We had lunch with Aling Speranza at her house before she took us to the hut where we would stay. I did not expect that the hut would be almost fully equipped. I thought it was empty.

I was amazed to find that there were pots, pans, and casseroles that could be used for cooking. There was also a single mattress placed on the bamboo floor and a mat that could accommodate two people. There were light bulbs in the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and right in front of the house.

I no longer had problems with plates, spoons, forks, and glasses because I brought some. In fact, I brought canned goods, instant noodles, and biscuits so that we could somehow cook or eat something when we arrived in Coron. I was not fond of instant foods but I took them because it was necessary. I would try to ask Aling Speranza for some vegetable seeds that I could plant around the hut. I knew that my Magdalen and I would live far from where we grew up in the city, but I was ready to learn everything just for Magdalen.

As long as I was with her, I was strong.

I also brought detergents, shampoos, and many more. I bought a lot last week, so I brought something with us when we left Manila. If I was hired as a gardener and got paid, I would buy Magdalen a stand fan so she wouldn't sweat too much at noon. I still had enough money left which was good for a month.

I was extravagant before I came to America, but I learned to be frugal when I experienced the hardships of being a waitress there. The man I loved had vices. Almost all of my money went to his drinking and drugs. I thought I couldn’t live without him but I was wrong. I lived for over twenty years without him, so I should be better off without him in my life. I couldn’t bear to be with him anymore because we would just continue to sink if I wouldn’t jump from the boat of our relationship. He let me work for his vices. He's just waiting for me to make money and then he'll spend it. I quit for him to realize how to be alone. I wanted to make him feel that he had to act for himself and he didn’t have to rely on others like what he did with his rich ex-girlfriend who he tried to ask for money for his drugs. He was unlucky because he didn't get even a single penny.

I did not regret leaving him because if I stayed longer, our relationship would be even more toxic. Nothing good would happen if I kept letting him abuse my kindness. My attitude changed when I met him. I hated my parents for not caring about me because he said that I shouldn’t pay attention to them. He said that I shouldn't think about them. When they died in an accident, he had already brainwashed me. He said that I shouldn't feel sorry for them because they didn't feel sorry for me either. I was told to go back to my ex-boyfriend to ask for money, so that he could support his vices. However, I failed to get some money as I realized that what I was doing was wrong.
I was still in a relationship with my ex-boyfriend when I met him. I fell in love at first sight with him that it became so easy for me to cheat on my ex-boyfriend. I became a fool when I loved him.
After those experiences, I embraced change and a new life. I no longer wanted to pretend, to cheat, and to be evil. I wanted to be free from anger, troubled relationships, and complicated life that’s why I chose to change for my own good. I knew my parents didn't want me to lose in the battle of life. I must fight and continue to live. If I lose a fight, I will try again.

I apologized in front of my parents' grave after I broke up with him. Even though they didn’t care about me, they were still my parents. Even though they were like him, they were still my parents. Yes, they also depended on my income because they didn't want to find a job. They used the money I gave them for their vices. I used to feel that I was just important to them because of the money I gave them. I did everything I could in America just to be able to send them my income, even there was almost nothing left for myself. But they were still asking for more. I couldn’t refuse. If I did, then I would be a labeled as a ‘bad daughter’. However, that's over.
I was living a new life with my daughter.
I was still fortunate because even though I lost some people in my life, an angel was sent to be with me. I learned to be frugal when Magdalen came into my life. I had new hope because of her. It was not easy to be a single parent, but my tiredness was fading every time I see my child smiling.

I left her with my neighbor Aling Francine when I worked. I need to work for us to live. Aling Francine did not ask for any payment even though she took care of Magdalen for almost every day. I was very grateful that we had her in our life. She was the only neighbor who cared about us. I didn't have any close friends because I was once arrogant before. They said that they could no longer reach me. I pushed them away and I suffered the consequences after.

Magdalen seemed to have a second mother because of Aling Francine. Her only child was living in other country that’s why she was living alone in her house. Her son was sending her money, so she didn't have to worry about her expenses. Aling Francine is frugal. She instructed me to always save because I didn't know what fate could give. He was also over fifty years old and had some white hair as well. Her hair was up to her ears and she no longer lengthened her hair. I wanted to take her with me when we left Manila, but she refused because she said that her son might suddenly come and look for her. He reminded me that Magdalen and I should always be careful. She said she would wait for us to return. And most of all, she said she would miss us.

We would miss her more.

"Ma'am, wait a minute. Sir Ponce is still eating."

"It's okay. I'll wait," I immediately said after I realized what I was thinking. I was reminiscing the past.
I would apply as a gardener.

"Bye for now, ma’am. I have something to do inside."

"All right. Thank you."

She also left me immediately. I stayed alone in a small cottage which was a bit far from the owner’s house. I just looked around while waiting. The big house was fenced, the fence was concrete and many flowers were planted around it.

I thought that Sir Ponce was probably married.
I thought he might be old.
The farm might be behind the house because I had seen a few people go there with their shovels and hoe.

I planned to make an application letter, so that somehow my job application would be formal. But I there’s no available printer nearby.

I just thought that I would be accepted even without an application letter.

Aling Speranza volunteered to take care of Magdalen. I didn't hesitate to refuse because it would be better if Magdalen stayed at home.

I heard some footsteps which made me look to where they were coming from. I was shocked to see who came out from the house and was currently approaching me. I quickly stood up.
I was about to run away when suddenly...

"Yvo?" he asked. I just close my eyes because of annoyance.

Why him?! Why Taryx Ponce Domingo? Tch. He was my ex-boyfriend who had vices before.