Sunshine In The Rain

Vien was deeply engrossed in playing with her dollhouse, arranging miniature furniture and dolls with meticulous care. She eagerly beckoned Vlad to join her, despite his initial reluctance. "C-come on, V-Vlad! It's fun," she urged, her eyes sparkling with excitement.Vlad hesitated, eying the dollhouse skeptically. "But Vien, this is for girls," he protested, crossing his arms.Vien frowned slightly, her brow furrowing in determination. "I-It's okay, Vlad. L-Let's just play together," she said still stuttering but trying to speak.After a moment of consideration, Vlad relented with a small sigh, realizing how important this was to Vien. As they started playing, Vien's infectious laughter filled the room, temporarily lifting the weight of their challenging circumstances."Tha-that's n-not h-how to do it, V-Vlad." I observed gently as I watched Vien patiently guide her brother through assembling the dollhouse."You're really good at it, Vien." Komento ko. Sumilay sa kanyang mukha ang sa

VERONIKKA ELYSE LAURIER Ilang minuto akong nakatitig kay sa kanya nang bumukas ang pintuan ng kwarto niya. Sabay kaming napatingin ni Sir Elio doon at nakita namin ang nakangising si Ate Tri. "Ang tagal niyo, akala ko gumagawa na kayo ng milagro!" "Ate Tri/Tri!" We said in unison. Ramdam ko ata ang pamumula ng pisngi ko sa sinabi ni Ate Tri. "What? You're both adults!" Ate Tri said mischievously. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng kakaiba nang ramdam kong biglang lumamig at nang mapatingin ako kay Sir Elio, malamig na itong nakatitig. Feel ko sobrang dilim na ng aura niya. "Demetria." Tawag sa kanya ni Sir Elio. Bigla namang nagsitaasan ang buhok ko sa katawan ng tawagin si Ate Tri sa kanyang buong pangalan, aside, it was too deep, too cold, sobrang nakakatakot din na halos manginig na ang buo kong katawan dahil sa boses niyang iyon. "Com'on, Elio. Your kids are waiting for you," malumanay na sabi ni Ate Tri. Nakangiti siya na para bang hindi natatakot kay Sir Elio. Maybe she's used t

VERONIKKA ELYSE LAURIERI woke up early to do my morning exercise and yoga. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft golden glow through the windows. I grabbed my yoga mat and headed to the exercise room, eager to start my routine and clear my mind.As I entered the room, I froze, my eyes widening in surprise. There, in the center of the room, was Sir Elio, running on the treadmill. He was topless, his muscular chest glistening with sweat, and he was wearing only a pair of loose workout pants. The rhythmic sound of his feet hitting the treadmill's surface echoed in the room.I stood there for a moment, unable to look away. His intense focus and determination were palpable, and the sight of him in such a raw and unguarded state took my breath away. He hadn't noticed me yet, so I quietly unrolled my yoga mat in a corner, trying to compose myself.As I stretched and started my yoga poses, I couldn't help but steal glances at him. His movements were fluid and powerful, with each

ELIO BLAZIEL SIERRAI couldn’t sleep. I was filled with happiness, and it was so overwhelming to finally touch my babies. Hearing them call me 'dad' for the first time felt like a dream. I had been so afraid they would be angry with me for not being a part of their lives for the past five years. The guilt I felt for not being there for them was almost unbearable. I regretted every single day that I wasn't by their side.I missed so many of their milestones—their first steps, their first words. I wasn't there to play with them, to laugh with them, or to tuck them in at night and tell them bedtime stories. The realization of all the moments I had lost because of my fears haunted me. How foolish I had been, letting my insecurities and doubts keep me away from the most precious parts of my life.As I watched them sleep peacefully, a surge of determination washed over me. Their forgiveness and acceptance filled me with resolve. I vowed to never let my fears control me again. They had embrac

VERONIKKA ELYSE LAURIERMaaga ulit akong nagising para sa yoga lessons namin ni Sir Elio. Pagdating ko sa gym ay wala pa siya kaya nag-mediatate na ako.Pero sa pagpikit ko, naalala ko ang sinabi ni Doc Hira nitong mga nakaraang linggo."Landiin mo," jusko! Sa lahat ng pwede kong maalala, iyon pa talaga!Kaya ko bang landiin si Sir Elio? Ngayon palang kinakabahan na ako. Oo! Gusto ko na siya. Even though he's unpredictable sometimes, can't even read, nagagalit ng walang dahilan, minsan nagiging sweet at may pake saakin, mga mixed signals niyang lalong nagpapagulo saakin.Mga gestures na pinapakita niya na para bang may gusto din siya saakin. Pero ayoko kasi naman talagang mag-assume!"Good morning," napaitlag ako nang marinig ko ang boses ni Sir Elio.Napadilat ako ng mga mata at tila naging slow mo ang paligid ko nang makitang naglalakad ito papalapit saakin.He's just wearing a muscle tee, and simple shorts. Nakatali ang mahabang buhok na may kaunting hibla sa kanyang mukha. God, ba