WHEN LOVE RETURNS

CHAPTER 5

As the bus rolled to a stop at the Tuguegarao terminal, Erica's heart raced with a mixture of dread and disbelief. This is really happening. She stepped off the bus, the heat of the sun hitting her like a wave, and squinted at her new surroundings. Where are all the buildings?

The highways stretched wide before her, flanked by patches of green and the occasional cluster of homes far apart from one another. This place is like a ghost town. The stark contrast between the bustling streets of Bonifacio Global City and this remote place was jarring.

"Welcome to Tuguegarao!" Aunt Nena called out, standing on the opposite side of the road, waving enthusiastically. "I'm over here!"

Erica squinted, trying to see her aunt through the glare of the sun. "Where?"

"Over here!" Aunt Nena shouted, waving her arms like a traffic controller trying to direct an airplane.

Can't she just move a little closer? Erica thought, rolling her eyes. With a deep breath, she made her way toward her aunt, ready to cross the road.

Suddenly, a car whizzed past, barely missing her as she stepped onto the pavement. "Whoa!" she exclaimed, stumbling back. Did they not have pedestrian crossings here? I thought I was playing patintero with the angels of death!

"Be careful, Erica!" Aunt Nena yelled, rushing over with a look of horror on her face. "Those cars have a mind of their own!"

Great, I'm already dodging cars. This is just what I need. Erica couldn't help but chuckle nervously. "Thanks, Aunt Nena. I'll try to survive the road."

They climbed into the jeepney, and Erica glanced around, taking in the dusty roads and the sprawling fields that extended beyond the horizon. What am I even doing here? The jeepney rattled along the uneven road, and she couldn't help but feel every bump was a reminder of how far away she was from everything familiar.

"Look at those rice fields!" Aunt Nena pointed out, her enthusiasm a stark contrast to Erica's heavy heart. "They're so beautiful this time of year!"

Erica nodded absently, her mind elsewhere. Beautiful? More like endless stretches of nothing. The scenery was picturesque, but it only highlighted how different everything was. The distance between the houses felt vast, as if the town was designed for solitude rather than connection.

"I used to come out here to help my parents when I was younger," Aunt Nena continued, clearly reminiscing. "The air is so fresh, and you can just hear the sounds of nature."

The only sound I'm hearing is my own frustration. Erica thought, her eyes scanning the scenery without really seeing it. "Yeah, fresh air, that's great."

The jeepney took a turn down a narrow lane, and Erica caught glimpses of quaint houses with sprawling yards, each one more separated than the last. How does anyone live like this? A sudden wave of isolation washed over her. I'm not sure I can do this.

"It's nice and quiet here, huh?" Aunt Nena said, noticing Erica's distant expression.

"Quiet? I'd call it... lonely," Erica replied, her voice low. How did this happen? How did I get here?

"You'll get used to it," Aunt Nena said with a smile, but Erica could hear the uncertainty behind her words. "Tuguegarao has its own charm. You'll see."

Erica didn't respond. The jeepney bounced along the dirt road, and she just stared ahead. I'm stuck here, and I don't know if I'll ever feel at home again.

As they neared Aunt Nena's house, Erica's heart sank further. This place... it feels like a prison.

*****

As they drove deeper into Tuguegarao, Erica felt the air shift, cooler and more refreshing than the stuffy atmosphere of the city. Yet, it felt foreign, too. I don't belong here. She pressed her face against the window, watching the rural landscape blur by, the simplicity of life around her contrasting sharply with her former luxury.

After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at Aunt Nena's house, a modest structure surrounded by a small garden. It was cozy, but to Erica, it felt constricting, like a cage made of wood and paint. This is home now?

Aunt Nena stepped out; her smile still bright. "Let's get you settled in! You're going to love it here."

Erica forced a smile, her heart sinking. "Thanks, Aunt Nena." This is my new life?

Inside, the house was decorated with warm colors, but the atmosphere felt stifling. How can I adjust to this? The walls felt close, the air thick with the scent of something cooking in the kitchen, but it didn't evoke the comfort she craved.

"Dinner will be ready soon," Aunt Nena called from the kitchen, her voice full of excitement. "You'll love the local dishes! Fresh and delicious!"

"Sounds good," Erica replied, but her heart wasn't in it. What I wouldn't give for a steak right now.

As she wandered into her new room, Erica felt like a stranger in someone else's life. The reality of her situation sunk in deeper, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she was stuck in a nightmare. I just want to go home.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she pulled out her phone, but the signal was weak. Figures. Frustrated, she tossed it onto the bed. What am I supposed to do here?

Outside, the sounds of the town began to come alive—children laughing, vendors calling out, and the distant sounds of nature blending into a symphony she didn't yet appreciate. What if I'm stuck here forever?

"Erica?" Aunt Nena knocked gently on the door. "Do you want to help me in the kitchen?"

"Sure," she replied, attempting to sound eager. Maybe keeping busy will help.

As she joined her aunt, Erica couldn't shake the feeling that Tuguegarao was a world away from everything she had known. Can I really make a life here? With every step deeper into this new reality, the uncertainty loomed large, casting a shadow over her resolve.

As they moved around the kitchen, the scent of spices filled the air, making Erica's stomach rumble. "Aunt Nena, is there any steak for dinner?"

Aunt Nena burst into laughter, the sound bright and unexpected. "Steak? Oh, darling, there's no steak here! We eat meat, yes, but in local dishes."

Erica blinked, confusion knitting her brows together. "What do you mean? What kind of meat?"

"Well, we have chicken and pork, and some beef too, but mostly we use fresh ingredients from the farm," Aunt Nena explained, motioning toward a small garden outside the window. "And these are vegetables," she added, pointing at the colorful array on the kitchen table. "They're good for your health, darling!"

Vegetables? Erica thought, her face scrunching up slightly. Great, just what I need.

"Vegetables? What are those doing here?" she joked, trying to keep the mood light.

"You'll learn to love them!" Aunt Nena said, smiling warmly. "Trust me, you'll feel better and healthier."

Erica sighed but couldn't help a small smile at her aunt's enthusiasm. Guess I'll have to give it a try.