The last thing I expect on a random Thursday morning is to see a message request from Tita Nida—a neighbor from my old hometown. The kind who posts Bible quotes and birthday collages on Facebook like it's a full-time job.
I almost ignore it. Until I read the first line:
"Hi Sam, I hope you don't mind. I sent some photos to Henry's parents. I think they deserved to know."
My breath catches. I tap the message open fully.
Attached are three photos.
Me at the barangay feeding program with Angelique.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfG5zI3SVA
Angelique in her school uniform, smiling shyly by a community garden.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hpKlBIpzG
A photo of me holding her hand while we cross the street.
All recently taken. All from a distance.
Tita Nida's follow-up message comes quickly.
"I didn't mean to overstep. But I just thought... maybe it's time they knew. They're good people, Sam. They don't deserve to be kept in the dark."
I didn't reply.
I just sit there in my office chair, phone clenched in my palm, heart thudding hard. The room is quiet. Stacy's not in yet. The city noise outside feels muffled somehow.
Did they really not know all this time?
I'd assumed they did. That they just didn't care. That Henry told them, and they chose silence.
But this?29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3oUyvIAda
This means he lied to them, too.
Later that week, the rumor hits—quiet but sharp like a broken shoelace tripping someone at full speed.
"He's been cut off."
That's what I hear from Jomar, the admin assistant who knows everything before it hits the group chat.
"Who?" I ask, pretending not to care.
"Henry," he says, eyes wide. "His parents found out he has a kid. Someone sent pictures. At first he denied it, but apparently they confronted him during a video call and he just froze."
I blink.
"What happened?"
"They stopped sending money. Told him to man up and start providing on his own. He stormed out of the café earlier, broke as hell."
There's a pause. Then Jomar adds:29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptdUcAWaj0
"Honestly? Good. Took him long enough to be punched by the universe."
I didn't gloat.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHo4BpHvEs
I didn't smile.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiqssTmWxE
I just... breathe.
Because I'm not the same girl he left sobbing in her bedroom, wondering how to raise a child alone.
I'm a mother. A manager. A woman who rebuilt her life with no handouts.
And Henry?29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbaAI73eR3
He's finally facing the weight he tried to throw on me.
That night, I pick up Angelique from daycare. She comes running, ponytail bouncing, arms outstretched.
"Mommy!" she squeals. "Guess what? I drew you today! In my drawing, you're flying like a superhero!"
I kneel down and hug her tight, heart full.
"Oh, baby," I whisper. "You have no idea how right you are."
29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zxTMAnAcU
