Ranti didn't budge.
"Mom ..."
"What do you want to do with that child?"
"I ... I don't want to abort it, Mom. I love Jordi so much and this is my child with Jordi."
"But, Jordi is no longer here, Alice. You are not married yet either. How do you deal with other people's scorn? This child will be called an illegitimate child."
Alice took a deep breath.
"Mom, please support Alice. Alice knows she was wrong. But ..."
"Mom will support you, Al. You are my only child. But the problem is ... you are pregnant out of wedlock and Jordi is already dead. We are still struggling to make ends meet. How can we add another child to this family?"
"I believe we can, Mom. As long as you support me."
Ranti cried while holding her only child's hand.
"We can't stay here, Mom. The neighbors often gossip, and I don't think you can bear to hear what they all say."
"So, what are you going to do, Al?"
"Uhm ... Al's boss."
"What's wrong with your boss?"