Cairo lazily opened his eyes, greeted by the sight of his room's ceiling. As he leaned over, the time on the small clock came into view, indicating that it was nearly seven o'clock in the evening. It felt as though he had only just collapsed onto his bed after returning from the hospital.
Instead of Carlos Velasco, it was Mino, his trusted brother, who came to pick them up from the hospital along with their mother. Sitting silently in the car, Cairo listened as his mom and Mino engaged in cheerful conversation. However, he disliked it when their discussion shifted towards work.
The situation Cairo was trying to avoid felt like a ball thrown against a wall, only to bounce back. Mino had recently returned from Cebu after attending a company seminar. Cairo had no other option but to close his weary eyes. Although his body was exhausted, sleep seemed to elude him, which was something he truly detested.
He rose from his bed sluggishly, feeling the pangs of hunger. Perhaps his lack of strength was due to not having eaten yet. Unexpectedly, his head collided with an object, causing a momentary dimming of his vision and a wave of dizziness. However, these sensations quickly subsided.
He approached the door and stepped outside. As he descended the stairs, he realized it was the perfect time for a meal. Driven by his hunger, he had no alternative but to join his parents. Engrossed in his need for sustenance, he remained silent throughout the meal.
Cairo avoided making eye contact with his father, fully aware of the reason for his delayed arrival. His brother Mino had informed him that their father had been caught up in a lengthy business meeting. Although Cairo understood that Carlo Velasco was an incredibly busy man, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment.
As Carlos poured water into his glass, he noticed Cairo's unusual quietness. Concerned, he addressed his son, "Are you okay, Cairo? I hope you're not feeling traumatized." Carlos' words were tinged with criticism, as if questioning Cairo's state of mind.
While Cairo's gaze avoided direct contact, he sensed his mother and Mino fixating their eyes on him. It almost felt like they were anticipating his words, expecting him to chime in. The silence enveloping Cairo made him the odd one out amidst their ongoing conversation. The banal exchange unnerved him, leaving a sense of disgust in his mind.
Cairo nodded in agreement. "Yes."
Carlos nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders. "That's good to hear. Do you happen to know the person you unintentionally collided with?"
Cairo's grip loosened, causing the table knife to slip from his fingers and clatter onto his plate. "Collided? It was more than a bump, Dad. It was an accident, right?"
"I'm not seeking your opinion, young man. I want to know if you are acquainted with the individual whom you displayed rudeness towards. And how did you feel afterwards? Your actions left a lasting impact on a nine-year-old boy, a trauma that remains with him."
Cairo's hands trembled as he anxiously wondered about the child's well-being. He desperately wanted to know who was taking care of the boy and whether he had been injured. These questions swirled in his mind, but fear held his voice captive, making it impossible for him to speak. Cairo felt a sense of alarm and terror gripping him.
"I think it's best if we end the conversation for now, my dear," Cecilia said gently. "Or perhaps we can discuss this after we finish our dinner."
However, despite Cairo's bowed posture, Carlos persisted in observing him intently. Concern furrowed Carlos' brow as he noted Cairo's pale complexion. "Cairo, there's more at stake than you realize. Being involved in a reckless driving incident with the son of former Mandaluyong mayor Edward Lagdameo is not an ordinary matter," Carlos expressed with a tinge of worry.
Maintaining his composure, Cairo responded calmly, "What difference does it make if it's Lagdameo's son?"
"You underestimate the power of former mayor Lagdameo. He is known for using his wealth and resorting to unethical means to bring down his adversaries," Carlos revealed with a sense of concern. "I had a conversation with him, and to my surprise, he refused any compensation for the car damage and the hospital expenses of his son and their driver, who suffered an injury similar to Tristan's broken hand."
Cairo's appetite faded away completely, and both he and Mino ceased eating. Cairo locked eyes with Mino, unable to find words to express his thoughts. He glanced at Mino's plate, which still held untouched food. "Do you think Lagdameo is capable of tracking our whereabouts?" Cairo finally questioned, his voice tinged with apprehension.
Carlos agreed, acknowledging that it was indeed possible for someone like Lagdameo to have ulterior motives. With a curious expression, he turned his attention towards Cairo's mom as she lowered her voice, indicating that she had something important to share.
Carlos acknowledged the possibility. "It's possible. We cannot fully comprehend the thoughts of others, particularly someone like Lagdameo, with their significant history of misconduct."
"Son," Mom whispered. "Do you still recall the surprise I alluded to earlier at the hospital?"
Cairo affirmed. His mom abruptly shifted the conversation, perhaps indicating a desire to change the subject. "And I believe this is it?"
His mom shook her head. "I... I just..."
"Mom booked a flight for you yesterday," Mino interjected.
“A flight?”
His mom nodded, and there was a palpable silence from his Dad. Cairo felt a surge of resentment towards him.
"I'm not surprised. It's just another way of wasting money. How many opportunities have I turned down? I have no desire to study abroad," Cairo expressed, getting up from his seat. It seemed like the whole conversation revolved around him. Was he the main course being discussed on that table? It felt like he was stuck in a loop, repeating the same scene over and over again. "Why don't you offer this opportunity to Mino? I'm sure he'd be thrilled," Cairo deliberately raised his voice, trying to make his point clear.
"Cairo, please try to speak in a respectful tone. There's no need to raise your voice in front of our parents," Mino said, his fists tightly clenched on his lap. "Sometimes I forget that you're the one who often gives Mom and Dad a hard time."
He chuckled, his laughter filling the room. "You're definitely the golden child in Mom and Dad's eyes. It's no surprise. But hey, don't forget to take some time for yourself, Bro. You're always so focused on impressing the neighbors and gaining Dad's approval. It's like you've completely forgotten about your social life. I bet one day you'll even be the boyfriend a boyfriend all all want."
"You... you..." Mino abruptly stood up, his anger bubbling to the surface as he took a step towards Cairo. However, their father quickly intervened, blocking his path. "Enough! You seem bent on tarnishing our family's reputation and have no understanding of hard work," their father scolded. Mino clenched his teeth in frustration as his father kept him from approaching Cairo.
"I consider myself a decent person, Cairo. I am nothing like you, using women just to validate your masculinity. Your understanding of manhood is archaic. You..."
Cecilia interrupted, pleading for peace. "Please... Cairo and Mino, there's no need for such hurtful words."
Mino took a deep breath, his frustration evident. "I apologize, Mommy." He shot a piercing glance at Cairo before turning away and walking off.
Cairo, too, turned his back and began walking away, his pace slow and deliberate.
"Cairo, this argument won't result in you going abroad," Cecilia called after her son, chasing him.
Cairo came to a halt, sensing his mother had more to say.
"We have made a decision to send you to my hometown. You can stay there for around a month, or less, depending on your preference."
"What a ridiculous idea. How am I supposed to combat the dullness? And let's not forget, I don't feel connected to your side of the family, Mom, or even Dad's side."
"Watch your language, Cairo," Carlos cautioned sternly.
"South Cotabato is a wonderful destination. Your grandparents will be thrilled to see you, Cairo. The last time they had the chance was when you were merely ten years old."
"But what if I don't have the desire to go?"
"Please, Cairo. I don't want a repeat of what happened with you and Tristan. Right now, I am pleading with you to listen to me. I understand that rural life may seem uncomplicated, but trust me, you'll gain valuable experiences and knowledge."
Cairo shook his head defiantly. "And what if I simply don't want to go?"
"You mentioned before that you aren't familiar with my relatives in the province, and this trip could be an opportunity for you to get acquainted with them and experience their way of life."
Cairo smirked. "Are you planning to uproot me from the world I'm familiar with? Is this about my past mistakes and an attempt to shelter me from people you deem as negative influences?"
His mother remained silent, her sorrow expressed through a heavy sigh. Tears streamed down her face. "I'll consider it, but on one condition—I want you to temporarily put your college education on hold. And once you return home, I expect an increase in your weekly allowance." With these words, he resumed his journey up the stairs, a smile forming on his lips.