Mariely woke up to the sound of her cellphone ringing. Still half-asleep, she fumbled through her drawer, squinting at the bright screen. Using only one eye, she checked the caller ID.

She sighed and sat up, yawning before answering.

“Mom,” she greeted groggily. “Why, Mom?”

“When are you coming back here?” her mother asked immediately.

“Mom, I’ll come home as soon as I get my T.O.R.,” Mariely explained.

“And when will you get your T.O.R.?”

“Monday, Mom.”

“Alright. Just let us know once you have it so we can send money for your ticket.”

“Mom, I already texted you yesterday. I have enough money to come home,” she replied, trying—and failing—to hide her irritation.

“And don’t forget to eat, okay?”

“Okay, okay! Bye!”
Her mom was on a roll again. If she didn’t end the call now, the conversation would never end.

“Take care. Bye.”

Mariely sighed. Her mother always treated her like a child. Shaking her head, she got up. There was no point trying to go back to sleep now.

A few days later, she finally got her transcript of records and immediately booked a plane ticket. She wanted to surprise her family by coming home unannounced.

A small smile tugged at her lips as she packed her things. Once everything was ready, she headed to the airport, determined not to miss her flight.

She thought about all the long trips she’d taken just to finish her studies—the sacrifices, the exhaustion, the quiet moments of doubt. All of it felt worth it now that she had finally graduated. Still, she knew she’d miss the people who had become part of her life.

A new chapter was beginning.
She felt nervous… but excited.

The thought that she could finally help her family steadied her heart. Love might not have come into her life yet, but she was content—for now.

Her thoughts lulled her to sleep during the flight. She only woke up when the flight attendant announced they were about to land.

Mariely peeked out the window and smiled. The view hadn’t changed—still familiar, still comforting.

After deplaning, she headed to the bus terminal and later took a motorcycle ride, since their house was far from town.

Just as she was about to climb onto the motorcycle, she spotted her older brother.

He was smiling at her.

Mariely raised an eyebrow. How did he know I was coming? She hadn’t told anyone… right?

Her brother approached and ruffled her hair, chuckling.

“Oh? What’s so funny?” she asked, frowning.

“I’m just happy my little sister’s finally home.”

“Wait—how did you know I was coming today?”

“Oh, you don’t know?” He pulled out his phone and showed her a screenshot of her own Facebook status.

“I’ll read it to you,” he said, amused.
‘Going somewhere? My flight is today. I can’t wait to go home.’

Mariely facepalmed. She had completely forgotten about that post.

“Seriously?” Her brother laughed. “You forgot again?”

“Sorry! I was just excited,” she replied, still embarrassed.

She climbed into his car with her bags. He shook his head, smiling, before getting behind the wheel.

“Let me see your T.O.R.,” he teased as he drove.

“No way! You’re just going to laugh again.”

“Doesn’t matter. I’ll see it anyway,” he grinned.

Mariely rolled her eyes. He always knew how to get on her nerves—but somehow, it was comforting. She was grateful to have a brother like him. Smart, dependable, and—she admitted—kind of handsome. Sometimes, she even wondered if they were really related.

“We’re here,” he said with a grin.

Mariely spotted their house and jumped out with excitement, grabbing her things and rushing inside.

Her mother was in the kitchen, preparing food.

“Welcome home, child,” her mom said warmly.

“You shouldn’t have surprised us,” her father added with a laugh. “Now you’re the one who got surprised!”

Mariely scratched her head and smiled sheepishly.

“Marie!”

She turned toward the familiar voice and was instantly pulled into a hug.

“Nadia,” she said, caught off guard.

“I missed you!” Nadia exclaimed, finally pulling away.

“Come on, Nadia. I’m not a kid anymore,” Mariely laughed.

“You’ll always be a baby to me,” Nadia replied with a wink.

“You and my brother are the same,” Mariely muttered.

Just then, Gill entered the house.

“Come on, let’s eat,” their mom called.

Despite the simple celebration, Mariely’s heart felt full. She glanced at Gill and Nadia—together for years now. She had witnessed their ups and downs all throughout high school and college.

A soft smile formed on her lips.

Maybe forever did exist.

“So… when’s the wedding?” she asked suddenly.

Gill smirked. “When you pass the board exam.”

“What? Why does that depend on me?” she asked sarcastically.

Nadia laughed. “That’s the plan. Once you pass, we’ll make you a bridesmaid—so you better focus!”

“Wow. No pressure at all,” Mariely muttered.

“Ely,” her brother added teasingly, “no boyfriends yet. You still need to help take care of our baby.”

“You’re so annoying!” she huffed, frowning at him.

Their laughter filled the house—warm, familiar, and full of love.

Later that night, Mariely lay in bed, finally at rest. She missed this—her room, her pillows, even the scent of home.

There’s no place like home, she thought with a smile as sleep gently claimed her.