By afternoon, word had spread beyond the village.
Motorbikes arrived, then SUVs, then even a delivery truck with strangers from another town. Some tried to sneak past Ramon at the gate, others demanded bulk orders, waving cash.
"₱100,000 for everything you have today," one businessman said smoothly, gold watch glinting.
Bianca shook her head firmly. "No. We sell only small baskets, so many can benefit."
The man's smile faltered. "You're making a mistake."
His car door slammed shut, and Bianca shivered despite the heat.
---
The land itself began to react.
The guava trees shimmered strangely, leaves sprouting faster than usual. Mango blossoms opened overnight. Even the bamboo behind the mansion groaned as if restless.
Kaloy leapt onto Bianca's shoulder, his tiny paws curling around her hair. "Do you feel it? The land is anxious. Too many hands pulling at once."
Bianca whispered, "I only wanted to share."
"Sharing is good," Kaloy said gravely. "But a river uncontrolled floods the fields. You must guide it, or it will drown you."
---
That night, exhaustion blanketed the household.
Lydia slumped at the kitchen table, head in her hands. Ramon rubbed his sore shoulders. Paolo had fallen asleep on the floor, clutching a toy truck.
Lara was still on her phone, giddy. "Bian, we had ten thousand viewers! Orders from Cebu, Davao, even abroad. Do you know what this means? This could be huge. Life-changing!"
Bianca looked at her friend, torn between pride and dread.
"It already is life-changing," she murmured. "But is it changing for the better?"
Lara frowned. "What do you mean? People are being healed. We're saving lives. Isn't that the dream?"
Bianca glanced outside, where the orchard glowed faintly under moonlight. She could almost feel the trees sighing. "Yes. But the land… it feels heavy. Like we're asking too much."
Lara softened, touching her hand. "Then we'll figure it out. Structure, limits, maybe a waitlist. But don't doubt yourself, Bian. This is your calling."
Bianca smiled faintly, grateful, though unease still lingered.
---
When she finally retired to her room, she sat by the window, staring at the bamboo forest. Fireflies danced, but beyond them, she felt the presence of someone watching.
She pressed a hand to her pendant.
"Whoever you are," she whispered into the night, "thank you for keeping us safe. Please… keep watching."
And in the distance, hidden among the shadows, the mysterious man inclined his head.
For tonight, Bianca had survived the flood.
But tomorrow, the tide would rise again.
---
End of Chapter 28