Mariely woke up only because her cellphone was ringing. Still half-asleep, she fumbled through her drawer, eyes squinting against the bright screen. Using just one eye, she checked the caller.
She sighed and sat up, yawning before answering.
"Mom," she greeted groggily. "Why, Mom?"
"When are you coming back here?" her mother asked right away.
"Mom, I'll come home as soon as I get my T.O.R.," she explained.
"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 the ticket."
"Mom, I already texted you yesterday. I have enough money to come home," she replied, trying 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 mom always treated her like a child. She shook her head and got up—no use trying to go back to sleep now.
A few days later, she finally got her transcript of records and immediately bought 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. After everything was ready, she headed to the airport, determined not to miss her flight.
She remembered the countless long trips she'd taken just to finish her studies. All the sacrifices and the challenges—all worth it, now that she had graduated. Still, she knew she'd miss the people who had become part of her life.
A new chapter was about to begin. She felt nervous… but excited. The thought that she could finally help her family kept her heart steady.
Love might not have come into her life yet, but she was content—for now.
Eventually, 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 as familiar and comforting as ever.
After deplaning, she made her way to the bus terminal and then took a motorcycle, as their house was far from town.
But just as she was about to hop on a 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: '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. Her brother shook his head with amusement and got behind the wheel.
"Let me see your T.O.R.," he teased while driving.
"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 in the most comforting way. She was thankful 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 with a warm smile.
"You shouldn't have surprised us. Now you're the one who got surprised!" Her father laughed.
Mariely scratched her head and greeted them with a sheepish grin.
"Marie!"
She turned toward the familiar voice and was immediately pulled into a hug by Nadia—her brother Gill's longtime girlfriend.
"Nadia," she said, caught off guard.
"I missed you!" Nadia said, pulling away from the hug.
"Come on, Nadia. I'm not a kid anymore," Mariely laughed.
"You're still a baby to me," Nadia replied with a wink.
"You and my brother are the same," she muttered.
Just then, Gill entered the house.
"Come on, let's eat," their mom called out.
Despite the small celebration, Mariely's heart was full. She looked at her brother and Nadia, who had been together for years. 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 said with playful sarcasm.
Nadia laughed. "That's the plan. Once you pass, we'll make you a bridesmaid. So you better focus!"
"Wow, no pressure at all," she muttered.
"Eily," her brother said teasingly. "No boyfriends yet. You still need to help take care of our baby."
"You're so annoying!" She huffed and frowned at him.
Their laughter echoed through the house. It was a joyful homecoming—one filled with love and teasing that only a close-knit family could offer.
As night fell, Mariely lay in her 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 she drifted off to sleep.