Healing took weeks.
Manananggal physiology was resilient, but Marikit's claws carried ancient poison. Glad drifted in and out of consciousness, tended by the best healers the creature community could provide.
Ariel never left her side.
"You need to rest too," Kim urged.
"I'll rest when she's awake."
"I am awake," Glad murmured. "Just... tired."
"GLAD!" Ariel grabbed her hand. "Don't scare me like that."
"Can't promise anything. It's kind of my thing."
Despite everything, he laughed.
The young Manananggals—all twelve, plus Maya—visited in shifts, apologizing, crying, promising to do better. Glad accepted each apology with grace.
"You were manipulated. It's not your fault. What matters is what you choose now."
They chose to stay in Dumaguete. To learn. To grow. To become part of the community Marikit had tried to destroy.
Marikit herself was held in a Department facility, awaiting trial for crimes spanning centuries. Glad didn't visit. Didn't need to.
Some doors stayed closed.
After six weeks, Glad finally left the healing center.
The community greeted her with a celebration that lasted three days.
"Welcome back," everyone said.
"Good to be back," she replied.
And meant it.