Chapter 21: Homecoming

**Jasmin Selene's POV**

"Stop here, sir. Here's the payment," I said as I got off the tricycle.

I came home to our province because I'll be attending the wedding of my friend, Grace.

I wasn't planning on going home, but she threatened me, saying she wouldn't talk to me until she died and that she'd haunt me.

So, I had no choice but to set aside my work and come back. It's fine, though, since it's been two years since I last came home due to being too busy with my studies and job.

Besides, I always remember my mother whenever I come home. She passed away three years ago because of a severe illness. As for my father, he's been gone for about six years now. He died when we were still living on the island after drowning.

He was a fisherman, and while he was out at sea, the waves suddenly grew larger, and his boat capsized. Two years after his death, we moved here to Quezon Province, where my mother was born, and we've lived here ever since.

I slung my bag over both shoulders and began walking the path toward home.

Our place is called Sitio Marikit. Tricycles can't go all the way inside because the road is narrow, and there's a river you have to cross before reaching our sitio.

Our area is quite mountainous and secluded. Coconut farming is the main livelihood here because of the abundance of coconut trees.

But according to Grace, they've started making handicrafts, like lampshades made from coconut shells and other items. They only began last year after they saved enough money for capital.

I'm happy to hear that the people here are gradually improving their lives.

"Jassy, is that you?" I turned to see an elderly man I had crossed paths with.

He took off his hat made of anahaw leaves.

"Uncle Isko?" I exclaimed as I recognized him. "You haven't changed—you're still pulling a carabao around," I added, making him laugh.

"Of course! This is Lakas's child now," he said.

"Wow! Your herd has grown again," I said cheerfully.

Lakas was the name of his carabao that I used to ride when I was a child.

"Not really... I had Lakas slaughtered during Bebang's and my anniversary," he said with a laugh.

I smiled awkwardly. Poor Lakas.

"Did you come home for Grace's wedding?" he asked.

"Yes! You know Grace—she'd curse me if I didn't come home."

"It's good you came back; it's been a while since you've visited or even dropped by."

I sighed and smiled. "Yeah, I've been so busy with school."

"I see. Well, I'll go ahead. We might end up chatting too long," he said as he pulled his carabao away.

I continued walking.

I was about to cross the hanging bridge. Below it was a river with shallow water, where many kids were swimming and playing.

The bridge's cables are now made of steel. When I left, they were just ropes, and crossing it was scary.

This place has changed so much.

I kept walking until I reached our sitio.

"Good day, Auntie Cora," I greeted Grace's mother when I arrived.

She stopped sweeping her yard and looked at me.

"Jassy?"

I smiled at her.

Everyone here calls me Jassy, except for Grace, who calls me Jasmin.

She hugged me, and I hugged her back. "Why are you only coming home now, child?" she asked as she pulled away.

I scratched my head. "I've been busy with school," I replied. And that would be my answer to anyone else who'd ask why it took me so long to come home. Hehehe...

"Nay, they said to get the pig that—"

"Jasmin!!!" Grace screamed, running toward me and hugging me. We almost fell over, but her mom caught us.

"I knew my scare tactics would work! Hahaha," Grace said, laughing.

She let go of the hug and looked me over from head to toe.

"Turn around," she said, making me curious. But I did as she asked.

"Yieee... Perfect! I'm sure it'll fit you," she said.

I frowned at her.

"You'll be a bridesmaid at my wedding," she said excitedly, her smile not fading.

Wait, what?

A bridesmaid? Me?

I couldn't say no to her and just agreed to her request. I was sure she'd sulk and get dramatic if I refused.

We talked about the times we hadn't seen each other and how she found "the one." I couldn't believe it because she used to say she'd never marry a foreigner, claiming many of them don't bathe. But now, she's marrying one. You really can't predict who you'll fall for and end up with.

After our long chat, I went to our house. Grace wanted me to stay at theirs, but I declined.

Our old house is a bit far from Grace's. I didn't know what state it was in since I hadn't been home in years. But Auntie Cora said they hadn't neglected it; they cleaned it three times a month. She said they even cleaned it yesterday because Grace told them I'd be coming home. Grace was so sure I'd come back.

Auntie Cora gave me the house key. I had left it with them when I moved to Manila.

I paused outside the house when I arrived. I looked at it from the outside. It's not big and is made of light materials—mostly wood and bamboo.

Auntie Cora said they had it repaired after a storm damaged it. The people in the sitio worked together to fix it.

Even though I left, they never forgot to take care of this house. I'm truly grateful for the kindness of the people living here. Even though life is hard, they never forget to help and support one another.