“And whose fault was that?” I cut her off.
“You trusted a man more than your own family. You sold my things. You lied about me. Now tell me, anak—why should I save you from a mess you created?”
Angelica broke down, shoulders shaking violently.
“I was stupid, Mama… sobra. I thought Eduardo was the answer to everything. Akala ko… akala ko mahal niya ako. Pero iniwan niya ako sa Dubai. Kinuha pati pera ko. I don’t even know where he is now.”
I felt a sting in my heart. Pain, pity, anger—everything mixed together.
“So now,” I said softly, “you only remember you have a mother?”
She looked up slowly, eyes red.
“Yes, Mama. Because ikaw lang ang mayroon ako.”
She covered her face and sobbed.
“I’m sorry. I’m really, really sorry.”
Before I could answer, someone knocked loudly on the door.
Three times.
Heavy. Urgent.
I stood up. Angelica froze.
“Mama… sino ’yan?”
