Chapter 61: A Spark of Hope Amidst Despair
Romeo's Point of View
I awoke in the dimness of my room, the silence mirroring the heaviness in my heart. Slowly, I sat on the edge of my bed, my body weighed down despite a full night's sleep. I closed my eyes and prayed, a daily ritual, but today, the words felt hollow.
I couldn't explain it, but even with the dawn of a new day, I found no joy in its promise. Many greet each sunrise with gratitude, thankful for another breath, another chance to live. For me, it was merely another day of worry. My only prayer to God was simple: let these battles end, let there be peace where I no longer fear for the safety of those around me.
Perhaps I was weary of the endless turmoil—the conflict with the Katipunan, the tension with the Spaniards, and the cries of Filipinos needing help. All I could do was press forward each day, hoping the heavens would show us mercy.
After getting ready, I hurried from my condo in Kawit to the military camp in Batangas. Though I had subordinates handling my duties, I needed to ensure my orders were followed, especially those concerning maintaining order.
As the governor-general of the province, controlling everything as I wished was no easy task, particularly with the Spanish police. I knew many were corrupt, colluding with wealthy Spaniards to perpetuate their misdeeds. At every meeting, I reminded them of their duties, but deep down, I knew not all would listen or align with my vision for peace in the province.
After the meeting with the soldiers, I rushed to my doctor for a routine check-up. Despite being an envoy with extraordinary powers, I often fell ill from exhaustion and stress. As a general, I couldn't afford to be sick, so I never waited for my condition to worsen before seeking care.
At the clinic, my doctor urged me to rest and take my prescribed medications. I admitted to using sleeping pills to ensure early and sufficient sleep, but he sternly warned against overusing them. "Romeo," he said, concern lacing his voice, "overthinking negative things isn't good for your health. As your doctor, I advise you to take a short vacation. You need to shift your mindset to alleviate the depression you're feeling."
Leaving the clinic, I pondered his words. Could a vacation truly mend my mental state? In truth, I knew I had no time for such luxuries. My responsibilities as a general left no room for indulgence.
In the car, I checked the time on my phone. The three-hour drive back to Kawit would likely be delayed by traffic. While waiting, I texted the woman I'd met yesterday at the diner. She replied, but even through text, her curtness was palpable.
I wasn't sure why I was doing this. Perhaps I was simply drawn to her. As a general, I rarely expressed my true self or enjoyed simple moments with other young people. This encounter gave me a chance to have a gaming companion, even if I had to pay for it.
By noon, we both arrived at a mall in Kawit. I spotted her outside a shop, waiting. She wore a blue jacket, a white t-shirt, and baggy clothes, her cap turned backward, giving her a tomboyish look. It didn't bother me; in fact, I found her style refreshing.
I greeted her warmly. "Have you been waiting long?" I asked, keeping the tone light.
As expected, her response was sharp. "If you'd told me you'd be late, I wouldn't have come so early!" she said, her voice brimming with irritation.
"Sorry about that," I replied, trying to soothe her. "I came from Batangas, and finding parking here was a hassle."
She frowned, clearly unconvinced. "You really came from Batangas?" she asked, her tone skeptical. "Sounds like an excuse."
I couldn't blame her for doubting me—she didn't know me. Even if I explained I was checking on work, she'd likely think I was making excuses. Knowing this wasn't a great start to a fun day, I suggested we eat before gaming.
"Don't worry, I'm covering our meal," I said, aiming to be friendly. "I invited you, so it's on me."
She agreed but preferred the food court over a restaurant. "Restaurants take too long to serve," she said, "and I'm not comfortable eating alone with you like it's a date."
I smiled at her comment and teased, "Is it that bad to eat with me?"
True to form, she didn't hold back. "I don't like people like you," she said boldly. "Even if you haven't done anything to me, I can't help but feel annoyed. I don't know why, but that's how it is."
I didn't know how to respond. I had no insight into her past, so I let it go. Instead, I reassured her I had no ulterior motives beyond wanting a gaming companion.
"Don't worry, I have no bad intentions," I said lightly. "I just want someone to play and hang out with."
"Really?" she replied, her voice still tinged with doubt. "I don't know what your deal is, but I'm taking this as a job because I need the money."
I smiled at her response. "Fair enough, maybe it's just a job to you," I said. "But that's okay. My doctor said I need a distraction and company to ease my negative thoughts. I'm fine paying, but you better win at these games, or I won't pay you!"
She bristled. "Hey, that wasn't part of the deal!" she said, visibly annoyed. To tease her further, I asked, "Scared you'll lose to me?"
She shot back, "I'm not scared!" her voice brimming with confidence. "If we play my favorite games, I'll definitely win!" But then she added, "Still, I won't take your challenge lightly. I need the money, so I can't risk it."
I laughed, assuring her I was joking. "Come on, let's eat at the food court and start gaming," I said, and we headed there.
While eating, I noticed her sneaking glances at me. Whenever I caught her eye, she quickly looked away. I couldn't help but smile—despite her gruff demeanor, there was something endearing about her, like a sulky child eager to connect.
"Why are you always so grumpy?" I asked lightly. "It's like I'm the cause of all your problems."
"Hmph, it's not like that," she replied, her voice softer. "But you know, it's not easy for me to trust someone like you."
Her words struck me, but I hid their impact. "I get that," I said, staying calm. "But it's hard to prove myself if you don't give me a chance."
She nodded, though doubt lingered on her face. "Fair point," she said, returning to her food. I didn't push the conversation, knowing she wouldn't listen to explanations. Instead, I let silence settle, and after eating, we headed to the mall's arcade.
As we played, her grumpiness faded. When I beat her in a game, she'd get annoyed, but when she won, she couldn't hide her smile. Each laugh of hers lightened my day. In those moments, I felt like an ordinary person, not a general burdened with a province's responsibilities.
"You cheated!" she shouted when I won a racing game. "I'm sure of it!"
"Hey, I didn't cheat!" I laughed. "I'm just better than you!"
"Hmph, let's go again!" she challenged, her tone sharp but her eyes sparkling with joy.
In those hours, I realized this was what I craved—a simple moment of happiness, free from battles, wars, or the Katipunan. But deep down, I knew it was temporary. Reality awaited, with duties and conflicts I couldn't escape.
End of Romeo's POV
---
Meanwhile, in Manila, Flora was busy with her studies and community projects. Every weekend, she helped with a feeding program for street children, organized by the orphanage she supported.
While preparing food and packing containers, a woman from the project approached her. "Flora, thank you for your dedication," she said, her voice full of gratitude. "You're a huge help to these kids."
Flora smiled shyly. "It's nothing," she replied. "I just want to help however I can."
Before the woman left, she invited Flora to eat with them before the program to gain strength. Flora nodded, but as she resumed packing, someone covered her eyes from behind.
"Guess who!" a familiar voice teased, and Flora instantly knew it was Andoy.
She grabbed his hand and turned, frowning. "Good thing you showed up!" she said, her tone laced with irritation. "I thought you'd ditch our project again!"
Andoy grinned, scratching his head. "Sorry, Flora," he said sincerely. "I didn't mean to skip out, but work's been hectic."
Flora sighed, knowing she couldn't change that but feeling concerned. She handed him containers and told him to help pack. He complied with a smile, and as they worked, Flora felt a growing unease. She wanted to ask questions but hesitated.
She stole glances at Andoy, pausing each time, wanting to speak but unsure how. Noticing her unease, Andoy spoke first. "Is something wrong?" he asked, concerned. "Feels like I messed up again."
Flora shook her head but couldn't hold back. "I understand you're busy with work," she said softly. "But I'm worried. I don't have the right to pry, but your parents are worried too."
"Huh? My parents?" Andoy asked, clearly surprised.
Flora explained she'd visited his home to surprise him, only to learn from his parents that he hadn't been home in over a month. She was confused why he seemed to be avoiding his family, even changing his number as if cutting ties.
"I've seen how much you love your parents," Flora said, her voice heavy with concern. "I don't see why you'd hide from them."
As she spoke, Andoy gently touched her head, startling her into silence. When she looked up, she saw his warm smile. "Thank you, Flora," he said, his voice full of warmth. "I really appreciate your concern."
After thanking her, he returned to packing without further explanation. Flora pouted, a bit miffed. "I wish you'd at least explain without me asking," she said, her tone tinged with frustration.
Andoy scratched his head and smiled. "My family doesn't support me working elsewhere," he explained. "We always argue about it."
He shared that his family wanted him to stay in Manila, but it wasn't that simple. His wages were meager, barely enough to support them. He'd tried every job available, but opportunities for Filipinos were scarce, as Spaniards were prioritized.
"I'm asking for your understanding, Flora," he said sincerely. "I don't want to be away from my family, but I have to do this. In three or five years, I hope to save enough to buy them a house."
Flora felt a pang of sadness at his words. "I'm such a bad son," Andoy added, "but I know they'll understand my goals someday."
Flora apologized, but Andoy quickly reassured her. "You don't need to apologize," he said, smiling. "It means a lot that someone like you supports and believes in me."
He set down a container and held Flora's hand. "Give me a few years," he said, his voice brimming with determination. "I promise I'll give you a good life."
Flora froze, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Unable to meet his gaze, she felt her heart race. "I know I can't match what your guardian gives you," Andoy continued, "or provide everything you want. I'm just a poor man, but I can prove I can give you a decent life."
Overwhelmed, Flora touched her cheek, trying to calm herself. She turned away, confused by her racing heart and questioning why she felt this way.
Noticing her reaction, Andoy grew concerned. "Sorry, Flora," he said. "I didn't mean to pressure you. I just wanted you to know I'm serious. If I'm not enough for you, I'll accept it. What matters is you've given me a chance to prove myself."
Flora stopped him, covering his mouth as she looked down. "Enough," she whispered. "Please stop saying embarrassing things!"
Andoy was puzzled but smiled when he noticed people outside the door and window watching and listening. He apologized, knowing Flora wasn't used to such situations. "You see," he said, "I'm scared of losing you without you knowing how I feel. This is the first time I've felt love, so I can't hold back."
Flora smiled, chuckling softly. "I'm not mad at your boldness," she said. "I'm actually glad that, out of all the women, you chose me."
"Wait, so I'm your first love?" Flora's teased.
He didn't deny it. "Since childhood, I've been working," he said. "I had no time for romance, and I was too shy, especially since I had nothing to boast about."
To change the topic, he asked Flora, "What about you? Have you had a first love?"
Flora paused. "I won't lie," she said. "Yes, I've had a first love, and like you, I know what it's like to care deeply for someone."
Andoy smiled but teased, "That's unfair! I'm not your first love!"
"What kind of guy was he?" he asked, curious.
Flora thought for a moment. "He wasn't perfect," she said. "Sometimes, I got annoyed because he seemed oblivious to my efforts to get his attention. He was like a strict older brother, always pointing out my mistakes. Even when I was right, he had so much to say."
Andoy grinned. "No wonder you got turned off by his strictness."
"It's not that I was mad," Flora replied. "I was just disappointed in myself for not meeting his expectations. I knew he was doing it for my sake, but it was frustrating to follow him sometimes. Still, he was good to me, like real family. Everything I have now, I owe to him."
Andoy sighed. "Sounds like I can't compete with that guy," he joked. "How do I beat someone rich, handsome, and kind like your guardian?"
Flora blushed and quickly denied it. "I didn't say Romeo was my first love!"
Andoy smirked. "You didn't have to—it's obvious who you're talking about."
Flora pouted, her face red. "Don't you dare tell anyone, especially Romeo!" she said, almost pleading.
"Why are you so embarrassed for him to know?" Andoy asked. "Does he really not know you like him?"
Flora sighed. "My relationship with Romeo is complicated," she said. "I tried telling him how I feel, but he always says we're siblings. He sees me as a younger sister, even though I'm older."
She forced a smile, but her eyes were lifeless. "It's disheartening to think we can't be together just because he adopted me as a sister," she said. "I wonder if I'm not pretty enough for him or if he loves someone else."
Realizing she was oversharing, Flora apologized to Andoy. "Sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to talk so much about Romeo. Don't think I'm too picky—I don't crave luxury despite what Romeo provides."
Andoy laughed. "No problem," he said. "Honestly, I'm glad to know he only sees you as a sister."
Flora pouted. "I don't like what you said," she teased, but laughed.
Andoy clarified, "I didn't mean to hurt you, but it gives me hope. "
"Don't get too comfortable, though—one mistake, and our deal's off," she joked.
Andoy panicked, begging her not to be harsh. Flora laughed, and carrying the food containers, they left the kitchen for the event area where the feeding program would take place.
By noon, the group arrived at an open space in Manila, setting up tables and chairs for street children and the poor. Flora and Andoy worked together, their faces alight with joy in every moment of service.
They didn't mind the scorching sun or the number of people to feed. Each child's smile and elder's gratitude affirmed the value of their efforts. They fed hundreds of children and over a thousand people, each plate passed carrying a spark of hope, brightening their day in a small but meaningful way.
While cleaning up after the program, Flora noticed Andoy's quiet smile. "You know," she said, "if everyone helped their neighbor daily, the world might be a happier place."
Andoy smiled, holding her hand. "I don't know if that's possible, but one thing's certain—if you're there every day, my world will definitely be happier," he said sincerely.
Flora blushed but didn't pull away, smiling at him. She felt a unique warmth in her heart—a spark of hope that, amidst the world's chaos, there were moments that brought joy.
End of Chapter.