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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"KAANAKAN!"
Zarinna turned, her gaze searching for the source of the deep voice. When her eyes found him, a wave of recognition swept through her — the familiar features of her uncle filled her vision.
"Uncle!" she called out.
The man gave her a firm, half-smiling nod before reaching for one of her bags.
"Good thing you've arrived safely. How was the trip?" Dennis Tawwaki asked as he started toward the car, motioning for her to follow.
"Ah, it was fine, Uncle. I slept most of the way, so I guess it was a comfortable trip," Zarinna replied, slightly out of breath as she kept pace. Her uncle's lean frame and brisk steps gave away his strength — no wonder he walks so fast.
"Oh, that's good. At least you were able to rest," Dennis remarked as he loaded her luggage into the trunk. "Wait here, I'll get the rest of your bags."
Zarinna nodded and placed the ones she carried beside the others. Exhaling, she leaned against the van and lifted her face to the soft mountain air.
"Oh, so this is Kin-iway... it's beautiful," she whispered, her eyes scanning the view. Excitement stirred in her chest — she hadn't really seen much of the place when she'd first come to apply for the job. Now, standing in its calm embrace, she couldn't help but admire the peace that seemed to linger in the very air.
"Come on, Zarinna. Get in," her uncle called, snapping her out of thought. She quickly climbed into the van.
"We're heading to Agawa — that's where we live," Dennis explained as he started the engine. "You can take a tricycle or a jeepney to the high school. It's about ten to fifteen minutes away."
"Thank you, Uncle. I'll keep that in mind," she said.
"Casey goes to that school too, so at least you'll have company every morning."
"Oh really? She's in high school now? Wow, the last time I saw her she was only in third grade," Zarinna said, smiling at the memory.
"Yup, she's in eighth grade now," Dennis replied, steering the van smoothly onto the road.
"Well, that's good. At least I can check on her from time to time."
"Yes, you're right, Kaanakan," Dennis said with a small nod. "So... this is your first teaching job, right?"
"Yes, Uncle, it is," Zarinna answered with a proud smile.
"Well then, good luck, Kaanakan. I hope you enjoy it here in Besao."
"Thank you, Uncle. I have a strong feeling I will."
Dennis smiled briefly before turning his eyes back to the road. Zarinna leaned against the window, warmth blooming in her chest. Her uncle looked stern, but her mother had always told her he was a kind man. Gratitude filled her heart — how gracious of them to let me stay with their family.
