KEISHAAfter leaving my son with Mama, who had fallen asleep in her arms, we approached the address provided by Kuya Kevin with hesitation. The gathering of numerous people outside hinted at the doctor's wide circle of patients. With nervousness creeping in, we entered the premises, immediately drawing attention, including from the doctor's family standing nearby.A man, likely in his forties, approached us, his eyes swollen with grief for his late wife, the doctor. "Are you one of my husband's patients?" he inquired."Yes, I was under his care," I replied softly, feeling a wave of sympathy for the grieving family."Please, come in. I apologize if I don't recognize you. Thank you for your condolences," he said somberly, his sorrow palpable in his voice. In that moment, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. It seemed like fate had teased me with the possibility of finally meeting my son's father, only to reveal that the doctor had already passed away.My heart ached for my son, w
KEISHAAs I slowly emerged from the depths of sleep, the gentle warmth of the morning sun tenderly caressed my face, its golden rays filtering through the sheer curtains that danced gracefully in the soft breeze. With a contented sigh, I gradually opened my eyes, allowing them to adjust to the soft, diffused light that filled the room.My heart swelled with joy as my gaze fell upon the sight that awaited me – my precious baby nestled peacefully in his crib, bathed in the gentle glow of dawn. His tiny form lay cocooned in the soft embrace of blankets, his chest rising and falling in rhythmic harmony with the steady cadence of his breathing. His delicate features, softened by the tranquility of slumber, radiated an aura of innocence and serenity that tugged at the deepest corners of my soul.A tender smile graced my lips as I watched him, marveling at the sheer perfection of his existence. Every curve of his tiny form, every flutter of his long eyelashes, seemed to embody a purity and b
"Can I stay here, even just for tonight?" he asked, his lips inches away from mine, the warmth of his breath sending shivers down my spine. He rested his hands on his muscular chest, and I could feel the dampness of his clothes from the rain. I was at a loss for words, but before I could even process the situation, I found myself responding to his gentle kiss.I followed the movement of his lips, noticing their familiarity. Had we met before? Had we kissed? I couldn't recall our paths crossing, except for the fact that we were adversaries after he criticized my business as being unlucky, despite him being the one bringing misfortune to my coffee shop!He devoured my lips with a hunger and thirst that seemed insatiable, ravishing me completely. The heat radiating from his lips sent a thousand different sensations coursing through my body. His hand found its way to the back of my neck, deepening the kiss as his tongue traced the outline of my lips, seeking more. I parted my lips without
"Father!" My child kept repeating, and I couldn't help but arch my eyebrow. My goodness, what was wrong with him? He saw someone with green eyes and started calling them 'father'? Yes, he always acted like that, but usually, he stopped after a minute. But now, it seemed like he had no intention of stopping, and even my brothers were puzzled. Why did they even follow him? And a coat, of all things? Why did he suddenly want to retrieve it now?The man looked down at my child, a smile playing on his lips as he reached for Noah's tiny hand. Noah squirmed and tried to wriggle free from Kevin's grasp. "Come on, buddy, be nice. He's not your dad, for heaven's sake!" I couldn't believe it. It was like my son didn't care that this man wasn't his father. My goodness! And it didn't escape me that they bore a resemblance, making them look like a father and son, even though they had no connection whatsoever. No wonder my son's father was undoubtedly a handsome man."I'll carry him," Kevin hesitate
KEISHA"Keisha! Baby Noah!" Their voices brought a smile to my face as I heard them. Some customers glanced over, annoyed by the noise, but their annoyance turned into smiles when they heard Noah's laughter. Here in my shop, they were my family, my support system. Without them, my business wouldn't be as successful as it is.For me, business isn't just about making money. It's about the people who make the business what it is. It's about their hard work and dedication. Without them, my coffee shop would still be struggling. But now, they help me succeed, so I'm happy to return the favor."Wow, my godson is so handsome!""He takes after me!" They laughed, and one of my lively employees, Josh, chimed in. He was one of my closest friends."Oh, Josh, keep dreaming! You're nowhere near as handsome as Noah!""Come on, if I'm not handsome, why did Karyll like me?" They bantered back and forth in the office, excited to catch up with each other. Only a few remained outside."Enough of that. Ma
I was gently jolted awake by the sensation of Noah's tiny fingers tapping my cheek, stirring me from my slumber. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I glanced over at the clock and was startled to see that it was already past nine in the morning. My heart sank a little as I realized that Noah must be hungry by now, his usual breakfast time having long since passed.With a sigh, I pushed myself up into a sitting position, yawning as I stretched my limbs. The laughter echoing from the living room reminded me that Kevin was visiting; Keifer was away on one of his frequent work trips. Despite my exhaustion, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of Kevin's cheerful presence in our home.Noah's stirring beside me brought me fully to attention, and I turned to face him, offering him a tired but affectionate smile. "Good morning, little one. Did you sleep well?" I asked, my voice still heavy with sleep.Noah's face lit up with excitement as he nodded vigorously, his eyes sparkling with energy.
KEISHAI glanced at Kuya Kevin with a frown as we were eating, wondering why he suddenly dropped his utensils with a furrowed brow. Even Mama and Noah paused in their eating."What's wrong, uncle?""Your mama is my problem, look at her, smiling so widely her lips might tear. What's going on? Why are you smiling at your food like a fool?" I rolled my eyes at Kuya's words. Seriously, they were even meddling in how I smiled now."Why, Kuya, is it wrong to be happy?" I couldn't help but smile, feeling like my day was complete."Mama, uncle is right, you look creepy," even Mama chuckled slightly. It felt like I was going crazy, smiling like this, what was the problem? But I couldn't stop the smile from spreading across my lips."Let her be, Kuya, Mama's just happy. Go on, continue eating," my mom said"Grandma, are you coming with us for a stroll?" I paused in my eating at Noah's question to Mama. Seriously, why did he have to ask that now?"Where are you going? And who's coming with you
KEISHA Perhaps anyone passing by would glance at us because of the loud laughter of the two, seemingly uncaring and just enjoying each other's company. "C'mon daddy you're so weak!" I smile as I watch them, amused by how close my son is to Colten despite not being related by blood. I'm happy because whenever Colten is with my son, Noah, I see genuine joy in his eyes. I'm just beside them, watching them play basketball. We've been here for quite some time in the time zone, but Noah seems relentless in playing, not showing any signs of fatigue. "Noah baby, that's enough. You've been playing since earlier. Aren't you hungry yet?" I approach them, wiping the sweat off Noah's back. He's panting heavily from continuously playing just to beat Colten."Mama, I'm alright, but if you're hungry, we can eat now," Noah said. I smiled at his words; he was really sweet to me and to my mama. He is our little angel. "What about me? Aren't you going to wipe my sweat?" Noah and I exchanged glances,
Kevin, Keifer, and Kairon were startled when an unexpected visitor arrived at their doorstep. They never expected that their sister Keisha's spouse and children would come. The disbelief and surprise were evident on their faces, expressed through widened eyes and sideways glances, showing their astonishment at the turn of events.They truly admired the person their sibling chose as a life partner. They could see the dedication and care this individual showed towards Keisha. Every action revealed responsible caregiving and love bestowed upon her. Whenever they saw them together, the depth of affection enveloping their sibling became clear.The responsibility and care shown by Keisha's spouse were undeniable. Every gesture and word reflected their caring and amiable nature. They genuinely admired the person their sibling married, not just for loving Keisha but also for how they displayed affection towards their family."Mano po mga Tito," their nieces and nephews, Noah Arkangel and twin
KeishaAt the tender age of eighteen, Mama's life took a tumultuous turn when she found herself facing the daunting reality of pregnancy. It wasn't the joyous anticipation of motherhood that most young women experience; instead, it was the result of a horrifying assault by someone she trusted. Mama's dark past, marked by trauma and adversity, became the crucible in which her strength was forged.Despite the immense challenges she faced, Mama exhibited a resilience beyond her years. She made the difficult decision to put her education on hold to ensure the safety of her pregnancy, demonstrating a maturity and selflessness that belied her youth. It was during this trying time that Mama's indomitable spirit shone brightest, refusing to succumb to despair or defeat.I look back in awe at Mama's unwavering courage and determination. At eighteen, she navigated a journey fraught with pain and uncertainty, yet she never wavered in her resolve. She carried me, her precious child, with an unfal
As I gradually emerged from the depths of sleep, I felt a gentle haze enveloping my senses, a lingering residue of the excitement we had shared the night before. It had been an entire month since our last intimate encounter, and as I lay there in bed, basking in the soft glow of dawn, memories of our passionate moments flooded my mind, filling me with both joy and a tinge of longing.Yet, intertwined with those memories was a subtle discomfort, a reminder of the fervor with which we had expressed our love. It was a physical sensation, a testament to the intensity of our lovemaking, leaving a delicate imprint on my body. As I attempted to shift my weight and rise from the bed, I found myself still cocooned in a veil of sleepiness, my limbs heavy with fatigue. But then, as if in response to my unspoken need, I felt the familiar warmth of my husband's embrace encircling me, drawing me back into his comforting presence.In that moment, his hug became a sanctuary, a source of solace that e
KeishaPast two in the morning, I woke with a start. Feeling around the bed, I noticed my husband wasn't beside me. Where could he have gone? I also felt thirsty and hungry, sensing my husband was keeping something from me. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease; he hadn't told me anything, but I had a hunch. I let out a deep sigh, hearing my husband's voice at the bar counter. He was probably drinking again, and there must be something bothering him that he wasn't telling me."Julius, update me from time to time. You can't just let everything we've worked for go to waste. If you need to play dirty, do it. That mayor is good at that anyway!" I couldn't help but feel sad at what I heard. I've already told him to avoid meddling in government affairs because they play dirty, and I don't want him or our children to get into trouble. He took a sip from the bottle of alcohol."You're drinking more frequently," I hugged him from the side. I could feel the warmth radiating from his body b
KeishaI couldn't sit still on the bed where I had been lying down for a while now after the argument with Colten. It's been over an hour, and he still hasn't followed me into the room. Frowning, I decided to leave and spend some time in the garden instead. As I descended the stairs, I caught sight of my husband engrossed in his laptop. He was wearing a formal top but only boxer shorts below, indicating he might be in a serious virtual meeting or working, which slightly annoyed me as he hadn't followed me. However, before I could dwell on it, my concern took over. What could have happened, and why didn't he come after me?I intentionally passed by him, but it seemed to have no effect. I was starting to get annoyed. Wasn't he going to comfort me? Truth be told, I was the one at fault, but if he wasn't going to pay attention to me, then I'll just sleep here in the living room!Our daughter Luna got into trouble again at school. We didn't know where she got her mischief from. She even pu
The Eleazar family started their Sunday morning with a bustling activity as they prepared to attend church together. It was their tradition to worship, forgive, and give thanks for the blessings they had received, as well as seek guidance from God for the challenges they faced.As they gathered and organized their belongings, there was a sense of unity and peace within the family. They knew that amidst life's trials, their faith served as a sturdy foundation, providing them with strength, hope, and purpose.Meanwhile, Keisha was busy brushing her daughter Luna's long hair. Though Luna remained quiet, her silence was a big mystery to Keisha. Throughout a whole week of mourning, Luna didn't exhibit any rebellious behavior. Keisha couldn't figure out why, but it seemed like Luna was keeping something to herself. As a mother, she knew her children well and had a strong instinct that something was bothering Luna.With each stroke of the brush, with each glance at her daughter, Keisha felt
As Colten braved the elements, his body shivering from the cold and his muscles protesting with every step, he pushed aside the discomfort, consumed by a singular purpose: finding his beloved wife, Keisha. The rain fell relentlessly, drenching him to the bone, but he pressed on, driven by a fierce determination to ensure her safety and alleviate her anguish.With each passing hour, Colten's resolve only grew stronger, fueled by his love for Keisha and the desperate need to see her once again. The darkness of the night seemed to stretch on endlessly, but he refused to relent, his heart pounding with every beat, echoing the rhythm of his relentless pursuit.Finally, as the first light of dawn began to pierce through the storm clouds, Colten's relentless search bore fruit. There, amidst the relentless downpour, stood Keisha, her form haggard and weary, mirroring his own sodden appearance. Despite the weariness that threatened to consume him, Colten's sole focus remained on his beloved wi
Keisha and Colten had left the hospital. However, Colten's heart remained enveloped in worry and fear every time he looked at his wife. It seemed like she was not herself and showed no emotions until they arrived home. He wanted to talk to her, but he was afraid of being reprimanded or scolded by her. Colten wanted to ease his wife's feelings and not add to her sorrow.He realized that he would rather see his wife losing control due to illness than in this state. It felt like there was a huge wall separating them. Colten sighed deeply and held his wife's hand, wanting to draw her attention away from her deep thoughts.Even their children remained silent as they arrived, all mourning the loss of their hoped-for addition to the family, Baby Butchi."Sweetheart, please say something. I'm worried. I'm here, you are not alone in this fight. Let's face this together with our kids, please don't be like this, it hurts me," Colten's voice was filled with pain. Inst
Colten didn't know how to face his wife when she woke up; it seemed he would lose the strength to tell her what happened to their child, Butchi. They hadn't even had the chance to hold or see him. If anyone would mourn the loss with them, it would be his wife, who had suffered greatly for their child and cared for him. He needed to be strong for her. He didn't say he couldn't grieve or express his sadness, but he knew he needed to be a pillar of strength for his wife in her time of need.Staying in sorrow and tears wasn't good. They had children who needed their guidance and support. In unity and trust in each other, they could face any challenge they encountered; they would be each other's support and pillar in times of need. The loss of a child, especially at a young age like Baby Butchi's, was an incredibly difficult experience for Keisha and Colten. The pain and longing it brought were deep and unparalleled. Faced with such a trial, it's natural to question and doubt li