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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"ZARINNA," she heard a faint voice, "Zarinna, wake up. We've already arrived."
Zarinna's eyes flickered open, her consciousness returning as Gina's voice reached her. In an instant, she jolted upright, gazing through the window as realization struck—they were back in Kin-iway.
"I'm sorry," she yawned, stretching her back. "Let's go." Her eyes scanned the bus. "By the way, where's Sis Lauren?"
"Ah, she already went home. Her father came to fetch her. She just left like two minutes ago," Gina said, taking her bag in hand as she stood.
"I see," Zarinna replied, rising to her feet and yawning once more as she reached for her bag.
"You seem really, really tired, Zarinna," Gina remarked with a smile as they made their way down the bus.
"Yeah," Zarinna sighed. "It's been really exhausting these past few days, but..."
"But?"
"I loved it."
A smile spread across Gina's face at her response. "I'm sure you did. This was your very first mission trip, right?"
"Yeah," Zarinna nodded. "Ever since that camping trip—which I literally sucked at—I thought this mission trip would have the same effect. Turns out, it didn't."
Gina chuckled. "Well, you may not be great outdoors, but when you enjoy serving God, I believe that part gets overshadowed."
Zarinna nodded in agreement. "That's really profound." She lightly slapped Gina's arm. "Who knew I had a philosopher of a best friend?"
"Oh, come on!" Gina teased. "You know I hate Social Studies stuff."
"Oh?" Zarinna remarked sarcastically.
"Ladies!" Jake's voice reached them. "Dad's already here. Let's get in the car. Pastor Nestor and David will use the motorcycle."
"Okay!" Gina replied, hurrying to follow him.
"By the way, what time is it already?" Zarinna asked.
Gina checked her watch. "Exactly 10:20 pm. We'll probably reach the church by 10:40."
"Ahy," Zarinna exhaled. "We have to get as much sleep as possible tonight. Tomorrow's the last day of the semestral break."
"Ugh," Gina groaned, opening the car door. "I know, right? One-week vacations go by so fast for us DepEd teachers."
The two chatted as the car moved along. After a few minutes, the church gate came into view. David's motorcycle was already parked on the church lawn, and light glowed brightly through the windows.
"Mama's already done cooking," Jake said. "We should get in and have some dinner."
"Wow, really?" Zarinna's stomach growled at the mention of food. "Great, because I'm seriously starving right now."
