Three Desires

Chapter 3

Their brunch was coming to a close when the sound of dishes clattering fell silent. Krishna awakened upstairs, his face striped with sunlight through the drapes. He stretched the tousled hair that accentuated his unkempt appearance. A growl in his gut made him realize that food was a more important issue.

His nose took him to the kitchen, where the twins were busily cleaning up, and he wandered downstairs. On the table, lovingly covered with pot and bowl lids, were leftovers waiting for him. A chuckle flashed through him; these brothers were remarkably domestic despite their differences in temperament.

Pacaldo said, "Good morning, hon," a kind grin formed around his eyes. "Have some breakfast now."

Krishna muttered a drowsy reply, his gaze briefly diverted by the sizzling platter of food.

With his back to Krish, Patricio turned to greet him and said a cordial "Good morning, Krish."

At last, Krishna could manage a coherent response. Then he pulled a chair and said, "Good morning, too. It's a beautiful start to the weekend," "But knowing this place, it'll transform into a fiery inferno by noon."

With a laugh, Patricio turned to look at him. "Spot on, Krish. Looks like we're in for another scorcher."

As he skillfully stacked dishes, Pacaldo said, "Yes, brother's right. Get a good breakfast; you'll need the energy to survive the heat."

Krishna smiled, a playful twinkle in his eyes. "Challenge accepted. Though, I might need some extra help navigating this inferno. Any suggestions?"

The twins look at each other, joking, and a wordless dialogue takes place. Before they loomed the prospect of a carefree weekend full of sunshine, shared meals, and maybe a friendly struggle against the midday heat.

On the other hand, at the terminal in Bulacan, Winstonjun Sultano; Patricio and Pacaldo's father fell asleep to the bus's soothing rumble. With his eyes closed, the passing Bulacan scenery appeared blurry as his head leaned against the cool glass pane. His wife Aylin sat next to him, a picture of calm patience. Her palm was gently resting on his arm, her fingertips grazing the light tan lines that belonged to days spent in the sun.

Winstonjun, who thrived on negotiating and deal-making, had been seeking a perfect break from the demands of his occupation. After hours of negotiating with investors and fellow businesspeople, he found himself unexpectedly exhausted. However, amidst the tiredness, he felt a calm satisfaction. He had obtained a crucial alliance and was confident that he would take his firm to new heights. His vacation in Tarlac had provided the much-needed respite for him.

Conversely, Aylin delighted in the basic joys of their getaway. As a well-known pediatrician, her days were typically occupied by the clamor of a busy clinic and the worries of worried parents. Here she found peace again, in the gentle embrace of the countryside. Even still, there was a flicker of expectation in her gaze; she was looking forward to returning home, feeling the warmth of their sons' embrace, and returning to their familiar routine.

She had found some local treats in Tarlac, and there was a small treasure trove of nibbles hidden inside her luggage. She couldn't help but smile at the thought of her sons' reactions upon seeing the pasalubong material memento of the travels their parents had taken. The bus continued to rattle, carrying a tapestry of stories with it: a tired businessman hoping to sleep off his worries; a protective mother full of hope; and the unseen thread of love that united them all, a thread that would soon return them to the comforting embrace of home.

Winstonjun's eyelids blinked up as the bus engine's steady rumble woke him up from his sleep. He opened one eye and blinked wildly at the strange sight outside the window. Around him, travelers hurried, raising their voices in a chorus of farewells and greetings. The languor that clung on Winstonjun like second skin was starkly contrasted with the anxious energy that crackled in the air.