CHAPTER 3

My eyes ached as I forced myself to get up. My head was also pounding from the previous night's work.

But I had to get up because today was my trip back to our province. I took a leave from work just to go home right away.

I wore a simple shirt and pants which I paired with white sneakers. I stopped by a small restaurant to eat before heading to the airport.

It had been years since I left our province to seek my fortune in Manila and utilize my nursing degree.

At first, my parents wanted me to work in our town in Legazpi City, but I chose to work in Manila because the salary was higher there compared to our town.

But just the other day, I received a call from my mother saying that my father's illness was getting worse and there was no one else they could rely on but me because my other siblings were still young.

I let out a sigh as I waited for my flight to be called.

Until I was interrupted by a call from my phone.

It's Kyla.

I answered her call, her voice cheerful.

“Hi, I'm at the airport already," I greeted.

“Too bad I couldn't even see you off." If my voice was cheerful, hers was the opposite.

“It's okay. We had bonding last night anyway, and you still have work, right?”

“I'll miss you,” she said in a broken voice.

“What are you talking about? I'll be back,” I said in a soft voice.

Even though the truth is, I wasn't sure if I could go back to work.

I was also thinking about my parents' condition and what I might find when I got home.

After an hour's drive, I reached the town of Legazpi City.

I was almost amazed by the beauty and cleanliness of the place. Even more so when the Mayon Volcano greeted me.

My eyes almost glazed over as I looked up at the volcano's perfect shape. It is considered one of the world's most perfect volcanic cones because of the symmetry of its shape, and I'm not surprised why tourism is thriving in Legazpi City.

If it weren't for the big offer I got from a private hospital where I work now, I wouldn't leave this town where I grew up.

A smile spread across my lips. The sadness and fatigue from the trip and the past stress at the hospital seemed to disappear as I smelled the fresh air and saw Mayon.

My smile didn't fade as I got out of the car.

Even more so when I saw our house. It used to be made of wood and plywood, but now it's made of stone and cement. The house has a ceiling and a terrace that I had built for Mom and Dad because all my hardships were really for them.

Our hometown and their houses have also changed a lot. Although the people here still make a living by planting rice and tobacco, so the economic growth here is unstoppable.

“Mom, Sofia, Marco!” I called out to Mom and my two younger siblings.

A young girl, about fifteen years old, immediately came out of the door. She recognized me right away and ran towards me.

“Olivia!”

She could barely open the gate, and she hugged me tightly.

“Sofia, you've grown so much!” I ruffled her hair, and she wiped away a tear.

“Where are Marco and Mom?”

“They're at the hospital, Marco brought them lunch,” she said.

I smiled slightly and ruffled her hair again.

“Mom is coming home soon, and Marco said he'll stay at the hospital to watch over Dad,” she said.

I let out a sigh. “Let's go inside and visit Dad,” I said.

She nodded and took my other belongings. She guided me inside our house. The house has three rooms, one for Mom and Dad, and one each for Marco and Sofia.

I had visited this house several times last year, but because I couldn't take a long leave from work, I could only stay for one or two days if I came home to the province.

I sleep in Sofia's room because it has a double deck bed in case I come home.

“How was your trip, Olivia? Do you want to eat? Marco cooked before he left,” she said to me after she put my things on top of the bed.

“It was fine, let's eat so we can go to Dad,” I said.

We ate together, and before we finished, Mom arrived.

“Olivia!” She hugged me tightly, tears streaming down her face.

“How are you? How was your trip?” she asked when she recovered.

I smiled at her. “I'm fine, Mom. I should be asking you how you are and how is Dad?”

Her shoulders slumped, and she sat down on the chair, looking weak.

“Your Dad is still critical. His sugar level is high. They said they need to amputate one of his legs.” Mom's tears flowed freely.

I immediately hugged her and calmed her down. I needed to be strong and not show weakness in front of her.

I'm the only one she can rely on now, so I have to be strong.

“Don't worry, Mom. I'm sure Dad will be okay, and let's hope they won't need to amputate his leg,” I said.

“Your job? What about your job?” she asked when she regained her composure.

I stroked her hand and smiled at her.

“I filed for a leave, three weeks,” I said.

“Oh, we'll be fine here. Don't neglect your job. I'm just worried about your Dad because of his high sugar and high blood pressure,” Mom said to me.

“Mom, I won't neglect my job. Because if I don't, we might not have anyone to help with the expenses here at home and Dad's treatment,” I said.

I saw her feeling relieved and calmed down.

“I'm planning to transfer here. I plan to apply to a private hospital here in town,” I said.

Her eyes widened at my statement. I know she'll be the first to object to my wish, but I've made my decision.

This decision wasn't just for me. First, it's for my family, and second, it's so I can be far away from Luke and the strange guy I met at the resto-bar…