Love and Resilience

A homecoming story.

SERENA'S POV

Nagising si Serena ng magtatahalian na dahil na rin sa pagod na naramdman nya dahil sa ginawa nya sa cebu, matapos nyang maghilamos at mag tootbrush ay lumabas sya ng kanyang at sinalubong sya ng mabangong amoy na niluluto ng kanyang ina.

Serena: Good morning mommy, what are you cooking?

Sabi ni lila habang dumiretso sa refrigretor para uminom ng tubig.

Izza: Hi, princess. you’re awake already. I’m cooking your favorite ulam. A minute more and this dish will be ready, can you put some plates, spoons and forks in the table anak?

Her mother said while cooking.

Agad namang ginawa ni Serena ang sinabi ng kanyang ina.

FF (serena and her mom is already eating)

Serena and her mother are both busy in eating their lunch when Serena’s mother spoke.

Izza: So, how was Cebu anak? I’ve been eager to hear all about your trip

Serena suddenly stopped eating and her face lit up with enthusiasm and excitement as she began to describes her experiences with her mother.

Serena: Ma, it was stunning! Cebu is absolutely stunning!

Izza: Sounds wonderful anak, did you get a chance ba anak para puntahan ang ilang tourist attraction sa Cebu?

Her mother said while listening to her.

Serena: Yes I did ma, day 4 na kasi nung nag travel ako, so sa day 4; I went to Kawasan falls to see the three-tiered water falls and also I rode to bamboo raft maaaa! and I also went to historical places such as Magellan’s cross, Fort San Pedro and Sirao flower farm, ang ganda doon maaaa, while nung day 5 ko naman po I also went to Osmeña peak to witness the sunrise, and also went to another falls which is the Tumalog falls ma, ang ganda din nya, and for my lunch I tried some cebuano specialties like lechon, sutukil, pancit canton and Cebuano BBQ, aaahhhh sasarap nila. And I also went to Tops lookout to witness the sunset it’s really good to be there ma, there’s something special in Cebu and I’m hoping that I could bring you there so that you can experience what I’ve experienced

Serena said while telling hair story, amusement, excitement and happiness is visible to her voice.

Izza: I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed being there anak. It’s wonderful to hear how you appreciated the beauty and culture of Cebuanos.

Serena’s excitement was infectious, amd Izza found herself smiling along with her daughter, when Serena spoke.

Serena: And I also met someone in Cebu while watching Sinulog festival ma

Serena is smiling as she said those words.

Izza: Tell me who did you meet? I want to know her or him

Serena’s smile widened as she thought about Jovana

Serena: Her name is Jovana, she’s also in the festival and she’s alone like me she went to Cebu for short visit daw, we enjoyed the festival with each others presence, and she’s an oncologist.

Izza: Mukhang mabait na bata si Jovana dahil base sa kwento mo at kung paano ngumiti ang mga mata mo habang nag kwekwento ka anak.

Serena: She really is ma, she’s really kind and her presence brings peace and comfort po.

FF

Gabi na at nakahiga na si Serena sa kama nya habang nag hihintay ng text mula sa kaibigang si Jovana, agad namang lumiwanag ang mukha ni Serena ng makita na may message na galing kay Jovana