"Yes?" Riki glanced at Ina beside her in their little group; Jake included.
"..parang ang happy mo e...happier..."
"Hmm...mas masarap lang ang tulog ko lately*..." Riki replied with a smile (although Ina could not really see this because of Riki's face mask, cap, and face shield.
"And why is that? Di na tayo nakakapag-chika regularly..."
"We see each other naman here. And busy kayo ni Jake..." Riki said while glancing at Jake who was across her. "Diba lumipat ka na sa condo nya?"
"Mas malapit dito sa facility e. Besides, medyo nakatipid din kami kasi we now share in the gastos..."
"Hmm..."
"Teka, why are you curious?"
"Wala lang...naisip ko lang how each of us have been coping with our situation. Besides, mukhang matagal pa ma-lift itong quarantine..." Riki said.
"Oo nga e..." Ina sighed.
"Beb, Riki, kuha ko kayo ng merienda...may sandwiches at juice daw para sa volunteers..." Jake said after a while.
Riki looked up at Jake who was starting to stand from where he was seated. "Ah, ako nalang, thanks." Riki said as she immediately stood up.
"Beb? Sama ka nalang sa amin..." Jake invited Ina.
Ina looked up then said, "...kayo nalang..."
---
"Punch!" Niko said when he saw Riki and Jake approach the table where snacks were being distributed.
"Jake...si Niko...Niko, this is Jake, Ina's boyfriend..." Riki introduced the two men. Jake nodded his head toward Niko and Niko did the same.
"Punch?" Jake turned to Riki.
"Amin na yun, Pare..." Niko said.
"Ahh..."
"Pero wag kang maingay kay Ina, please..." Riki pleaded.
"Hmm...kelan pa kayo?"
"...a week and a half ago lang..." Niko replied.
"Ah...halos the same time lang na lumipat si Ina sa condo ko..."
"Ah, so sa yo nakatira yung Jowa mo?" Niko chatted with Jake while Riki went to the restroom.
