The early morning sun peeked through Gel's bedroom window, gently caressing her face. The surroundings were quiet—too quiet, in fact. After a few moments, a loud voice shattered the stillness.
"Sis! Damn it, are you still asleep?!"
The door burst open, and her best friend Kitty barged in, wielding a stuffed toy like a weapon.
"Angela Marie Adriano! Are you seriously not planning to get up?" she yelled, violently shaking her.
Gel flinched, still hugging her pillow tightly. "What the hell, Kitty! It's so early, and you're being so loud!" she groaned, her voice hoarse with sleep.
"Early? Your face! It's already eight o'clock! And if you don't want to get stuck in traffic, get up now!"
Gel abruptly sat up and stared at the clock in shock. "Huh? Eight o'clock?!"
Kitty could clearly see the panic on her friend's face, which made her grin. "Yes, madame! It's late! The cupcakes Manang baked for me are probably done by now!"
Gel didn't wait for Kitty to finish her rant. Like a whirlwind, she jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. As soon as Kitty heard the rush of water from the shower, she confidently left the room and headed to the kitchen, where Manang Soleng was preparing things.
Manang Soleng had been the Adriano family's housekeeper for as long as Gel could remember—her years of service were almost the same age as Gel. She had become a second mother to the siblings, especially to Gel. And her nurturing didn't stop there. Even Kitty had come to be like a daughter to her.
"Manang, I can already smell it! My favorite strawberry cupcakes!" Kitty greeted happily as she peeked at the tray of freshly baked cupcakes that had just come out of the oven.
Manang Soleng smiled and handed her one. "I knew you'd come early, so I baked ahead."
As Kitty watched the elderly woman work, memories came flooding back. Every time something special happened in her life, she was always here—in the Adriano home, with Gel and Manang Soleng. This was where she first felt the warmth of a family, something she never found in her own home.
A few moments later, Gel came downstairs, dressed and ready to go. "Manang, we're leaving now," she said after a quick breakfast.
"Alright, take care. I'll take care of the rest," the older woman replied, referring to the food they were bringing.
As they drove toward the mausoleum, Kitty was quiet. Every turn of the car seemed to bring her back to memories of the past. It had been two years since she started visiting on her birthday. And with each year, she became more certain that this was how she wanted to spend her day—not in parties or hotel rooms, but in the company of her mother's memory.
When they arrived at the mausoleum, Gel carefully placed the food on the table while Kitty spoke with the caretaker. Then, a familiar voice greeted her.
"Happy birthday."
Kitty turned and saw Darius, holding a cake and a bouquet of flowers. She smiled and accepted the gift. "Thank you, Darius."
"It's nothing," he replied. "Gel said this wouldn't be complete without a cake."
"Come on, join us," Kitty invited. She knew it was usually just her, Manang Soleng, and Manong Solomon who were present on this occasion. She preferred intimate celebrations, but this year seemed different.
Darius hesitated. "Uh, okay. But only if Lance comes too. So I'll have someone to talk to."
Kitty rolled her eyes. "Fine. But no teasing me today, okay?"
"Deal."
Unbeknownst to Kitty, Lance actually had no plans to tease her today. In fact, he was waiting for a text from his cousin Darius, eager to hear what was happening on Kitty's special day.
Every year since Lance developed feelings for Kitty, he prepared a gift for her. But all of them remained in his cabinet, hidden on the top shelf—not just to keep them from Darius, but because he never had the courage to give even one.
As deep as his feelings for Kitty were, so was his fear of rejection. He knew she had always seen him as a mortal enemy—he constantly teased and joked about her in front of their group. But the truth was, that was the only way he knew how to get her attention.
It only got worse when he overheard Kitty's ideal type from their classmates—responsible, quiet, a gentleman. Everything he was not. So he buried his feelings even deeper. It was easier to pretend than to be rejected.
Meanwhile, the annual visit to her mother began on her debut. Instead of celebrating with her father and stepmother, she chose to be with her late mother—a decision that further distanced her from her own family. But despite everything, she found people who stood by her—Gel, Gel's family, even Darius.
For hours, they shared stories and memories. The place was quiet, but every moment was filled with emotion. As Kitty offered a prayer, she gently touched her mother's gravestone.
"Ma, I hope you're doing okay up there. Thank you for everything. And I hope you're proud of me, even if I'm just like this."
After a few hours at the mausoleum, they decided to continue the celebration in Tagaytay. Darius whispered the idea of a birthday dinner, and Kitty didn't object. Aside from wanting to expand her world, she also wanted to let herself be happy—even for a while.
On the other hand, Lance couldn't hide his excitement upon hearing the plan. He even volunteered to pay for the dinner and planned to bring them to a bar afterward. Of course, Kitty and Gel had no idea—only Darius was in on it.
In Tagaytay, in a small restaurant with a view of the mountains and the city lights from cars heading downhill, they shared a joyful dinner. Amid the laughter, Lance couldn't help but glance at Kitty. Her laughter floated in the air like music on a contemplative night.
He touched the pocket of his jacket. The small box was still there, containing a necklace with the engraved letter of Kitty's name. He had prepared it two years ago. But like always, it stayed with him.
Then, Kitty looked at him and smiled. A simple smile—but enough to melt all his fears.
And that night, as she sipped hot bulalo broth, Kitty smiled. Her family may not be whole, but she was not alone.
In every laugh, in every quiet moment filled with understanding, she knew there were people willing to stand by her—on the day of her birth, and in the moments, she needed them most.