One day in Seoul 🇰🇷

🇰🇷: 37

As we pulled up to Katarina's house, I parked behind Daniel, taking a moment to collect my thoughts. The ride had been calm, filled with Sarang's innocent chatter, but now, reality was settling back in. Katarina got out first, carefully carrying Sarang in her arms, and I followed close behind. Daniel and Mari were right with us, Mari always the bubbly one, smiling and making light comments, while Daniel was quiet but ever watchful, never letting his guard down.

"Uy, welcome back!" David's voice boomed as we stepped inside. The warm, familiar scent of chicken adobo filled the house, wrapping around us like a comforting hug. David was bustling around the kitchen, trying to help their father, who was happily stirring a pot. "Sakto ang dating niyo, gutom na kami," David teased, giving a wink in our direction.

"Ang bango, Tito!" Mari chirped, immediately running to the kitchen to inspect the food. "Parang ang dami mo namang niluto, Tito? Nagdala ba kayo ng restaurant dito?"

Katarina smiled, the stress of the day momentarily lifting as she placed Sarang down on the couch. "Wow, ang dami naman. Na-miss ko 'tong luto niyo, Papa," she said, giving her father a quick hug.

Her dad beamed at her, playfully patting her back. "Ay aba para namang kaluluto ko lang noong isang araw." He turned to Sarang, his face lighting up. "Sarang, gusto mo ba ng adobo? O spaghetti muna?"

Sarang, still in her own little world, smiled and nodded eagerly. "Yes, Lolodad! Gusto ko po lahat!" she said cheerfully, bouncing on the couch.

The house felt alive, filled with the sounds of laughter, the clattering of utensils, and the comforting aroma of food. It was almost like nothing had happened today, as if we were just one big, happy family having a casual dinner. Everyone was playing their part perfectly, making sure Sarang stayed blissfully unaware of the chaos that had unfolded earlier.

Just as everyone settled in, Nathan arrived at the door, looking much better than the last time I saw him. "Pasensya na, na-late ako. May inayos lang sa house." He greeted everyone warmly and then immediately joined us at the dining table.

"Bro, mukhang okay ka na ah," Daniel quipped, raising an eyebrow at Nathan. "Akala ko aatake na naman yung migraine mo."

"Wala 'to, easy lang," Nathan laughed, brushing off the concern. "Buti na lang nakapagpahinga ako. Ayoko naman magmukhang kawawa rito."

Mari smirked, pointing her fork at Nathan. "Parang kailan lang mukha kang haggard na haggard ha. Ngayon, pa-cool ka na ulit?"

Nathan rolled his eyes, but a smile crept up. "Hindi naman. Pero mas okay na ako ngayon, salamat sa inyo."

As we sat around the table, plates were being passed, and laughter filled the room. It was a scene straight out of a family dinner, everyone joking and teasing one another like no drama had just unfolded. I could feel the weight on my chest slowly lifting with each bite and laugh.

"Sino nagluto ng spaghetti? Parang may kulang ah!" David teased, winking at his dad who was in the middle of serving more food.

"Walang hotdog kasi," Mari said with a dramatic sigh, making everyone chuckle. "Pero masarap pa rin. Hindi ako magrereklamo."

Katarina shot her a playful glare. "Mari, spaghetti yan, hindi yan pang-kids na party lang."

Mari giggled, then nudged Sarang. "Kaso si Sarang lang talaga ang cute dito kaya bagay ang spaghetti. Diba, baby girl?"

Sarang giggled, her face lighting up as she took a big bite of her food. "Ang sarap! More, please!"

As the laughter continued, Katarina leaned toward me, whispering just loud enough for me to hear. "Thanks for today, Francis. Sobrang salamat talaga." Her eyes met mine, and I could see a mixture of gratitude and exhaustion.