What if the saints of old walked among us today-would we honor their triumphs, or whisper about their secrets?
Zarinna knows the weight of hidden truths. Once devoted, now marked by choices she cannot undo, she carries shame like a shadow she cannot...
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RAYS of sunlight kissed Zarinna's face as she stepped down from the jeepney. The news she carried for her mother filled her heart with both joy and sorrow. Besao was hours away from home, and the distance would make their visits rare. The thought of leaving her mother behind dimmed the light of her excitement—but she could not remain without work forever.
After walking a few meters, the familiar outline of the cottage appeared before her. She smiled softly. How she missed this place. She could already imagine how deeply she would ache for it once she moved to Besao.
Ever since she passed her licensure exam, Zarinna had been sending out applications to public schools in the city. Yet each one required something she didn't have—years of experience.
She inhaled deeply and opened the door.
Dinah Bunhiyan's gaze immediately turned toward the entrance, her lips curving into a tender smile as she saw her daughter.
"Hi, Mamma."
"Hello, my dear." Her mother stood, her eyes lighting up. "You didn't tell me you were visiting today."
Zarinna smiled and sank onto the couch, gently tugging her mother to sit beside her. Their gazes met, warmth flickering between them like candlelight.
"So," Dinah began, "how have you been? You haven't called me all week."
Zarinna offered an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Mamma." She bit her lip, tempted to pour out everything that had happened in the past days. But shame pressed against her chest, sealing her lips. What she had done would shatter her mother's heart. "I've just been... so busy."
Dinah nodded, her voice soft. "So, how are you, child?"
Zarinna drew a slow breath, forcing a smile. "Mamma, I have news."
Dinah's brows arched in curiosity. "What is it, child?"
"I—" Zarinna bit her lip again, barely containing her excitement. "Mamma, I just got my first teaching job!"
Dinah gasped, joy bursting across her face. "Oh, congratulations, dear!" she exclaimed, clasping her daughter's hands. "Which school?"
For a moment, Zarinna couldn't speak. How will I tell her?
"Besao National High School, Mamma."
The smile faded from Dinah's face, replaced by a look of confusion. "Besao? You mean Besao, Mountain Province, Rinna?"
"B-but..." Her mother's voice faltered. "Besao is hours away from here! How is that going to work?"
Zarinna lowered her gaze, her tone calm and careful. "When I went to Mountain Province last month to apply, I spoke to Uncle Dennis. He said they had an extra room in their house—one that isn't being used—and that I could stay with them."
