Nathan was in a rush to pick up his sister that afternoon. He was thankful their project was nearly finished—he desperately needed rest—and more than anything, he was worried about Mariely.

He had spoken to Nadia earlier and felt relieved knowing she had driven Mariely to school before heading to her hospital shift.

Damn that man, he muttered under his breath.

He checked his watch. Almost five.

“I need to go,” he said to a co-worker as he grabbed his things.

“Heading home already, Nathan?”

“Yeah.” He waved and hurried to the elevator, patting his pocket to make sure his car key was there.

He called Mariely several times, but she didn’t answer.

She must be busy, he reasoned, sending her a quick message before driving to the school.

When he arrived, students were just beginning to leave. Nathan sighed, thinking about what Mariely had shared with him before—about students fighting over things they barely understood.

Kids these days…

He checked the time again. Still early.

Closing his eyes for just a moment, he leaned back.

A knock on the window startled him awake.

Shoot. I fell asleep.

He rolled down the window and blinked.

“Hello, Brother,” Mariely greeted cheerfully.

He smiled, shaking off the grogginess. “Hey.”

As she placed her bag in the back seat, he asked, “Have you been waiting long?”

“No,” she chuckled. “I got your message. I figured you were tired.”

“I still don’t like anyone else picking you up,” he said lightly.

“Let’s just go home so you can rest,” she replied. “Nadia was worried about you.”

“You’re teasing me again,” Nathan laughed.

“Oh—your second review is tomorrow, right?” he asked.

Mariely nodded slowly. “Yes… I think. Saturdays only—or maybe it depends?”

Nathan laughed as they pulled into their street.

“I’ll open the gate,” she said, hopping out.

“Thanks, sis.”

Their mother greeted them inside. “You’re home early.”

“We finished the project ahead of schedule,” Nathan said, kissing both his parents’ hands. “So I picked Mariely up.”

“You both look tired,” their mother said gently. “Go rest. I’ll call you when dinner’s ready.”

Nathan didn’t argue. He went straight to his room.

When he woke up again, sunlight streamed through the window.

Shoot.

He rushed out of bed and looked around.

“El already left for the review center,” his father said calmly. “She didn’t want to wake you.”

Nathan sighed, scratching his head.

“Eat first,” his mother said. “You missed breakfast and lunch.”

“I should’ve woken up earlier,” he muttered.

“You needed the rest,” she replied softly.

His stomach growled in agreement.

*****

Mariely hadn’t asked Nathan for a ride. She couldn’t bring herself to wake him.

I got here safely, she reassured herself as she entered the review center.

Today was their diagnostic exam.

Professional Education again… why does this subject always make my head hurt?

The room wasn’t full yet. She quietly took a seat, scrolling through her phone while waiting.

More people arrived—future teachers like her, some chatting confidently in groups.

She swallowed.

Fight, Mariely.

When the test papers were handed out, her chest tightened.

Why does it feel like I forgot everything?

She stared at the questions.

Come on, brain. Don’t fail me now.

She sighed, massaging her temple.

How did I even graduate?

Ignoring her noisy thoughts, she answered slowly, forcing herself to focus. By the end of the day, her head throbbed.

She called Nathan.

“Brother, our review’s done. Can you pick me up?”

“El, can you wait a bit?” he replied. “Mom and I are still out buying equipment.”

“It’s okay,” she said. “I’ll wait at the convenience store.”

Later, she received another message.

It’ll take longer.

She called him again. “I’ll just commute home so you don’t have to rush.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Be careful. Text me once you’re on the jeep.”

She stepped outside—but every jeepney that passed was full.

Great.

She sighed. Maybe if I walk a bit farther…

A car suddenly pulled up beside her.

“Hey.”

Her heart jumped.

Kidnapping?!

She quickly blended into the crowd, not even looking at the driver. The car followed.

“I won’t hurt you,” a man said through the open window.

She frowned. The voice sounded familiar.

“Your brother’s not here yet?”

She hesitated, then shook her head.

“Come on. I’ll give you a ride. I know where you live. Your brother knows me.”

Her mind raced.

Should I trust him?

Better to get home than stay here alone.

Without a word, she opened the door and got in—eyes fixed straight ahead as she rolled the window up.