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After all, we are nothing more or less than we choose to reveal.
“Madam, your coffee,” Clara, Senator Risa’s legislative aide, murmurs softly, placing a cup of espresso in front of her. It’s not quite what Risa prefers, but it suffices. The rich, sharp taste fails to capture the perfection she once enjoyed. Despite visiting countless cafés, none manage to replicate that elusive blend.
Even she can’t explain why it remains out of reach. She has tried brewing it herself time and again, but it always feels off. Now, with her hectic schedule, she relies on others, leaving her collection of high-end kitchen gadgets to gather dust as mere ornaments in her unused kitchen.
She takes a sip, her attention shifting to the stack of papers before her. Her eyes skim through proposed infrastructure projects in Naga, evaluating potential risks and benefits. It’s not just about materials or locations—it’s about the people. Their welfare is paramount. Though she often questions herself, she understands the importance of serving the Filipino public flawlessly. Her love for the Republic fuels every action she takes.
Career remains her ultimate priority, above all else.
"We're here, Madam."
As the vehicle halts, she takes a deep breath, the calm air of Barangay Concepcion Pequeña enveloping her. The streets are lined with towering trees, smooth and clean pavement beneath her. Not a speck of trash disrupts the charm of the place, which seems untouched by time—Naga holds a special place in her heart.
Her memories of this city remain unchanged.
Before reaching the steps of city hall, Mayor Fernando Dominguez awaits her, a familiar face in these parts, rumored to run for his final term in office come 2025.
“Senator Risa!” he calls, arms wide in a welcoming gesture. Cameras flash, capturing the moment from every angle.
“It’s always a pleasure to see you, Mayor,” Risa replies with a smile, barely noticing his arm settling around her waist—purely friendly, their comfort with each other evident, unmarred by romantic undertones.
“Thank you for choosing Naga to host your outreach program,” he says, warmth in his voice.
“Naga has always felt like a second home to me,” Risa responds. “Of course, Iloilo still holds the top spot.”
“I know,” he laughs, leading her inside city hall, where media, officials, and staff follow closely. The buzz of activity surrounds them as people pause to greet her, some stopping for pictures, others exchanging pleasantries.
"Iba na talaga ang maganda," the mayor remarks with a chuckle.
She smiles, returning the laugh softly.
Inside city hall, Risa encounters a parade of officials—city council members, finance directors, inspectors, lawyers, and various staff. Each brief conversation centers around Naga’s future, the people’s needs, and upcoming development projects.
By the time their meeting concludes around 11:47 a.m., Senator Risa receives an invitation to lunch with the city’s public officials at Peñafrancia, one of the most renowned and elegant restaurants—a place she frequented even before her Senate days.
“Do you miss anything here in Naga?” the mayor asks, breaking her reverie.
She nods, her voice soft. “Everything. Naga remains untouched in the best way. It’s as beautiful as ever. And you… you’ve truly cared for this place and its people. I’m glad to see it.”
“It’s the people who inspire me,” he replies earnestly, his gaze locking with hers. “But tell me, does your nostalgia include… the harder memories?”
Risa’s heart skips a beat. A flood of memories surges—ones she has long tried to bury. Pain, grief, echoes of cries in the night. She bites her lip, words locked away, refusing to surface.
The mayor senses the shift in her mood, his grin widening. “No response is a response, I suppose.”
At Peñafrancia Restaurant, as Risa scans the surroundings, a thought strikes her: ako na lang pala ang hindi nakaka-usad. But she hasn’t come to Naga to relive old pain—she's here for work. Yet, the unexpected emotions unsettle her. Despite her efforts to suppress them, memories from this very restaurant invade her thoughts.
For Pete’s sake, she’s here to eat, not to relapse.
Taking a deep breath, she composes herself and orders her usual—Creamy Tuscan Shrimp. As she excuses herself to the restroom, she catches a glimpse of her reflection. Instinctively, she smooths her hair, brushing away any hint of unease.
In the restroom, she squeezes green liquid soap into her hands, washing her milk-white skin under warm water. After drying her hands, she studies her reflection, adjusting her medium-length brunette hair, the green floral dress peeking from beneath her black coat.
Lost in self-assessment, she barely notices when the door to the last cubicle creaks open, revealing another woman. As their eyes meet in the mirror, Risa’s breath catches, frozen in the moment.
Leni.
*** Please tell me if I have included any incorrect information regarding Naga City. And please note that this is all from my imagination and does not exist in real life. Thank you so much!
