2051
Cecilia and Nadine visited the empty port together; this day was special. Today was the day Nadine got her license as a professional Architect. Ceclia's face was weathered and lined with age. However, her smile did not change; it remained the same beautiful smile she had throughout her entire life. Nadine held out a small plastic card. "Papa, I'm an architect now, a full-fledged architect!"
"Chris, we have an architect now. I'm sure you are proud of her. I know you are watching over us, wherever you may be," Cecilia whispered to the sea
2053
There comes a time when all parents must accept the reality that their babies are all grown up and ready to spread their wings and fly on their own. Nadine's face lit up with pure joy as she eagerly pulled her boyfriend toward the docks. "Papa, this is James," she beamed, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "He's an engineer at the same firm I work at." She glanced at James, who smiled warmly, his kind eyes full of affection. "Isn't he just the sweetest?" she said, gently pinching his cheeks with a playful grin.
From behind them, Cecilia chuckled softly. "Chriscinda Nadine Flores, please give his cheeks a rest—you're going to wear out those muscles with all that pinching," she teased, her voice filled with fond amusement.
James quickly came to Cecilia's side, steadying the aging woman with a respectful smile. "Thank you, James," Cecilia said with a grateful nod. "If any old person tells you growing old is fun, don't believe them. Aching joints, sore muscles, fading sight, and hearing—it's no picnic. So, make the most of your youth. Explore, dream, and live fully while you can."
James laughed softly, a shy smile tugging at his lips. "I'll remember that, Mama."
Cecilia's heart swelled with relief and pride as she watched her daughter's fiancé. Seeing Nadine so loved and cherished by someone kind and steady eased years of worry. In that moment, Cecilia knew her daughter had found the perfect partner—a man who would stand by her side through whatever life brought next, a man like the one who loved her.
2056
"James, would you please tell your wife the house is just fine the way it is?" Cecilia, now in her early sixties, protested playfully, a warm smile tugging at her lips as she eyed Nadine and James's renovation plans.
James chuckled softly, stepping forward with gentle respect. "Mama, we want to renovate Pop's house because it'll be too crowded once we move here, especially with the baby on the way." His smile was full of quiet pride.
Cecilia's head whipped toward him, surprise lighting her eyes. Then she looked at Nadine, who rubbed her small belly with a mischievous grin. "Oh, my goodness, Nadine… how far along are you? And you're moving here? Leaving Manila?"
Nadine pouted but stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Cecilia in a warm hug. "One question at a time, Mama," she teased. "I'm twelve weeks pregnant, and yes, we're moving in with you. We just became junior partners at Laqueta Construction, right here in Nasugbu." Her smile radiated joy and excitement.
Cecilia's heart swelled with happiness. The thought of her daughter working close to home and starting a family under her roof filled her with joy and happiness. "So, how many rooms will the new house have?" she asked eagerly.
Nadine grinned, reading her delight. "Two floors, a basement, and six bedrooms—all with their ow bathrooms."
Cecilia blinked, taken aback by the grandness of their plans. James laughed softly and nodded toward Nadine. "That was her idea, Mama. One room for you, one for us, three for the kids we're planning, and one for your assistant."
"My assistant?" Cecilia asked, puzzled but touched.
Nadine squeezed her mother's hand. "Mama, it's time you retire from the market. Let me take care of you now. We're going to hire some help so you won't have to do anything but relax."
Cecilia bit her lip, tears glistening in her eyes. "Okay… but no nannies. I want to take care of my grandchildren myself."
In that moment, surrounded by love and new beginnings, Cecilia felt a peace she hadn't known in years—a budding family, a future blossoming, and the promise of joy to come.
2062
Cecilia's heart swelled with warmth as she played gently with her grandchildren, laughter filling the cozy living area. Marga, the curious second-born and eldest granddaughter, pointed up at Chris's portrait hanging proudly on the wall. "Lola Cee? Why is Lolo Chris wearing a uniform?" her sweet voice chimed, eyes wide with wonder.
Cecilia glanced at the painting, a tender smile lighting her face as memories of Chris in his commanding uniform flooded her mind. "Because your Lolo Chris was a captain, he was the bravest captain that ever commanded a ship," she said softly, her gaze drifting to little Abby peacefully sleeping in her crib as she gently rocked the cradle.
Julian, the eldest and only grandson, tugged at her sleeve, his eyes shining with curiosity. "Mommy told me that Lolo Chris saved the world. Is that true?"
Pride blossomed in Cecilia's smile. "Yes, your grandfather saved the very world we all live in." She looked down at the eager faces gathered around her, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. Joy bubbled inside her as they inched closer, hungry for the stories she held. "Long ago, there was a ship called the Twilight, but it wasn't just any ship—it was special. It could sail to places no other ship could reach, and your grandfather was the brave captain who guided it."
As she spoke, Cecilia felt an overwhelming sense of peace and contentment. Her family, gathered close and eager to know more, was the living legacy of a love and sacrifice that transcended time. In their eyes, she saw the future—and it filled her with immeasurable joy.
2094 (Sixty-five years after Chris's passing and the disappearance of the Twilight)
Cecilia is now ninety-five years old, and despite being confined to a wheelchair, she happily watched her daughter, Nadine, and her son-in-law, James, who are also now grandparents. Her grandchildren, Julian, Marga, and Abby, are all grown up and have families of their own. There was a time long ago when Cecilia had no one, not a single family member, but now she has a big, happy family.
They brought her to the same port, the same dock, she had taken them for almost seven decades, and it became a family tradition that they would come here to gather, to take a break from their busy schedules, to catch up and make their bonds stronger. Cecilia's dream of having a family was finally fulfilled. Her great-grandchildren all ran up to her, "Lola Cee, Lola Cee," they shouted.
"What is it, my dear?" she asked with her signature smile.
"Listen to us sing," the children then started to sing one of her favorite songs, 'Butterfly Kisses', the same song she sang for her parents. Despite her age and her difficulty moving her arms, she still clapped for her great-grandchildren's talents.
Nadine approached the children and also clapped after they finished the song. "That was so good, children, you know your Lola Cee was also a great singer, and you all inherited it from her."
"Really?" A little girl asked with surprise.