mo," lait niya.

Siya din naman. Magkaibigan nga kami.

Sa totoo lang, kaya kong hanapin yung saya at pagmamahal sa iba, pero kasi hindi sila siya. We've been through a lot, at kung magmamahal man ako ulit, alam kong hindi 'yon pareho ng pagmamahal na meron kami. No one can surpass the love we had.

"Sabagay, ang dami niyong pinagdaanan. Mahirap lampasan 'yon," she pointed out. She stared at me for seconds and sighed. Napatingin siya sa view sa harapan namin. "Ang payapa mong tingnan."

"I've never been this peaceful, you know." I smiled while swirling the wine glass I'm holding.

Napalingon kami sa sliding door nang biglang bumukas. Dolly and Kala's faces immediately screamed betrayal when they saw us.

"Mga traydor!" Dinuro kami ni Dolly, nauurat. "Tama bang mag-inuman kayo nang hindi kami inaaya?" reklamo niya pa.

"Oh, c'mon, you're so OA," iling ni Kala saka lumapit. "What are you talking about, by the way?"

"Sex," diretsong sagot ni Vien, kaya nabulunan si Dolly na umiinom ng wine sa bote.

I chuckled and shook my head. I sipped from my glass and glimpsed at the view again. I smiled when I heard them bickering.

Namimiss ko siya.

I wish he were here beside me at makita niya kung gaano na ako ngayon kastable, at kasuccessful. I want to hear how proud he is of me.

Though we're still friends on our social media accounts, he rarely posts something now. Ang huling balita ko sa kaniya is he passed the BAR exam and ranked third. I sent him a text message that time, congratulating him, and he replied thank you, pero iyon lang. Paminsan-minsan na lang din kami mag-chat, like every birthday or kapag may milestones sa buhay.

"I'm Meseus Copper Palaez, and you can call me Mixco."

Ang cute. It's as if I'm looking at a miniature version of him. Naaalala niya pa kaya ako? We spent a lot of time when he was still a kid, pero bata pa siya noon kaya siguro hindi.

"Uuwi na, Ma'am?"

"Opo, Kuya," ngiti kong sagot sa guard nang tanungin niya ako, kaya pinagbuksan niya ako ng gate.

Coding ng sasakyan ko kaya magcocommute ako ngayon. Lumabas ako ng gate at pumunta sa waiting shed at naupo. Napalingon ako sa batang katabi ko na tahimik lang at nanonood ng mga sasakyang dumadaan. His face lights up every time a pretty car passes by.

"Wala pa yung sundo mo?" tanong ko na nagpalingon sa kaniya sa akin.

"Oh," his mouth twitches cutely, and he points at me using his small finger, "Kuya's ex."

I blinked in surprise and smiled, "Kilala mo pa ako?"

"Well, you have a picture po in Kuya's room, as well as in his wallet. You're also present po in every birthday celebration and event that I saw in the photo album. You've left so many traces in our home po, which makes it impossible for me not to recognize you."

"How is he now?"

"Kuya? Well, he's still single, but he's not in love with you anymore."

Napaawang ang labi ko sa sunod na sinabi niya. I pursed my lips. Hindi ko alam kung paano magrereact sa narinig ko.

So... He doesn't love me anymore? May iba na ba siya? What about the promise we made? Wala na ba 'yon?

"He replaced you with his work. He's way too smitten with it that he even forgot to play with me," he added.

I sealed my lips after hearing it to stop myself from chuckling because he really looked sad about it. He's sulking!

So iyon pala ang ibig niyang sabihin.

"Mixco," a familiar voice called out to him.

Sabay kaming napatingin kay Tita, na mukhang kakadating lang. She looked a little bit older now but still beautiful. I can see that she's happy and well-cared for by just looking at her face.

"Ma," Mixco's face lit up as he stood up from his seat to approach his mother.

"Juskong bata ka. Bakit ang dumi-dumi mo na?" Tita mumbled as she examined Mixco's uniform. "Kanina ka pa nag-aantay?"

"Not really. Ma'am accompanied me," he answered and pointed me.

Napatingin naman sa akin si Tita at mukhang nagulat nang makita ako. "Jusko, Amara, Nak!"

I giggled at her reaction. "Hello, Tita. Long time no see po," bati ko.

Lumapit siya sa akin at hinawakan ako sa balikat pati na rin sa mukha na parang sinisipat ako, "Tingnan mo 'to. Mas gumanda ka lalo!"

"Grabe naman po," medyo natatawang sabi ko.

"Kumusta ka na?" Masayang tanong niya at tumabi sa akin.

"I'm doing well Tita. Kayo po?"

"Jusko, okay na okay lang kami! " Sagot niya at nagtanong tungkol sa buhay ko to catch up.

Lagi kaming nag-uusap ni Tita kapag sinusundo niya si Mixco. Sa kaniya ako nakakakuha ng balita tungkol kay Gahala. Nakapasok pala siya sa isang well-known firm and he has been so busy establishing his career. Nakakaproud. He fulfilled all of his dreams.

I couldn't say that I wasn't shocked when I saw Gahala sitting inside my classroom. Sobrang hindi ko inaasahan. I've been meaning to see him and reach out to him, but he beat me to it.

Hindi siya nagulat after seeing me though. It's like he already knew that I’d be here, standing in front of him.

I looked away and smiled.

I already got it all. I'm successful and happy. But I guess, I wanted him in my life.

"Hmm, bhe, sino 'yon?"

Napailing ako sa panunukso ni Xenia. Sinundan niya pa ng tingin si Gahalang paalis na. Kakagaling niya lang sa room ko.

"Laging napapadaan 'yon a. Medyo familiar," ngisi niya pa.

"Ex ko," sagot ko that made her mouth formed an 'o'.

"What? Gustong makipagbalikan?"

I shrugged.

Totoong hindi ko alam.

All I know is that we both still have feelings for each other. Lagi niya akong binibisita at nilalandi. I'm not dumb to not notice his intentions and I just let him because I like it too.

After a series of flirting, and me waiting for him, he finally asked, "Will you marry me?"

And that's where life took us. Despite what happened, I'm glad we ended up getting married, like what we had planned from the beginning.

I'm excited for the life ahead of us. I know there will be rains and storms along the way, but I'll be happy to face them with him.

"And now, I would like to request Mr. and Mrs. Silva to go to the center for their first dance as a married couple."

"Hey," I looked up at Gahala when he called me softly. Nakayuko siya ng kaunti sa aking harapan habang ang isang kamay niya ay nasa kaniyang likuran at ang isa naman ay nakalahad sa akin.

"Dance with me, Mrs. Silva." Pagyayabang niya sa tinawag niya sa akin. Proud na proud na napalitan niya na ang apelyido ko ng kaniya.

I shook my head and took his hand. He guided me to the middle of the dancefloor, and all of the spotlight was focused on us.

I can't describe the emotions I'm having now as I encircled my arms around his shoulder. He put his hand on my waist as well as we stared at each other. Pagkatapos, bigla na lang kaming napahagikhik na dalawa ng walang dahilan.

Halos wala na kaming pakialam sa paligid na parang may sarili kaming mundo. Hinigit niya ako papalapit sa kaniya at niyakap ng mahigpit habang gumagalaw kami sa malamyos na musika.

He really did keep his promise. That he will be my dance partner in every situation.

In our P.E. dance practice.

Prom.

My debut.

And wedding day.

He's the one whom I'm dancing with.

"Remember the wish we wrote in the lantern?" He whispered in my ear.

"Yeah, what about it?"

"My wish came true."

I got curious. "What did you wish back then?"

He put some distance between us, just enough for him to see my face. He faked a cough and shyly looked away.

He whispered, "Well...I wished to marry you."

I chuckled. "The universe fulfilled mine too."

Life as a married couple is not easy. From moving into the new house, settling down, to pregnancy, up to delivery. But I'm glad I was able to spend it with Gahala.

"Look at that chocolate eyes and features. She looks just like you," napatingin ako kay Gahala nang sinabi niya iyon habang nagtutupi ako ng damit.

He's holding our daughter in bed, rubbing his face against hers, and kissing her on the cheeks repeatedly. It seems like Dashan gets irritated because she stretches her fat arms and legs to kick Gahala in the face. She even grabbed a handful of his hair and pulled it using her small fist.

"Look at this little dumpling, she's hurting her father," Gahala laughed as if he was being tickled.

Dashan suddenly held his head and gnawed his face. A pile of saliva smeared on his face but it only made Gahala smile foolishly like a man in love. He looked happy being bitten by his daughter. "Hey, I think our daughter is a genius. She's super good at hand-to-hand combat at this age."

"Ang martyr mo," komento ko sa kaniya. Hindi ko alam kung sino ang mas clingy sa kanilang dalawa ng anak namin.

"Aren't we going to throw a party for her since she's turning 4 months old?"

Here he is again. Kada buwan niya ata tinatanong 'yan.

"Gahala, you're wasting money. Let's throw a big party when she turns 1."

"Tch," he scoffed at me and talked to our child. "Ang kuripot ng Mama mo 'no? Parang hindi ka mahal. Kapag lumaki ka na, hindi natin siya papansinin," pangdedemonyo niya sa anak namin!

Hindi ko mapigilang tumayo at lapitan siya para pingitin ang tainga. "Anong sabi mo?! Bata pa 'yan pero tinuturuan mo ng magtanim ng sama ng loob!"

"Aw! Aw! You're displaying violence in front of our child! That's not good!" He hissed.

"Bawiin mo 'yung sinabi mo!"

"Joke lang 'yon! Napipisat ko anak natin dito!"

Napatingin tuloy ako kay Dashan. She's giggling and her tiny claws are scratching in the air. Akala niya siguro naglalaro kami.

Binitawan ko si Gahala at sinamaan ng tingin. Bumaling ako kay Dashan at ngumiti. Binuhat ko siya at nilayo kay Gahala.

"Tapusin mo 'yang pagtutupi," utos ko pero hindi niya pinansin!

"Balik mo anak ko, Amara," sabi niya sa amin. Yung boses niya parang pinagkaitan ng kendi!

Hindi ko mapigilang lingunin siya, "Anong anak mo? Ikaw umire?"

"Hindi! Pero tumulong din ako sa paggwa niyan! Ilang posisyon din kaya ang ginawa ko tapos minsan binubuhat pa kita! Nakakapagod din 'yon 'no!"

I hissed after hearing such vulgar words coming out from his mouth, "Words!"

"Bakit? Wala naman akong sinabing masama! Tama naman! Nagrereklamo lang ako!"

I was about to open my mouth to lash at him when Dashan suddenly giggled loudly and mumbled incoherent words, as if she was joining our conversation too. Napatigil tuloy kami sa pag-aaway.

"Yes, yes, that's right." Tango-tango ni Gahala na parang alam niya ang sinasabi ng bata. "Amara, ang talino ng anak natin," manghang sambit niya.

I looked at him with an 'I-gave-up' expression. Nakakapagod siyang patulan.

"Dashan, Dashan," mapaglarong tawag niya sa anak namin na humahagikhik sa ginagawa niya na parang naiintindihan niya ang nangyayari.

I have already spent my 3 months of maternity leave looking after our daughter. After that, Gahala decided to work at home so he could personally take care of Dashan.

May babysitter naman kami, but we really wanted to spend most of our time with our child and be a parent talaga kasi minsan lang naman siya maging bata. It will be devastating if we miss every single change she makes every day. We wanted to be there for every moment and witness how she grows slowly into a fine lady.

Lagi akong pagod tuwing uuwi dahil naninibago pa ako at ang katawan ko ng bumalik ako sa pagtuturo. Pero nawawala lang ang pagod na 'yon tuwing nakikita ko ang mag-ama ko.

"I'm home," sambit ko pagkatapos kong pumasok ng bahay.

Nagtaka ako ng walang sumagot kaya umakyat ako ng second floor saka dumiretso sa kwarto ni Dashan. Napasandal ako sa pinto nang makitang kinakausap ni Gahala ang anak namin na nasa loob ng crib niya.

"Say Mommy, Mommy," kausap niya that made my brows arched. Anong ginagawa niya?

Dashan, our daughter, obediently followed and bubbled incoherent words that no one could understand, as if she was responding to her father.

"Wow, our little dumpling is so genius," uto ng Papa niya.

Dashan clapped her hands and she grinned with her little mouth, giggling, revealing her few white teeth. It was then followed by saliva flowing down her mouth.

"Daddy's excited to hear your first word since you're going to utter it soon. Daddy will be proud of anything our Dashan will say, but I wish you could utter 'Mommy' as a first word. Mommy has done a lot, and I wanted her to be the happiest mother in the world," he said to our daughter while wiping the saliva on the side of her lips using a bib.

They look like they have their own world. I smiled at the view. It somehow made my heart warm.

I knocked on door kaya napatingin sila sa akin. Lumapit ako at sinalubong naman ako ni Gahala ng halik sa noo. "How's your day? Tired?"

He’s the one who looked so tired though. He’s working while taking care of our baby. He's doing great as a dad.

"Yeah," ngiti ko. "What's that?" I asked laughingly after seeing his face. There was a trace of teeth on his face.

"Your daughter bit me. Her teeth are really sharp."

Nakangiti akong umiling saka yumuko para halikan sa ulo si Dashan. "How's your day, little one? Did you play a lot?"

She giggled and slapped the top rail of the crib using her tiny hands. "Mami!" nahihirapan niyang bigkas. "Mami!"

Nagkatinginan kami ni Gahala at bigla siyang nagpanic. "Teka! Teka! Video! I need to take a video!"

Natatawa ako habang tinitingnan si Gahala na nagiging emosyunal. Contentment filled my heart as I looked at him praising our daughter, telling her how proud he is. I could risk everything for them.

"Mommy, Shanaika Davigne will miss you."

I bent down and brushed her wavy hair like her father’s. "You'll see Mommy again this lunch, okay?" I assured her. "Make friends, have fun, and play a lot today. Mommy and Daddy will fetch you later."

Years ago, this big dumpling was still a little like a bean. Time sure flies, and she's already going to kindergarten.

She's attending kindergarten at the school where I teach, so I'm not too worried. I can easily check on her whenever I want.

I was in the middle of teaching when I unexpectedly looked outside. Inalis ko ang tingin doon pero kaagad ding binalik nang may mapansin.

Medyo napaawang ang labi ko ng makita si Dashan. May kasama siyang kaklase niya na mukhang sinamahan siya at magkahawak kamay pa sila. Gahala will really throw a fit if ever he sees this.

Her face brightened when she saw that I'm looking at her. "Mommy," she mouthed and waved her little hand with a big smile. It somehow made me smile too.

I continued teaching while glimpsing at her from time to time. She's just there, listening to what I'm saying. Ulo niya lang yung nakikita sa bintana kasi medyo mataas iyon para sa kaniyang height.

Umalis lang sila sa labas ng classroom ko nung sinundo sila ng adviser nila. Mukhang kanina pa sila hinahanap kasi stress na stress ang mukha ng kanilang teacher.

Ang kulit. Nagcuting classes ba siya?

"Mommy bye-bye," she mouthed again before going back, waving her hand goodbye.

After my classes were done, kaagad akong dumiretso sa classroom niya and I immediately saw her. She came running towards me and I welcomed her with a hug.

"Mommy, I missed you."

"It's only been hours," I chuckled. She got her clingy nature from her father.

"So you didn't miss me?" Medyo nasaktang tanong niya. Yung mukha niya parang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa.

Natawa ako saka napailing. "Of course, Mommy longed for you," I told her as I held her hand and walked with her, heading to the waiting shed to wait for her Father. "How's your day?"

"I have lots of fun! Our teacher is so good," she told me and added, "But don't worry Mom! You're better than my Teacher! No one can replace you."

Bolera. Parang papa niya. "Tell me more."

"I've got 5 stars! Look," she showed me her hands. "She even praised me because I did well in drawing."

I smiled proudly, "Very good. Show that to Daddy later. I'm sure he's going to be happy."

We just talked while waiting for Gahala. Moments like this are what I like the most, simply having time with my daughter.

"How's my girls? Still looking pretty, I see," Napatingin kami kay Gahala na papalapit sa amin.

Dashan immediately called him and ran towards him. Gahala laughed and carried her. Hinalikan niya ito sa pisngi at sunod ay ang chismisan nilang dalawa.

Napailing na lang ako saka lumapit sa kanila dala ang mga gamit ko. Kinuha naman kaagad 'yon ni Gahala at siya na ang nagbitbit.

Gahala encircled his hands around my waist and kissed me on the side of my head. "How's your day?"

"It's fine. Nothing's new. How about yours?" I asked back as we headed to where his car was parked.

"Tiring but it's okay now. "

Kinuwento lang ni Dashan sa Daddy niya yung nangyari sa buong maghapon niya habang nasa biyahe kami pauwi. Nang makarating na sa bahay, ay sabay kaming naglinis ng katawan ng anak ko habang hinihintay kaming matapos ni Gahala kasi siya naman yung sunod.

"How was it?" I asked after I let Dashan taste the dinner I cooked.

She nodded enthusiastically, "It tastes good! You got better, Mom! I'm proud of you!"

Hearing those words from your child is so heart-melting. I kissed her on the cheeks and we both giggled.

"Mga manloloko kayo," Napatingin kami kay Gahala nang biglang sumulpot. His face screamed betrayal. "Bakit kayo naghahalikan ng wala ako?"

We just chuckled and teased him. After that, we had a fun dinner. Natatawa at nakikinig lang ako kasi ang ingay nilang dalawa. Nagbabangayan sila hanggang sa mapikon na nga yung bata.

Gahala laughed, "My love, your sulking face is really similar to your mother. Mabuti na lang, mukha lang yung nakuha, hindi yung ugali."

"What?" I suddenly snapped.

He bowed immediately before I could even toast him, "Your husband is deeply sorry."

"Every criminal is afraid of you, Daddy," Dashan snickered, "but you're only afraid of one person."

"You know, love," Gahala teased, "the lessons I've learned in this life, if you want to survive, you need to listen to her because she's always right."

I frowned while looking at them. They chuckled at each other as if I couldn't hear them. And just like that, they reconciled.

"She looks like you," Gahala whispered in my ear, afraid that it might wake Dashan up.

He’s hugging me from the back while we're looking at her. Kakatapos niya lang basahan ng story si Dashan para makatulog while I'm in charge of helping her with her assignments.

"I felt like I'm falling in love with a younger version of you again," he added.

"Yeah? And you're spoiling her too much."

"I wanted to give her everything, Amara. Gusto ko na maenjoy niya ang pagkabata niya while she could. Ang bilis niyang lumaki. Parang kailan lang hindi pa siya makalakad without our help."

I felt lonely all of a sudden. "Yeah, you’re right. She's growing too fast."

Gahala sighed depressingly, "Siguro oras na para sundan siya."

Bigla kong napalingon sa kaniya saka siya hinampas sa braso kaya napangisi siya. "Huwag ka ngang magbiro ng ganiyan!" I hissed at him.

"Bakit? Ayaw mo ba?" He grinned saka ako pinupog ng halik sa pisngi.

"Hindi naman sa ganon," sabi ko. Hindi ko lang talaga napag-isipan pa.

"Edi tara na," bulong niya sa tainga ko saka ako hinila palabas.

Seeing Dashan grow up so quickly is somehow satisfying and, at the same time, sad. But witnessing her turn into a smart, confident, and pretty lady is a different kind of fulfillment. I felt like I had succeeded as a parent.

"Bilis! Biliss!"

I sighed deeply to calm myself. Ako yung hindi mapakali habang nakaupo at tinitingnan si Dashan na tumatakbo.

We're participating in their sports festival today. Gahala is really looking forward to this day that he even took a day off.

We're doing the obstacle run at the moment and Dashan's one of the participants.

"Yan ganiyan! Lampasuhin mo sila! Ipakita mo kung sino ka talaga, nak!"

Career na career ni Gahala ang pagiging cheerleader. Hindi ko alam kung mahihiya ako sa pinaggagawa niya o sasabayan ko siya. Kulang na lang magdala siya ng banner at megaphone.

We watched Dashan crawl under a row of chairs, jump into and out of a Hula-Hoop five times, do fifteen jumping jacks, climb and slide down the slide until she was able to reach the bowl placed on the chair. Bubunot siya ng papel doon and that paper will determine kung sino ang tutulong sa kaniya to reach the finish line.

"Who did you get?" tanong ko kaagad nang makitang papatakbo siya palapit sa amin dala-dala ang papel.

Hapo-hapo siyang tumigil saka tinuro si Gahala. Alerto naman ang Daddy niya saka kaagad siyang binuhat patakbo. Tuwang-tuwa siya habang nakaupo sa balikat ni Gahala habang chine-cheer ko lang sila.

Our team rejoiced when we won. The kids were so happy, jumping at the side. I gazed at Gahala standing near us and looking at the paper Dashan picked out from the bowl.

"Why? What happened? What's wrong?" I asked Gahala worriedly when he walked closer to me with teary eyes.

He didn't answer me and hugged me tightly instead, burying his head on my neck. Kinuha ko ang papel sa kaniya para tingnan kung ano ba ang nakasulat, wondering what makes him emotional all of a sudden.

I stared at it for a moment after seeing it and chuckled. I tapped his back gently to calm him down. "There, there."

'Your first love'

That were the words written on the paper.

"Daddy! Daddy!" Dashan came running to us but stopped when she saw our situation. "What's wrong?"

Gahala pulled away and fixed himself before looking at her. Gahala bent down to be at the same level as her and smiled. "Wala nak, masakit lang yung likod ni Daddy," palusot niya.

Dashan cupped his face with her small hands. Her brows furrowed as if she was having a very serious problem. "This is bad, you're getting old."

Gahala and I laughed. "Wow, grabe ang sakit naman noon. But I think I'll be fine if you kiss me here," Gahala tapped his cheeks.

"Can my kiss make you grow old slowly, Dad?" Dashan asked curiously. "Dad, I want you and Mom to stay just like this. I want to be like this too and play with you every time. I don't want to grow old because that means you'll grow old too."

Gahala messed up her hair. "We can't do anything about our age but I can assure you that we can stay just like this. We can play whenever and whatever you want. No matter how old you are, no matter how old your Mom and I are."

We witnessed everything. From Dashan going to high school, her having her first crush, and Gahala giving her tips on how to win the guy over. It was chaotic.

We were there too when she got her first heartbreak, when she first failed an exam, and in every achievement she earned.

I can still recall when she got her first boyfriend and how her father interrogated him like a criminal. Or when Dashan got cheated on and Gahala blamed himself for that. He felt it was his fault and that it was the karma for what he did to me in the past, and his daughter was the one suffering as a result. He felt so sorry that he broke down in front of me.

Siya ang pinakanasaktan nang mangyari 'yon to the point na akala ng anak namin, siya pa ang naloko. Tinawanan na lang namin habang tinitingnan ang namamagang mata ng Daddy niya.

We were there too when our daughter went to college, got a diploma, and topped the bar. And also when she finally found a job and someone to spend forever with.

"We did it, right?" Gahala whispered as we looked at the family we’ve built in front of us.

I turned to face him with a genuine smile when his wrinkled hand clasped mine. My body is already weak. I'm sitting in a wheelchair while he stands beside me.

His hair is already white, and he needs glasses to see clearly. I can see his wrinkles, and he looks thin now because of his age.

We are both old now.

"Yes, we did," I replied.

We were able to attend our dream school, graduate, and receive our diplomas. We got stable jobs, got married, and had children. We witnessed our grandchildren coming into this world. We stayed by each other's sides as our hair turned white, and until we couldn't see or hear clearly anymore. We spent our lifetimes together.

All of the promises have been fulfilled.

"What are you thinking?" I asked. Bigla kasi siyang natahimik.

"Did you live a great life with me, Amara? Is living your lifetime with me worth it?"

I chuckled gently, "Of course. Where is this question coming from?"

He laughed a little, "I'm glad then. I'm just thinking about what kind of life you might have had if I hadn’t come into your life."

My brows furrowed and I laughed as if I heard something ridiculous, "What are you saying? Look, if you hadn't happened, then my story would be boring."

He grinned, "Really?"

I nodded, "Yes. You're the best part of my life."

"Then, shall we reach the last page together?" He kissed my eyes and I closed them for a second to savor it.

I nodded with a smile, "Sure. Let's reach it together. Huwag kang mauna sa akin ha?"

Like a sudden accident one day, everything has completely changed ever since meeting him.

He's my turning point, the greatest plot twist that ever happened in my life.