3pm at NAIA terminal airport.
The hustle and bustle of travelers can be heard in the background. Brina stands near the departure gate, her luggage beside her, lost in thought. The announcement echoes through the terminal, but she barely registers it as her mind drifts back to the events of Axel's birthday last Saturday.
" just can’t believe she would say that… in front of everyone." Brina muttering to herself as she remembers what Miya said to her last Saturday night.
Her phone rings, pulling her from her thoughts.
She glances at the screen and answers.
It was her mother.
"Nak! Kamusta ka diyan?"
Brina forcing her smile. "Okay lang, nay! I’m at the airport now. Just about to board."
Her mother's voice filled with warmth. "Oh, I’m so proud of you! Alam kong kinakabahan ka ngayon, pero kailangan mong harapin lahat ng iyan para sa mga pangarap mo. Pasensya din kung Hindi ka namin naihatid ng tita mo ha."
Brina sighed. " Okay lang, nay. Alam ko naman na dimo kayang bumyahe ng malayuan." Binangonan rizal pa nakatira sina Brina at ng mama niya, at may isang oras mahigit din ang byahe mula roon papuntang NAIA. Hindi sanay sa byahe ang nanay nito dahil mabilis mahilo. "It’s just… nong birthday kasinni Axel… Miya’s words still sting, you know? I didn’t expect to be insulted like that." Maya mayang dugtong niya.
" Anubayan, huwag mo ngang isipin yon. Forget about her. What she said doesn’t define who you are or what you do. You're going to do great things!"
Saglit na natahimik si Brina. "I hope so. I just keep thinking about what she said… about being a maid."
"Makinig ka nga. The people you’ll be working for in Japan are good people. They will respect you. And speaking as a former maid myself? You are providing a service that enables families to thrive. That’s important work!" Pagdidiin ng nanay nito sa kaniya.
Brina nodded, even though her mother can’t see. " Yeah ... I just… want to start fresh."
"Kaya nga! Speaking of which, I wanted to let you know that your aunt's friend Hiromi will be at the airport in Japan to pick you up. You won’t be alone, I promise!"
Brina smiled slightly. "Salamat, nay. That makes me feel much better."
An announcement over the PA system interrupts them momentarily.
"See! That’s just the airport reminding you to board. You're on your way, my dear!" Masiglang sambit ng kaniyang nanay.
" Right! I have to go. Thank you so much for calling. I really needed to hear your voice." She said with renewed determination.
" I’m always here for you. Just remember, don’t let a moment define your journey. Go out there and shine!"
" I will. Love you, nay!" She said qith a smile.
"Love you too, nak. Mag- iingat ka "
Brina ends the call and looks at the departure gate. With a deep breath, she picks up her luggage and heads towards the gate, feeling a little lighter.
" New beginnings. Here I come." She said to herself.
She steps through the gate, leaving behind the sting of the past and embracing her future.
BINABASA MO ANG
The Maid's secret
Romance"The Maid's Secret" Brina, a young woman in her early twenties, has been struggling to find her footing in a competitive job market. All she wants is to make her family proud and secure a stable future, so when her aunt's friend, a woman named Hirom...
