At Last, Him

Chapter 29: Just the Beginning

The soft rustle of leaves in Antipolo whispered promises of potential as I stepped onto the site. The sun played peekaboo with the clouds, casting warm, shifting light across the wide expanse of green. This was Kinspire Architects' first residential project, and I was here to make sure our vision for the space aligned with the clients' dreams. The couple beside me, their excitement palpable, pointed to where they imagined a terrace with sprawling views of the city and a garden where their grandchildren could someday play.

I nodded, listening intently as they spoke, jotting notes and sketching quick outlines in my notebook. It was just me today—my colleagues were back at the office, knee-deep in resort design details, so the responsibility of this visit was mine alone. But I didn't mind. Being out here, with fresh air and the possibility of transformation stretching before me, was exhilarating. It reminded me why I poured so much of myself into architecture: turning an idea into a place someone would call home.

As the sun began to dip, drenching the sky in shades of amber and pink, I took a moment alone. The clients had left, their trust placed in me and my team. The view from the edge of the property was stunning; the city below looked like a patchwork quilt, both chaotic and beautiful. The distant sound of wind chimes from a nearby house reached my ears, gentle and melodic. Ngumiti ako sa aking sarili, isang pambihirang sandali ng kapayapaan ang dumapo sa akin. We were growing, reaching beyond what I ever thought we could do at Kinspire. And I was here, in the middle of it, pushing forward.

Isang malamig na simoy ng hangin ang pumasok, dala ang amoy ng ulan. Bahagyang dumilim ang langit, senyales na oras na para bumalik. The day had been relentless. Ramdam ko ang sakit sa aking mga binti habang papunta ako sa kotse. The client had kept me busy, my mind racing with notes and adjustments for hours on end. I sighed, ready to drive back and call it a day when my phone buzzed in my pocket.

"Shan, I need a huge favor," Jaron's voice greeted me before I could even say hello. His tone was hurried, almost frantic.

"Jaron, what now?" I asked, already dreading the answer.

"I forgot to feed my fish. Nasa Batangas ako at hindi ako makakauwi mamayang gabi. Can you please go to my house in Taytay and do it for me?"

Halos napamura ako nang malakas. Ang huli kong gusto ay makipaglaban sa traffic para makarating sa Taytay Rizal. My exhaustion made me bristle. "Jaron, I'm dead tired, and the traffic at this hour is going to be horrendous—"

"Please, Shan," he cut in, softer this time. "I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. I promise I'll make it up to you. Big time."

May isang saglit na katahimikan. Pinisil ko ang aking mga daliri sa aking mga templo, ipinikit ang aking mga mata sandali. Sa kabila ng lahat, sa kabila ng mahabang araw at ang sakit sa aking mga buto, hindi ko siya matanggihan. "Sige," bulong ko, na naguguluhan na sa aking desisyon. "Pero may utang ka sa akin, Jaron. Malaki," biro ko.

His laugh was full of relief. "I know. You're the best."

The drive was everything I feared—bumper-to-bumper traffic, red brake lights stretching endlessly ahead of me. The sound of horns and engines filled the car, and I had to remind myself more than once to unclench my jaw. By the time I reached Jaron's house, the sky was streaked with deep purples and oranges. The living room was dim except for the soft, bluish glow of the aquarium. The fish glided through the water, their colors shifting with each ripple. Feeding them was quick, but I lingered for a moment, watching them move in peaceful silence. It was oddly soothing.

I made my way back to the firm, my body heavier with each step. Tahimik ang opisina nang binuksan ko ang pinto. Pero nang pumasok ako, may kakaiba. It wasn't the sterile quiet of an empty workspace, but a stillness charged with something I couldn't quite name.