“How is he?” Marcus asked, his voice steady, though a hint of unease betrayed the calm exterior he wore.
Deep down, he yearned for a miracle—some reassurance that his father was on the path to recovery, that the man who had once been his guiding light would return to him. His words were weighted with both hope and trepidation, a fragile mix of emotions that only those who loved deeply could understand.
“He’s the same as before,” the doctor replied, his tone measured yet tinged with empathy. The words hung in the air like an unspoken acknowledgment of the battle they both knew too well. As if to soften the blow, the doctor placed a comforting hand on Marcus’s shoulder. “But I still haven’t lost hope,” he added with quiet conviction. The sincerity in his voice was unmistakable—a small flame of optimism burning in a sea of uncertainty.
Marcus exhaled heavily, the sigh carrying the weight of years spent in limbo. His gaze shifted to a figure sitting beneath the sprawling branches of a lush acacia tree, its vibrant green leaves offering a gentle canopy of shade. There sat his father, motionless, staring out into the distance as if lost in a world only he could see.
For Marcus, this man wasn’t just his parent; he was his hero, his anchor in life’s stormy seas. And yet, seeing him now—a mere shadow of the man he had once been—brought a familiar ache to Marcus’s chest, a pain that time had failed to dull. He stood there for a moment longer, silently wishing for a way to bridge the gap between them, to reach the father he so desperately missed.
“I haven’t lost hope either, Dan,” Marcus replied, his voice firm but laced with an underlying vulnerability.
The conviction in his words wasn’t just a reflection of his determination as a son but also his unyielding belief as a doctor. He looked at Dan, the psychiatrist who had stood by his family through the darkest times, observing his father’s condition with unwavering dedication. Marcus appreciated Dan’s quiet strength—it mirrored the kind of hope he clung to himself, even when the odds felt insurmountable.
“Yeah, isn’t that the role of doctors?” Dan said with a wry smile, his tone a blend of encouragement and admiration. “To give hope, to keep families whole and happy, to save them. Especially you, Marcus. You’ve saved so many lives,” he added, pride evident in his voice.
Dan had always respected Marcus, not just for his unmatched skill in the operating room but for the compassion and resilience he brought to every challenge. He knew the weight Marcus carried, balancing the expectations of his profession while shouldering the personal heartbreak of his father’s condition.
Marcus couldn’t help but smile at Dan’s words, though the compliment stirred a bittersweet ache in his chest. Saving others came naturally to him—it was his life’s calling. Yet here, in the presence of his father, he felt powerless, unable to heal the one person who mattered most. He placed a hand on Dan’s shoulder, a silent gesture of gratitude for the psychiatrist’s steadfast support, before turning his attention back to the figure beneath the acacia tree. As he took his first step toward his father, a wave of emotion swept over him—hope mingled with fear, love intertwined with pain. With each step, he steeled himself for the familiar heartbreak that awaited, yet he pressed on, driven by an unspoken promise to never give up.
The man didn’t move, his posture as still as the acacia tree under which he sat. He remained gazing into the distance, his eyes fixed on a horizon only he could see. Marcus intentionally shuffled his feet as he approached, the sound of his footsteps crunching against the dry leaves underfoot. But there was no reaction, no flicker of recognition or shift in his father’s expression. It was as if Marcus wasn’t even there, as if the world beyond his father’s mind had ceased to exist. The silence that followed wasn’t unfamiliar, yet it carried an unbearable weight, pressing down on Marcus’s chest as he halted a few paces away.
A sharp pang sliced through Marcus’s heart, leaving a hollow ache in its wake. The sensation wasn’t new, but its intensity never lessened. He had felt it countless times before—this overwhelming sadness, tinged with helplessness, every time he came here to visit. Each encounter brought him face-to-face with the father he once knew and loved deeply, now reduced to a shell of the man who had once been his greatest inspiration. And though he had braced himself for this pain, it hit him with the same raw force as it had the first time. The heaviness in his chest was a reminder of everything he had lost and everything he couldn’t fix.
If only he could heal this, Marcus thought bitterly. He was a surgeon renowned for his expertise, a man whose hands had performed miracles in operating rooms. His colleagues spoke of him with reverence, marveling at his precision and skill. But none of that mattered here. The wounds he tended in his profession were tangible—visible cuts that could be sutured, broken bones that could be set. The wound inside him, however, was something no scalpel could mend. It was deep and unrelenting, a mix of grief, guilt, and longing that stemmed from memories too painful to dwell on. As much as Marcus wanted to believe that time could heal all wounds, he doubted it could ever touch the one etched in his heart.“Dad?” Marcus’s voice was barely audible, as if even speaking louder would disturb the fragile silence surrounding the man sitting under the acacia tree.His father, unmoving, kept his gaze fixed on some distant point, his expression a blend of detachment and tranquility. The sight tugged pa
10 YEARS AGO…Marcus barely noticed the late hour as his fingers flew over the keyboard, the words on his screen blurring slightly from the strain of staring too long. His focus was broken by the soft, concerned voice of his mother, Juliana, as she appeared in the kitchen doorway. “Oh, son, aren’t you done yet? Look at the time; you’re still awake.” Her tone was gentle, but there was no missing the worry in her words. He glanced up and met her gaze, feeling an immediate sense of calm wash over him. The warmth of her presence was a quiet, grounding force amidst the chaos of his late-night work session. Juliana’s face, though slightly lined from years of dedication and hard work, was still undeniably beautiful. Her features, which had matured gracefully, carried the kind of strength and resilience that only time and experience could impart. In that moment, Marcus was reminded of how much his mother had endured and how much she had given for him to be where he was today. It wasn’t j
“Is that so?” she said with a thoughtful nod. “Okay then, I won’t make you coffee. You might have trouble sleeping later.” With a decisive motion, she returned the cup she’d been holding back into the cupboard. Her understanding demeanor reminded Marcus of how supportive his parents had always been, encouraging him to pursue his ambitions without hesitation. His gaze drifted back to his laptop screen as he thought about why he worked so hard. Graduating with a degree in BS Biology was just the first step on a long journey. His goal wasn’t just to finish school—it was to continue to medical school and eventually specialize as a cardiothoracic surgeon. It was a lofty ambition, requiring years of intense study and rigorous training, but Marcus welcomed the challenge. In ten years, he envisioned himself in a bustling hospital, performing life-saving surgeries and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. The thought filled him with purpose, making every late night and sacrifice
“You don’t need to work while studying, son. Your dad and I have already prepared for this. You can finish med school with the money we’ve saved for you.” Her voice was warm, but there was a clear note of worry underlying her words. Marcus could see the concern etched in her features—she wanted to protect him, to ensure he didn’t burn himself out by taking on too much. But as much as he appreciated their support, he also knew that he wanted to take charge of his own future. Marcus shrugged, his gaze dropping to the last bite of the sandwich on his plate. “Mom, I’ll be okay, I promise,” he said, his tone reassuring but resolute. He could tell that she wasn’t entirely convinced, but he was determined to follow his own path. Finishing the sandwich, he wiped his hands on his napkin and looked back at his mother. Despite her concern, he could feel the pride and love in her eyes. He knew they only wanted what was best for him, but Marcus had always been driven by the need to prove himsel
Marcus took the last bite of the sandwich Juliana had lovingly prepared for him. The flavors were simple yet comforting, a testament to his mother’s knack for knowing exactly what he liked. He couldn’t help but smile in satisfaction as he wiped his lips with a napkin. It wasn’t just the taste that brought a sense of warmth to his chest; it was the thought behind the gesture. It was moments like these that reminded him of how much his mother cared for him in the smallest yet most meaningful ways. Across the table, Juliana’s gaze lingered on her son, her eyes shimmering with affection and pride. She watched his every move with an expression that only a mother could wear—a mixture of tenderness, curiosity, and quiet joy. Her smile never wavered, as though she found pure delight in simply being present in this small but intimate moment. For Marcus, this wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. His mother had always looked at him like this, her eyes full of unspoken love and admiration. Ov
"Doctor, the patient’s blood pressure is dropping fast—seventy over forty!"The anesthesiologist’s urgent voice echoed through the operating room, slicing through the focused silence that had enveloped the surgical team. The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to be felt by everyone present. A few beads of sweat formed on the brows of the attending nurses and assistants, but no one hesitated, no one faltered. They were in the middle of a battle against time, and every second counted. But in the midst of it all, Marcus remained composed, his hands steady, his mind razor-sharp. Moments like this were nothing new to him. He had long since become accustomed to the high-stakes, life-or-death scenarios that defined his profession. The intensity of an operating room, the weight of another person’s life resting in his hands—this was his reality. People often likened the work of a surgeon to scenes from a medical drama, the kind that left audiences gripping the edge of their seats.B
It was late afternoon, and the soft glow of the setting sun filtered through the large windows of Salvador Montemayor's office, casting a warm, golden hue over the room. Salvador, the former Congressman of the third district of Mercedes, sat at his desk, hands clasped together as he stared out at the peaceful view of the garden outside. Though he had left politics behind years ago, his mind often wandered back to those heady days of power, the speeches, the debates, the promises.At eighty-five years old, he was well aware that time was no longer on his side, yet compared to many people his age, he felt remarkably strong. His body still had some vigor left in it, though his breathing would sometimes betray him—shortness of breath that he attributed to his advancing years. It was nothing to be overly concerned about, he assured himself. Perhaps it was the toll of old age, perhaps it was simply the inevitable decline of his physical form. Still, despite these minor signs of his aging, h
Celeste smiled as she placed her phone down, shifting her attention back to the papers in front of her. Ever since she was a child, she had dreamed of owning her own jewelry store. This had always been her passion—something she truly wanted to do. It was far from the course she had initially pursued back in the Philippines—BS Biology. Her father, Ismael, had wanted her to become a doctor. But that was never her dream. She found happiness in designing and sketching jewelry, in expressing her emotions through the delicate details of her creations. "BS Biology," Celeste murmured to herself, a bitter smile forming on her lips. That was the course she had taken when she studied at St. Joseph University, the most prestigious university in the town of Mercedes. She had never understood why her father, Ismael, insisted on enrolling her there, especially when her grandfather, Salvador, was a powerful congressman at the time. With his wealth and influence, he could have easily sent her to t
“CELESTE! Welcome home, hija!” her Grandpa Salvador greeted her enthusiastically. Celeste offered a shy but sweet smile in return, her heart swelling with a quiet mixture of relief and affection. The moment felt surreal—stepping out of the van after a long journey and immediately being enveloped in the warm familiarity of family. As they passed through the grand gates of the mansion, her eyes landed on the elderly man who had been waiting there just for her. Dressed neatly and standing tall despite his age, Salvador radiated a kind of joy that softened the edges of her weariness. His face lit up the instant he saw her, his open arms and eager smile making it clear just how much he had missed her.“Grandpa,” was all she could manage to say, her voice barely above a whisper, thick with emotion. Without hesitation, she rushed into his embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around him. There was something grounding in the way he held her back—firm and full of unspoken love. For a few seco
TEN YEARS BEFORE"What would I even do there, Daddy? You can see it, right? My life is here in America. My friends are here," Celeste Montemayor, seventeen years old, replied with a scowl. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest as she slouched in the chair, frustration evident in the way her words escaped her lips. She had tried to make him understand before, but it seemed as though Ismael was determined to overlook her perspective. All her life, Celeste had been surrounded by the comfort and familiarity of her friends and life in the States, and to suddenly uproot herself to a place where she barely felt connected felt like an impossible task. The thought of leaving everything behind—the freedom, the friendships, the life she knew—made her feel trapped in an inescapable situation."That’s exactly why you need to go. You'll learn to be responsible, unlike here where all you do is spend time with your friends and go to parties," Ismael said in a serious tone, his eyes never lea
Just as Ismael had said, it was already afternoon when they rushed Salvador to Manila. The urgency of the situation was evident in the tense atmosphere surrounding them. Ismael, ever the responsible son, chose to accompany Salvador in the ambulance, making sure that his father was in the best possible hands.Meanwhile, Celeste and Eva rode together in the family car, driven by their trusted driver. The vehicle moved swiftly, weaving through the city streets, but despite the motion, a heavy weight settled in Celeste’s chest. The air inside the car was thick with unspoken worries, the soft hum of the engine the only thing filling the silence between them. As they traveled, Celeste’s gaze wandered outside, her eyes catching sight of St. Joseph University through the window. The familiar sight sent a rush of emotions through her, a bittersweet feeling tightening in her chest. The campus held so many memories—some filled with laughter and joy, others tinged with longing and regret.She co
“How is he, Doc?” Ismael asked Dr. Dizon, the doctor attending Salvador. His voice carried a mix of concern and urgency as he awaited an update on his father’s condition.The weight of the situation was evident in his furrowed brows and the way he shifted uneasily. Every passing moment felt heavy, knowing that his father remained in critical condition, confined within the cold walls of the ICU. Ismael knew that time was against them, and he was desperate for any sign of improvement or hope that his father would recover. His father had arrived the previous night, and the family had immediately adjusted their arrangements to ensure that Salvador received the best care possible. Celeste had gone home to the mansion to welcome their father, prioritizing his return, while Eva had taken over her role as their grandfather’s watcher at the hospital.They had worked together, ensuring that someone was always by Salvador’s side. Now, as morning broke, Celeste and Ismael left the mansion early,
Marcus finally had the chance to approach his father before leaving, a moment he had never actively sought but had secretly longed for. For years, he had been content watching from a distance, observing Mario in fleeting glimpses and stolen moments. There was comfort in knowing that his father was improving, that the man who had once been lost in the shadows of his mind was now showing signs of clarity.It had been enough for Marcus to witness this progress without intruding, without forcing a connection that might not be reciprocated. Yet, standing there now, with the opportunity right in front of him, he realized that some part of him had always hoped for a moment like this—to be near his father, to speak to him without the weight of the past overshadowing the present. Inside the room, Mario sat on his bed, resting after the nurse had left him. The door remained slightly open, as if inviting the possibility of a conversation that had been put off for far too long. In the ten years
PRESENT DAY… Once again, Marcus’s heart was weighed down with the heavy burden of regret and longing, all because of that haunting memory. It was as though his mind could never truly escape it. Each day, no matter how much time had passed, he found himself drawn back to that painful moment, reliving it as though it had only happened yesterday. Even though it had been ten years since that fateful event, it felt as though the wound was still fresh, as if the emotional scars were as raw and tender as they had been in the beginning. Time had done little to ease the pain, and no matter how much he tried to move forward, the shadow of the past lingered over him, like an inescapable cloud.The years may have slipped by, but the suffering he and his family endured during that time was so deep and profound that it seemed to engrain itself into his very being. It wasn’t just the loss of security or comfort, but the violent shattering of a life that once seemed so full of promise and stability.
Mario sat in the middle of the grand hall, his face calm yet illuminated by the joy of the moment. The room was adorned with elegant decorations, the warm glow of chandeliers casting soft light over the guests who had gathered to celebrate his milestone. Laughter and chatter filled the air, a symphony of voices blending with the soft music playing in the background. Seventy years of life was no small feat, and despite everything, he was grateful to be surrounded by his friends. Yet, beneath the grandeur of the occasion, there were undercurrents of unspoken emotions—memories that lingered in the minds of those closest to him, shaping the way they saw this day. "Sometimes, I can't help but feel bitter," Marcus admitted, his voice tinged with frustration as he let out a deep sigh. His eyes lingered on his father, who sat at the center of it all, a man who had endured and survived much. "If everything hadn't happened, maybe my father's party would be different today… Not like this."He co
Even though the room was cold, it wasn’t enough to ease the heaviness pressing down on Celeste’s chest. The air carried a stillness so profound that it felt suffocating, wrapping around her like an invisible weight. The silence was deafening, making her acutely aware of every breath she took, every anxious thought racing through her mind. It was as if time itself had slowed, trapping her in this moment of uncertainty. Yet, amidst the quiet, one sound persisted—the steady, rhythmic beeping of the monitor connected to Salvador. It was a fragile melody of life, a mechanical heartbeat that tethered him to the world, and in turn, anchored Celeste to the fragile hope that he would endure. The sound of the monitor was more than just a medical device doing its job; to Celeste, it was a ticking clock, marking each second that her grandfather still clung to life. Every soft beep reassured her that he was still here, still fighting, but at the same time, it served as an ominous warning. If the
Eva’s voice trembled, laced with sorrow and desperation, as she stood beside Celeste, her frail hands clutching each other tightly. Her eyes, brimming with unshed tears, remained fixed on Salvador’s still figure beyond the glass wall of the ICU. The rhythmic beeping of the monitors and the soft hum of the ventilator were the only signs that life still clung to him, however weakly. Her breath hitched, and she covered her mouth with a trembling hand, as if trying to stifle the sob that threatened to escape. “What are we going to do, hija?” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, her gaze pleading for an answer Celeste wasn’t sure she had. Celeste hastily wiped at her cheeks, but the tears refused to stop. The ache in her chest felt unbearable, like an invisible dagger had been thrust into her heart, each pulse of pain a cruel reminder of how fragile Salvador’s life had become. It was a struggle to breathe, to think clearly, to keep herself from completely falling apart. But s