A vague and unfamiliar silhouette used to tell me in the past that a white rose resembles purity of one's soul, and it continuously repeated in my mind, even when I barely remember anything about it happening. Strangely enough, I never knew who it was. Eventually, I keep remembering that nostalgic feeling the longer I live in this house. Or rather, maybe the reason why I'm still staying here is 'cause I don't want to lose my grip onto that wistful nostalgia whilst the words' 'fear' and 'loss' dwell inside me, creating a fabrication in my heart and in my head that holds me back from letting go.

"I'm on my way, grandmother." No matter what I do to release this intolerable pain, I still find it crazy how I never once shed a single tear since the day of her death... as if the thought of her disappearing made me forget how to cry. But the pressure in my heart, it didn't forget. I was shattered, it's tearing me apart. And just like that, I'm all alone again. "White roses... she told me she only wanted white roses when someone visits her grave. Is that fine with you?" I muttered while glancing at Rubini's scarlet eyes as she nods at me for understanding.

"C'mon, let's go." Red behind us said, tapping mine and Rubini's shoulder. "We can have a picnic with your grandma, too." He smiled, giving off an enthusiastic look.

I heard Rubini giggle while budging her brother's shoulder. "Good idea."

"Yeah..." I couldn't help but get infected by their positivity, making me grin with them as well. "Let's bring the cake."

It was as far as I can remember... that I was born and raised in this old house by my grandmother alone while my parents are working overseas to provide child support. They often almost frequently remind me that they're working abroad so that I could have everything that I've ever wish for, but it didn't felt that way. Because in my mind, it felt more like they were trying to avoid their responsibilities as a parent.

Nonetheless, I never complained nor was I affected by it. To me, it didn't matter, as long as my grandmother was here.

That thought, however, didn't last long when I finally turned eight, since those who called themselves my parents took me away from my grandma as we've flown to a place I wasn't familiar of which is the city of Manila. It's just as I expected, the city was full of high rises and newly build structures. Compared to the province, this place lacked the fresh air that I got used to. And as we go to the place that they repeatedly called my 'second home', suddenly, I started feeling homesick. But it's not that I don't like living there, to be honest. My second home doesn't even look that bad. It was just like those silly mansions in every American TV show that I've watched from the television with the interior design screaming in sophistication, considering how it wasn't made of any ordinary stone. On the other hand, my grandma's house were only made of wood and bricks. It only consists of two floors, yet the house was more spacious than you'd think.

Once I turned high school, my mother decided to let me study away from the city, and I wasn't against of the idea. In fact, I was looking forward to living with my grandmother again, even if it's only temporary.

Three years later, here I am now.

"I'm curious... you mentioned grandma once took care of you two, when was that?" I then asked as I keep watching those two put some lights on the candles, placing it near my grandma's grave.

They stare at each other for a brief moment before looking back at me and answered, "For a year, grandma Cella became our nanny." My eyes broaden from what Rubini said.

"Is that so?" I sighed. "She must've taken good care of you a lot."

"She was a very kind-hearted person. I feel sorry for the loss of your family." Red sympathetically sat on the grass.

I disagree, though.

"Not really..." I didn't know what everybody felt about my grandma dying, but in my point of view, no one cared aside from me. That moment when she collapsed, that time she got put inside the emergency room... while hopefully searching for her daughters, waiting for them to arrive... I was the only one beside her. "Not that they actually cared." I laughed a bit sarcastically.

The looks on Red's eyes said it all. They probably get what I'm trying to say, having both of them ruffle my hair. "Geez... I'm sure grandma Cella wouldn't want us to be sad, even in front of her grave. Cheer up, Vin!"

Vin? That's cute...

"You're right... Thanks, you two." I chuckled, blushing a little.

"Can we eat the cake now?" Rubini grumbled impatiently. Red then smacked her head in return as I laugh. "What was that for?!"

"Calm your belly, bitch. We're not at home!"

"Aw... but I want to eat that cake!" She pointed the box beside me.

It was reassuring that I have both of their company. "Same. The cake looks too appetizing. Let's eat it now." If they weren't here, I'll probably be left alone again. Hypothetically, the real irony behind the whole scenario was I'm actually surrounded by my family all along. Though, it didn't change the fact that they abandoned me.

Later that day, I thought everything would end smoothly. Never in my predictions would've expected them to come this early. Had I known it sooner... I could've done something to prevent this occurrence from happening.

"Long time no see, Vincent."

"What are you doing here?" My eyes furrowed.

"Isn't this what you wanted?"

That question made me grimaced as I clenched my fist. "It's too late for that..."

"Oh, Vincent. Don't be like that. Worry not, I'm not going to stay here for too long. Though, you might as well say goodbye to this house now." What the hell?

"What are you talking about?" I yelled.

"I'm taking you with me."

No. "I'm not leaving this house! Never!"

"Oh, sweetie... I suggest you to start packing your stuffs 'cause we're leaving this country next week." No. No... this can't be happening. "We're going to sell this house for good."

You can't do this to me, mother...

To be continued...