Jenny's heart was restless. She glanced behind them, relieved no one had followed. The two young women who had taken part in the horrific crime at the warehouse had already been caught.
Brother, where are you? she thought, worry gnawing at her.
Beside her, Thalia stayed silent, waiting. Mikaela had no idea things would unfold this way; during the planning, she had still been resting. The trap had been their cousin's idea—they had intentionally allowed themselves to be caught and left a map for the enemy to find. It was bait, meant to delay their pursuers. The enemy would believe they had been killed, giving them a chance to slip into the lair unnoticed.
Jenny had doubted the plan's success, but she knew there was a second one ready in case it failed. Still, unease twisted in her stomach. Her premonitions had a way of coming true.
The police had been a welcome aid. One of Jenny's colleagues was surprised to see that one of the responding officers was the father of Jasmin Cuerdo, who was also a police officer. He had come to help, explaining the situation in detail to Ericka. The two young women caught earlier would be placed under DSWD custody, as they were still minors.
News soon reached them—Giovane and Alexander were dead, as was Mikaela's father. Rustling nearby made everyone tense; the police were instantly on guard. Then, from the shadows, four men emerged.
Jenny recognized them instantly. Relief flooded her as she ran to her brother and cousin. Someone ruffled her hair—her brother.
"What happened, Jenny?" he asked.
She couldn't speak. Instead, she threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. Her tears came freely, the fear of her earlier thoughts breaking her composure. She noticed Thalia hugging Felix from behind, her hands trembling. Soft sobs escaped her sister.
Their brother wrapped them in a firm embrace.
"I'm just glad you're both safe," he said quietly.
Jenny nodded, pulling away to wipe her tears. Felix smiled gently. Exhaustion finally caught up to her—she hadn't slept all night. Mikaela supported her.
"You should rest while we head back to the city. We'll treat your wounds before returning," Mikaela said.
Jenny was helped into the car. One by one, the others drifted to sleep. She closed her eyes…
Jenny… Jenny…
The voice drew her awake. A bright light made her squint before her vision adjusted. Standing before her were two familiar young women.
"Ellese? Felisa?" she whispered.
They smiled warmly—gone was the anger and sadness they once carried. Jenny rushed to embrace them, then saw Mikaela and hugged her too. Chesca appeared, wrapping her arms around the two souls.
She turned at a familiar gaze. Her cousins stood nearby—no longer bloodied, smiling. But behind them stood two more figures.
"Mom… Dad…"
Her legs moved on their own, bringing her into their arms. Tears poured as regret stabbed her heart—for not saving them from the premonitions she had once seen. Thalia joined her, shedding quiet tears. Their parents ruffled their hair gently.
"Thank you, children. Tell Felix that everything is fine now. We've been freed—our memories have returned. Thank you," her mother said.
Jenny hugged her cousins tightly.
"Stop crying, Jenny—we didn't come to see tears," Fernan teased, ruffling her hair.
"I can't help it," she sobbed. "I couldn't save you back then… I stayed silent."
"Jen, fate can't be stopped. Don't blame yourself. We're just happy to be together again, even if only as souls," Shaina said with a soft laugh.
More tears came as they spoke their final words.
"We'll be saying goodbye now. Don't worry—we'll always be watching over you. We love you."
One by one, they faded from view. Jenny woke to find her cheeks wet. Vince was watching her.
"Seems like what you saw was sad," he said.
"They've said goodbye to us," she murmured.
"When we return, we'll visit their graves," Felix promised.
She nodded weakly, still in disbelief. By morning, they were back in the city. Passing by the site where the two had died, Jenny spotted two young women in white waving at them.
"They're happy now, sis," Thalia whispered.