Chapter 6

Chapter VI: Quinasayaat 

The soft rays of the morning sun seep through the windows of the De Vera residence. The scent of something savory wafts into the air, stirring Christine from her sleep."Ben," she murmurs, nudging her husband awake."Amoy pagkain." Benigno yawns and stretches."Baka si Isko," he replies, a small smile forming on his lips. The couple heads to the kitchen, curious to see what's cooking. They are greeted by the sight of Isko standing by the stove, carefully plating dishes."Magandang umaga po," Isko greets them with a bright smile. Christine's eyes widen as she sees what he's prepared—longganisa, eggs, tomatoes with bagoong, and steaming rice. A typical Ilocano breakfast spread."Isko, ikaw ang nagluto nito?" Christine asks, her voice tinged with surprise."Opo," Isko replies, a bit shy."Gusto ko lang pong magpasalamat sa lahat ng kabutihan niyo sa akin. Sana po nagustuhan niyo." Benigno pats Isko on the shoulder."Iho, hindi mo kailangang gawin ito. Pero salamat. Mukhang masarap." The three of them sit down to eat, sharing a peaceful meal filled with light conversation and occasional laughter. For the first time in a long while, the house feels alive. As the morning rolls on, Christine turns to Isko."Anak, may gusto kang gawin? Manood ka ng TV. May mga pelikula kaming naka-save diyan." Isko shakes his head, a gentle smile on his face."Salamat po, Ma'am. Pero mas gusto ko pong tumulong dito sa bahay. Ano po ang pwedeng gawin?" Christine chuckles softly."Ikaw na yata ang pinakamasipag na bata na nakilala ko." He begins tidying up the living room, dusting the furniture and arranging books neatly on the shelves. When Christine attempts to join him, Isko gently insists,"Ma'am, magpahinga na lang po kayo. Ako na po dito." By lunchtime, Isko has already helped Christine prepare pinakbet and grilled fish. While they cook together, Christine watches him closely, her heart swelling with pride."Ang bait mo naman, Isko," Christine says, her voice soft."Hindi mo na kailangang gawin lahat ng ito, pero ginagawa mo pa rin. Bakit?" Isko pauses, thinking."Kasi po, Ma'am, nung wala pa akong tahanan, palagi kong pinapangarap ang ganito. Isang pamilya. Kaya po, gusto ko pong maging mabuting anak para sa inyo." Christine's eyes well up with tears. She doesn't say anything but pulls Isko into a gentle hug. By the time Benigno returns from a quick errand in town, the house is spotless, and the table is set for lunch."Ano bang meron at parang fiesta dito?" he teases, eyeing the spread of food and the sparkling clean house."Si Isko ang dahilan," Christine says, smiling proudly."Ang sipag mo." Benigno ruffles Isko's hair affectionately."Ang swerte naman namin sa'yo." As they sit down for another meal together, the warmth of their newfound bond grows stronger. For the first time in a long while, Christine and Benigno feel whole again, and Isko feels like he truly belongs. The clock strikes three in the afternoon, and Christine grabs her bag, ready to run some errands."Ma'am, sasama po ako," Isko says, standing by the door with a determined look. Christine tilts her head."Hindi mo na kailangang sumama, anak. Kaya ko na ito.""Hindi po, Ma'am. Gusto kong tulungan kayo," he insists. Christine smiles and nods, her heart warmed by his sincerity."Sige, tara na." The two head to the Vigan Public Market, the vibrant hustle and bustle of vendors and shoppers filling the air. Christine weaves through the crowd, her list in hand, while Isko stays close, carrying the bags and helping her choose the best produce."Manang, sagmamano kadi ti maysa kilo ti kamatis?" (Manang, magkano po ang kilo ng kamatis?) Isko asks one of the vendors, his tone polite and respectful."Thirty pesos, nakkong," the vendor replies with a smile."Gumatang kami man ti dua-kilo" (Pabili po ng dalawang kilo) he says, handing over the money. Christine watches as Isko speaks with the vendors, his demeanor calm and friendly."Ang bait mo talaga, Iho," she comments."Dapat lang po, Ma'am. Natutunan ko po yan sa inyo," Isko replies, a shy smile on his face. Christine looks away and raises an eyebrow almost shocked though, but brushes it off. They continue their shopping, filling their bags with native delicacies like tinubong, bagnet, and longganisa, as well as fruits and vegetables. Christine marvels at how Isko manages to keep up, never complaining despite the heavy bags. After finishing at the market, they head to Puregold Vigan for the rest of their groceries. Isko insists on pushing the cart and helps Christine check the items off her list."Iho, ang sipag mo talaga. Napakadali ng buhay ko dahil sa'yo," Christine says, smiling as they line up at the cashier."Gusto ko lang po kayong mapasaya, Ma'am" Isko replies simply. As they step out of the store and head back toward the market for a few last-minute items, a woman rushes past them, her purse slipping from her grasp."Ma'am! Aguray ka pay!" (Ma'am! Sandali po!) Isko calls out, picking up the purse from the ground. The woman, startled, turns around. Isko runs toward her and hands the purse back."Naregreg yu daytoy" (Nahulog niyo po ito) The woman's face lights up with gratitude."Ayy, Agyamanak nakkong. Nagsingpet ka nga ubing" (Salamat, iho. Napakabuti mong bata) Christine watches the exchange with pride, tears brimming in her eyes. By the time they return home, the sun is setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. Benigno greets them at the door."Marami ba kayong nabili?" he asks, glancing at the overflowing bags. Christine chuckles."Oo, kaya wag ka nang mag-alala sa kakainin natin ngayong linggo." As she starts unpacking, Benigno rolls up his sleeves."Ako na ang bahala sa hapunan ngayong gabi.""Pa, ako na po ang magluluto," Isko interjects, already pulling out ingredients from the bags. Benigno looks at him, amused."Sigurado ka, anak? Baka pagod ka na.""Hindi po, Sir. Gusto ko pong makabawi sa inyo," Isko replies with determination. Benigno nods, stepping back."Sige, ikaw ang bahala." The aroma of garlic and onions sizzling in the pan soon fills the house as Isko prepares a hearty meal of pork sinigang and crispy bagnet. Christine and Benigno sit at the dining table, watching in awe as Isko moves around the kitchen with ease. When dinner is finally served, the couple can't stop praising him."Ang sarap nito, anak," Christine says, her face beaming."Talagang hindi kami nagkamali sa pagtanggap sa'yo," Benigno adds, giving Isko a proud smile. Isko bows his head, a bit shy."Salamat po, Ma'am, Sir. Masaya po akong mapasaya kayo." As they enjoy their meal, the De Vera household feels more like a home than ever, filled with warmth, laughter, and love.