Miss Historian and Her Lady Guide (The Love We Found)

Full Circle

Months passed, and Manila's rainy season arrived in full force, drenching the city with a deluge that seemed never-ending. Yet, despite the gloomy weather, Roxan and Dana's spirits remained bright. Their book, "Echoes of Forgotten Love," was nearing completion, and their foundation, named in honor of María and Isabel, was gaining traction among historians, activists, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

One day, as Roxan sat by the window, watching the rain pour down in sheets, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. She glanced at the screen and saw a familiar name — Dr. Ortiz, the historian who had first suggested the exhibition.

"Hello, Dr. Ortiz," Roxan answered, her tone cheerful.

"Roxan, it's so good to hear from you," came the warm reply. "I've been following your progress, and I have to say, what you and Dana are doing is incredible. I actually called because I wanted to invite you both to a symposium at the university. We're dedicating a session to hidden histories, and I think your work would be a perfect fit."

Roxan's heart swelled with pride. "Thank you, Dr. Ortiz," she replied. "We'd be honored to participate. I'll talk to Dana, and we'll make it happen."

After hanging up, Roxan felt a rush of excitement. She quickly found Dana in their makeshift study, where she was poring over transcriptions of interviews.

"Dana," she said, her voice bright with enthusiasm. "I just got off the phone with Dr. Ortiz. He wants us to present at a symposium on hidden histories. Can you believe it?"

Dana's face lit up. "That's amazing!" she exclaimed. "It's exactly what we've been working toward — getting these stories out there, making people see them."

Roxan nodded. "And I've been thinking... maybe we should share not just María and Isabel's story, but also some of the others we've uncovered. Like Señora Carmen's great-grandmother, Rosa, and Maria. They all deserve to be heard."

Dana agreed, her eyes shining with excitement. "Yes, let's do it," she said. "Let's show the world that these stories matter."

---

A few weeks later, Roxan and Dana stood at the front of a packed auditorium. The room was filled with academics, students, and community members, all eager to hear what they had to say. Roxan took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of nerves and exhilaration. She glanced at Dana, who gave her an encouraging smile.

Dana began, introducing their work and the inspiration behind it. She spoke passionately about the importance of uncovering hidden histories and giving voice to those who had been silenced. Then Roxan stepped forward, holding up a photograph of María and Isabel, their faces filled with a love that had survived across centuries.

"This is where our journey began," Roxan said, her voice clear and strong. "With two women who loved each other in a time when they couldn't express it openly. But it's not just their story — it's the story of so many others whose love was hidden, erased, or denied."

She went on to share the stories they had collected, the letters they had read, and the people they had met. She spoke of Rosa and Maria, of others who had dared to love despite the consequences, and of the importance of remembering them.

The audience was captivated, their attention fixed on every word. As Roxan and Dana finished their presentation, the room erupted in applause. People stood, clapping and cheering, and both women felt a sense of fulfillment that was impossible to describe.

Afterward, a line of people formed, eager to speak with them. Some wanted to share their own stories, others offered support for their foundation, and a few asked how they could get involved in their work. It was a moment of connection, of realization that their mission had resonated deeply.

---

Later that evening, as they walked through the rain-soaked streets back to their apartment, Dana turned to Roxan with a thoughtful expression.

"Today felt like a turning point," Dana said. "Like we're not just uncovering history, but we're also creating a new one. A history where all love is remembered and celebrated."

Roxan nodded, feeling the truth in Dana's words. "It does," she agreed. "And I think it's because we're not just telling stories — we're honoring them. We're giving them the space they deserve, the dignity they were denied."

Dana smiled, squeezing Roxan's hand. "I'm so proud of us," she said softly. "For everything we've done, and everything we're going to do."

Roxan stopped, pulling Dana into a gentle embrace. "I'm proud of us too," she whispered. "And I'm so grateful to have found you, to have found this love that feels like home."

They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, as the rain continued to fall around them. It was a quiet, intimate moment, filled with the promise of all that lay ahead.

---

As the weeks passed, they continued their work with renewed vigor, organizing events, reaching out to communities, and building their foundation from the ground up. Their book was finally published, receiving acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and meticulous research. It became a beacon for those searching for representation, for those who longed to see their own stories reflected in history.

One morning, as they sat together at their kitchen table, Roxan looked at Dana with a smile. "We've come so far," she said softly. "But I feel like this is just the beginning."

Dana nodded, her eyes filled with love. "It is," she agreed. "We have so much more to do, so many more stories to uncover... and I can't wait to do it all with you."

Roxan reached across the table, taking Dana's hand. "Here's to the future," she said, her voice filled with hope. "To all the stories we have yet to tell."

"To the future," Dana echoed, leaning in to kiss Roxan gently.

And in that moment, they knew they were ready for whatever came next. Together, they would continue to honor the past, embrace the present, and create a future where every story, every love, and every voice was heard.