Winter Heat

Epilogue (Version 2)

Epilogue

"Congratulations, anak," my father proudly said when the graduation ceremony ended. He gave me the tightest hug like he just saw me finish my education when I still have bloody years of college ahead of me.

"Thank you, papa," I said and hugged him back. Well, I may have just finished senior high school, but this is still the little Winter, getting her firsts.

From kindergarten to junior high, I never really made a big deal out of my academic accomplishments because it's not really something we celebrated before. It was more of a duty for me, as a daughter.

But papa came rushing to my rescue when he heard about the fire at Camp Mitesco. Wala namang nangyaring masama sa 'kin pero natakot siya nang sobra. He's still trying to get back up on his business, but also promised to make it up to me while doing that, and to never miss again on moments like this.

My mom? Well, Bell called to check on me so I know for sure that she knew about the fire. Hindi man lang nangumusta... But I've learned not to expect anything from her, so I won't be disappointed. Besides, hindi na rin naman siya nangialam noong kinuha ako ni papa. I'm already grateful that she's finally letting me be happy. It's been almost year now and, bit by bit, we're curing little Winter's heart.

Because, two years ago, someone initiated little Winter's healing.

"Winter, let's go?" Chan's voice made us break away from the hug.

As usual, he's with Billy who's still wearing his graduation cap. Kung hindi lang taken 'tong si Chan, bibigyan ko na ng malisya ang friendship nila. "Hiramin po muna namin si Winter, sir!"

Papa smiled at them before looking at me again. "Sinabi ni Precious na ihahatid ka nila ni Brian, pero tawagan mo ako 'pag kailangan mong magpasundo, ha?" he said and I nodded. Tumingin ulit siya sa dalawa. "Congratulations. Mag-enjoy kayo sa Cafe Ember."

"Thank you po!"

That's right. Cafe Ember's back on business. It took months and months of planning and work—especially because the owner was still in Grade 12 and graduated just two days ago—but the major sponsors we're so eager to rebuild everything and make it happen. Yes, it's Precious and Sabrina—who, I heard, also asked for donations from Frost. He says he was scammed but at least we're giving him credits.

"What the fuck, Brian?" just went out of my mouth when I realized that we're stuck on traffic because of the line of cars trying to enter Cafe Ember's drive thru. When we arrived, there was also a long line of customers waiting outside the entrance because all the tables were occupied. Nagbida-bida nanaman kasi 'yong naka-assign sa promotions.

"Winter, sub!" was how the celebrity jerk greeted me. I noticed Sabrina helping Precious on the drive thru window, and Heat's probably at the kitchen alone. But what made me frown was Frost Mantello, sitting casually beside Brian with his arms crossed, and face obviously annoyed by the number of people.

"Ano 'yan, display?" I asked Brian while pointing at Frost who immediately glared at me.

"I was just forced to come here, Elison."

Inirapan ko lang siya bago ulit humarap kay Brian. "May dala akong dalawang waiter," I said, pertaining to Billy and Chan. "Bahala ka na."

Wala pang nakakapag-react sa kanila, dumiretso na ako sa loob ng kitchen. Just as I thought, the owner of Cafe Ember was there alone, rushing to make all the drinks.