Jay‑jay
Forgiveness emptied me out more than anger ever did.
So when Tita Gemma texted —
"Anak, you haven't been home since you got back. The boys are all here. Come before the food gets cold."
—I didn't argue.
The taxi ride through Manila was the same blur of noise and life as always.
When I reached the old house, I didn't even knock. The gate was half‑open, just like how we used to leave it before curfew.
Percy was the first face I saw.
He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, that half‑grin trying to hide how much he'd missed me.
"About time you showed up. London forgot your manners?"
"Forgive sixteen boys and suddenly the whole world wants me to be emotional," I teased back.
He laughed and pulled me into a tight hug. "We missed you, baby sister."
Inside, the house smelled like soy, garlic, coffee, and something I could only call home.
Angelo appeared from the hallway, grinning. "Jay‑jay Mariano, survivor of Section E. You deserve a medal."but without his usual seriousness
"I'll take your food instead," I said, swatting his arm.
From the kitchen, Tita Gemma called, "All of you, hush and sit down before dinner decides to get cold again."
We were halfway through setting the table when the front door creaked—and Aries walked in.
He looked the same but older around the eyes, the years of guilt still softening his smile.
"Heard my kid sister was back," he said quietly. "Didn't want to miss the chance to actually eat with her instead of argue."
I blinked back a rush of emotion. "Aries."
He opened his arms, and I stepped into them before I could think twice.
For a few seconds, everything felt simple again—no resentments, no broken trust, just family holding together by faith.
I missed you horoscope
Dinner was the kind of chaos only our family could manage—Percy teasing, Angelo laughing, Aries calming everyone down, Tita Gemma pretending not to smile but clearly proud.
Between bites, Aries glanced at me.
"How's the exchange program?"
"Almost over," I said. "It's been… complicated."
He nodded knowingly. "You ran into them."
"Yeah."
"And him."
I met his eyes, not denying it.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
"Getting there," I said. "I forgave them. Not him."
He reached across the table, squeezing my wrist. "That's already more peace than most people get. I'm proud of you, Jay."
Tita Gemma placed an extra serving on my plate. "Eat, anak. Healing works better when you're fed."
We all laughed, and for the first time in months, I did too without it hurting.
Later, Percy walked me out to the porch.
The sky glowed orange fading into soft blue. Down the hall, I could still hear Aries and Angelo arguing over dishes, just like when we were teenagers.
"Feels weird, doesn't it?" Percy said. "Being home again."
"Weird but good."
"You're heading back soon?"
"After the program."
He nodded, looking serious for once. "Aries said something smart earlier—shocking, I know."
"What?"
"He said he just wants his sister to stop carrying the weight of people who already broke under it."
I smiled faintly. "He'd make a decent therapist."
"Nah, just a brother who finally learned what losing you feels like."
When I left, Tita Gemma pressed a container into my hands. "For later," she said, eyes warm. "London Jay still eats like Manila Jay?"
"Sometimes."
She kissed my forehead. "Good. Don't lose her."
Behind me, Aries called softly, "Hey, Jay."
I turned.
"Proud of you," he said simply.
And somehow, that meant more than any apology ever could.
Jay‑jay
On the ride back to campus, I watched the lights fade behind me.
Home wasn't perfect, but it was waiting. It always had been.
And for the first time in years, I realized forgiveness didn't mean forgetting. Sometimes, it just meant coming back without fear.