"After school, I'll take you to my best friend's place," Ayisha said then added. "I'll pick you up once everything's done."
Samantha nodded, chewing. "What will you do?"
"I'll work overtime," Ayisha replied calmly. "And I'll stay with Mama at the hospital. I won't be able to look after you for now. Sorry."
"It's okay," Samantha said easily and went back to eating.
Ayisha went into her sister's room and packed her things for the next day: uniform, notebooks, a pen she always misplaced.
When Samantha finished, she carried her plate to the sink.
"Tapos na po akong kumain. Magto-toothbrush lang po ako," she announced before heading to the bathroom.
Ayisha washed the dishes in silence, the clink of ceramic against the sink filling the space. A few minutes later, Samantha peeked out.
"Goodnight po."
Ayisha turned, drying her hands. "Goodnight, Sam."
Samantha smiled and disappeared into her room.
The apartment fell quiet.
Ayisha's smile faded as she exhaled slowly. She crossed the hallway and stopped in front of their mother's room. It was strange every time she opened this door, she expected to see her mother lying on the bed, phone in hand, laughing at something she watched.
But tonight, the bed was empty.
Ayisha twisted the knob and stepped inside. The air felt heavier. She packed her mother's things carefully, folding clothes, gathering small items, trying not to think about hospital bills and how fast everything kept piling up.
She took a breath and closed the door.
---
Ayisha woke before her alarm, stretched, then rubbed her eyes. She dragged herself out of bed and went straight to Samantha's room.
Her sister was sprawled across the bed, arms and legs spread wide like she'd fallen asleep mid-movement.
Ayisha shook her gently. "Gising na. 3:40 na."
Samantha groaned, then slowly sat up.
"Papasok ka ba?" Ayisha asked, still half-asleep, scratching her stomach under her shirt.
"Opo," Samantha yawned.
"Sige. I'll make you something to eat."
Ayisha washed her face, brushed her teeth, then pressed a damp towel against her skin.
"Antayin mo ako mamaya ha," she called out.
"Opo…"
She went to the kitchen, popped bread into the toaster, and laid out peanut butter, strawberry jam, and chocolate spread. Samantha slouched into a chair, barely awake.
When the toast popped, Ayisha plated it and set it in front of her.
"Kain na."
She poured herself coffee and made Samantha a glass of milk.
"Natapos mo assignment mo kahapon?" Ayisha asked.
"Opo." Samantha glanced up. "Ate… suot mo pa rin yung damit mo kahapon."
Ayisha raised an eyebrow. "Bakit? Amoy ba?"
Samantha laughed, shaking her head. "Hindi. Nagtatanong lang."
"At least nagtitipid sa damit," Ayisha muttered.
They both laughed softly.
"I'll take a shower later," Ayisha added. She slipped her hand into her pocket and froze.
Something wasn't supposed to be there.
She pulled it out. A gray handkerchief.
Simon's.
"Kanino 'yan, Ate?" Samantha asked, sipping her milk.
Ayisha paused for half a second.
"Ah… sa kaibigan ko," she said, slipping it back into her pocket. She lifted her mug and took a quiet sip of coffee, eyes unfocused.