Heaven On Fire

One

The morning sunlight crept through the blinds, painting stripes of soft gold across Loren’s room as her alarm buzzed to life. She shot up instantly, her heart pounding with excitement. Today was it—graduation day, the culmination of years of sacrifice, sweat, and sleepless nights. Her dreams felt tangible, close enough to touch, as though everything she’d ever wanted was waiting for her just beyond the horizon.

Downstairs, the smell of warm pandesal mingled with freshly brewed coffee, and her family was already gathered around the kitchen table. Her mother moved around, setting plates with extra care, while Jessie sat at the table, glued to his phone with a soft smile Loren recognized instantly.

“Still texting Pipay?” she teased, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

Jessie looked up, feigning innocence. “Just a good morning text.”

“Right,” Loren chuckled. “Well, just remember it’s my big day—not yours and Pipay’s, okay?”

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Loren raised an eyebrow as she gestured for Jessie to get it. “Jess, could you open that?”

With a sigh, Jessie slipped his phone into his pocket and went to answer the door. Moments later, Loren heard a familiar voice—her stepfather, Hubert, greeting Jessie warmly. As Hubert entered the kitchen, his gaze immediately found Loren.

“Loren!” he said, a proud smile lighting up his face as he took in her relaxed, casual attire. “And what are you doing not dressed yet? Isn’t today the big day?”

Loren returned his smile, setting her coffee down. “I’m waiting for Tita Leslie,” she replied, shrugging. “She’s supposed to help me get ready.”

Hubert chuckled, moving over to her. “You know you have a whole crowd waiting for you, right? Everyone’s so proud.”

On impulse, Loren stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice full of gratitude. “For everything.”

While they were still hugging, another knock sounded at the door, louder this time. Loren, caught up in the moment, glanced over her shoulder and called out in a half-sarcastic tone, “Alright, everyone—feel free to open the door!”

Jessie let out a laugh and hurried back to answer it. As he opened the door, he found their Tita Leslie standing on the front step, beaming with excitement. Jessie smiled and quickly took her hand to do mano, the traditional gesture of respect for elders. Leslie’s eyes sparkled as she gently pulled her hand away.

“Ah, my good boy,” she said, a playful glint in her eye. “But that better be your last mano today; you don’t want to wear me out!”

Loren couldn’t help but giggle. “Maybe you should tell Jessie to get to the point about what he needs, Tita,” she suggested, grinning.

Without much ado, Leslie opened her makeup bag, revealing a collection of colorful products. “Good thing I came! You both wouldn’t know how to do makeup if it slapped you in the face,” she joked, motioning to Loren and her mother, Lorie, who were still in their casual clothes.

Lorie laughed, moving to the fridge. “Would you like some juice, Leslie?”

Leslie waved her hand dismissively. “No, thank you! I already had a large one at Wendy’s before coming here.” She looked around, her excitement building. “Now, everyone, let’s get ready! No time to waste!”

As Leslie and Loren headed upstairs, Loren’s mind wandered to Francis, her long-term boyfriend back in the Philippines. Even though they hadn’t met in person since she’d migrated to the U.S., they made it work. Their late-night video calls had become a comforting routine, a lifeline connecting their worlds despite the distance.