5. Golden Hour

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"Caitlin," Ms. Reyes said, her voice a mix of urgency and authority.  "I need you to do me a favor."

Caitlin nodded, bracing herself for whatever request was about to come her way.  She knew that Ms. Reyes was notorious for her last-minute demands and her tendency to throw curveballs.

"I need you to conduct an interview for me," Ms. Reyes continued.  "I'm going to be attending an important event tomorrow, and I can't make it.  I need someone to represent me."

Caitlin's heart sank.  She wasn't exactly known for her interviewing skills.  She was a writer, a storyteller, not a journalist.  She was a food critic, a travel writer, a person who thrived on solitude and the quiet hum of her own thoughts.  The only interviews she'd ever done were with chefs, and even those made her nervous.  The idea of interviewing a celebrity group filled her with dread.

Before Ms. Reyes could explain further, Caitlin's mind raced, trying to find a way to politely decline.  But before she could even formulate a sentence, her body reacted first.  She stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor, and blurted out, "What? Bakit po ako!?"

Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her panic.  She felt trapped, her voice caught in her throat.  This was a nightmare.  This was the last thing she wanted to do.
 
Caitlin was dismissed, her boss's parting words echoing in her ears: "Go home early and prepare for the interview.  This is important, Caitlin.  Don't let me down."

Caitlin left the office, her mind swirling with a mix of anxiety and determination.  She knew she had to do this, even though every fiber of her being screamed otherwise.

She pulled out her phone and texted Maya: "Una nako."

Before leaving the office, she printed out some essential materials and called the band manager.  She explained that she would be conducting the interview instead of Ms. Reyes.  The manager was surprisingly accommodating, assuring Caitlin that they were flexible and excited to meet her.

Caitlin walked to her motorcycle, a sleek, black Yamaha R6, its engine purring with a low rumble.  She loved the feeling of the wind in her hair, the freedom of the open road.  It was a welcome escape from the confines of her office and the pressure of her demanding boss.

  It was a welcome escape from the confines of her office and the pressure of her demanding boss

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As she rode away, Caitlin couldn't help but think about the interview ahead.  She was still nervous, but she was also determined to do her best.  This was her chance to prove herself, to show Ms. Reyes, and perhaps even herself, that she was capable of more than just writing about food and travel.  This was her chance to step outside her comfort zone, to embrace the unknown, and to maybe, just maybe, make a name for herself.

Caitlin drove around the city, the familiar streets of Ortigas fading into the distance.  The wind whipped through her hair with the promise of freedom. She needed this escape, this break from the pressure of her demanding boss and the daunting interview ahead.

She rode for what felt like hours, the miles melting away as she focused on the rhythm of the road.  The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the landscape.  She found herself in the Mall of Asia. Not exactly known for its pristine beaches but it does showcase a breathtaking sunset.

Caitlin parked her motorcycle and walked towards the sea side. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of the sea.  She sat down in a quiet area, her legs dangling over the edge, and watched as the sun slowly sank below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple.

She was alone, surrounded by the vastness of the ocean and the silence of the twilight.  It was a welcome respite from the noise and chaos of her life.  She closed her eyes, letting the gentle breeze caress her face, and allowed her thoughts to drift.

  She closed her eyes, letting the gentle breeze caress her face, and allowed her thoughts to drift

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She thought about the interview, about the pressure to impress Ms. Reyes and prove her worth.  She thought about her dreams, her ambitions, and her fears.  She thought about her life, her choices, and her regrets.

As the last rays of sunlight faded, Caitlin felt a sense of peace wash over her.  The vastness of the ocean, the beauty of the sunset, and the solitude of the moment reminded her that she was not alone.  She had her friends, her son, and her own strength to guide her.

"Kelangan ko pa nga palang mag research", She sighed, her heart lighter than it had been in days.  She knew she couldn't escape her problems, but she also knew that she could face them, one step at a time.  She had a long drive back to the city, but she felt ready to face whatever came her way.

Caitlin jumped up without looking, her back turning towards the sea.  She'd been lost in thought, and she bumped right into someone.  She landed hard, her back against a rock, the man she'd bumped into falling with her.

Their faces were inches apart, a tangle of limbs and startled breaths.  Caitlin's eyes widened, her gaze locked on his.  She recognized those eyes, the deep, knowing glint in them, but from where?  A familiar scent, a combination of salt air and something else, something warm and comforting, hit her nose.  Her eyes widened further, recognition dawning.  Oh, no.

Before her eyes could fully register what she was seeing, the man spoke, his voice a deep, resonant baritone that sent shivers down her spine.  "Miss, are you okay?

Her eyes shut in shock, and she immediately stood up, her heart pounding in her chest

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Her eyes shut in shock, and she immediately stood up, her heart pounding in her chest.  The man helped her, but she tripped again, her legs wobbly and unsteady.  He caught her, his arms wrapping around her waist to steady her.  They didn't fall, but he had to hug her tightly, and she found herself clinging to his chest, her hand pressed against his strong, firm torso.

"Nananadya kana ata miss" the guy smirked at her teasingly.

She shimmied away from his grasp and a knuckle flew right on his left cheek.

"JOSH!!!" four good looking guys shouted in unison running towards them.

The guy held his face, blood on the side of his lips. He looked at her confused on why she punched him. Caitlyn ran away flustered before they could even come close.

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