The whole ship nodded again:
— “Oh, right? He’s been abandoned.”
— “It is better to raise a non-blood than a wife’s brother.”
— “Tanga talaga siya.”
Ngumiti lang si Maribel.
A sad smile… But there was no anger.
She stayed in the old house, continued to sewing, continued to live on her own.
Until one morning…
When he opened the door…
There was something in front of his house…
Which makes him stop—as if the world has stopped.
Maribel opened the door that morning.
Her eyes widened.
In front of his small, old house–which seems long forgotten by time–stood three expensive automobiles. It’s shiny, black, and doesn’t seem to fit into the simple road of their boat.
The neighbors slowly moved in.
— “What’s that?! Who is that?”
— “It’s in Maribel’s house that’s opposite ah…”
— “It’s not possible… Is he rich?”
Before she could say a word, the door to the first car opened.
And from there… Rico went downstairs.
But he was no longer the skinny boy he had left behind.
She was already in a suit, well-beared, and her eyes—full of respect and emotion—immediately fell upon Maribel.
— “Ate…”
Maribel slammed the door.
It was like a dream.
Jomar came down next—walking confidently, his hair in order, documents in hand.
From the third vehicle…
A man in a white coat approached slowly.
Yes Paolo.
Doctor on.
Maribel couldn’t hold back the tears.
