Ink and Ivory

The morning light streamed through the wide glass windows of the dining area, illuminating every inch of the elegant space with a soft golden glow. The walls were tastefully adorned with framed art, the chandelier above the table sparkled like a crown, and the long marble dining table gleamed beneath the weight of a beautifully prepared breakfast spread—smoked salmon, fresh fruits, omelettes, and warm pandesal in a woven basket. Everything about the room whispered quiet luxury—the kind that didn't need to boast because it had always been there.

Seated at the head of the table was the father, dressed in a crisp white button-down, leisurely sipping his coffee as he scanned the morning news on his tablet. Beside him, the mother, graceful as always in her silk robe, delicately placed another spoonful of fruit onto her youngest son's plate.

Across from them were their two sons. Uno, the eldest, sat with perfect posture, already dressed in his tailored uniform, checking his watch like someone with a calendar full of important things. Dos, the second son, still had a little sleep in his eyes but was wide awake in spirit—chatty, curious, and always expressive.

"So, Dos," the father began, setting his tablet aside and fixing his son with a calm, interested gaze. "How was your first week back? New school treating you well?"

"It's... different," Dos admitted, chewing thoughtfully. "People are nice, but everything feels new. And familiar at the same time."

The mother smiled. "That's because this is where you were born, sweetheart. You were not too young when we left. Of course it feels like home."

Uno glanced up from his phone, smirking. "You still get lost going to your school, though."

"Not anymore!" Dos shot back, grinning.

They laughed together—an easy, warm sound that echoed through the high-ceilinged room.

It had been years since they'd lived in this house. When their grandmother had fallen ill, they moved to Manila without hesitation, leaving behind the mansion nestled in their hometown. Time in the city had passed quickly, too quickly—marked by hospital visits, quiet dinners, and long nights filled with prayers and hope.

And then, she was gone.

They stayed a while after her passing—managing her affairs, grieving in their own ways, and learning to move forward. And when everything was finally settled, they made the decision to return.

Back to where their lives had once been simpler. Where the walls didn't feel so heavy with sadness.

Back to where they truly belonged.

"She would've loved to see us all back here," the mother said softly, glancing out the window toward the garden their grandmother once adored.

The father nodded. "This was her dream—for the family to be whole again in the place where it all started."

Dos looked down at his plate, then up at his family—his heart quietly full.

"I think I like it here," he said.

Uno raised his glass of orange juice. "To starting over."

They clinked glasses gently, the crystal catching the light just right, and for the first time in a long while, the house felt alive again—filled not just with luxury, but with laughter, love, and the comfort of home.

Inside the car, Dos clicked his seatbelt into place just as Uno started the engine.

"You know, Uno, you could've just let me drive my own car instead of always dropping me off at school," he said, trying once again to convince his older brother. He wasn't being rebellious—just testing the waters. Uno was strict, and sometimes it felt like he was being treated like a little girl who needed constant guarding.

Uno glanced at him briefly, then returned his eyes to the road.

"Let me be, will you? I just like driving my little brother. Is that a crime?"

Truth be told, Dos and Uno were close—really close. Uno never let him lift a finger if he could do something for him instead. Dos appreciated it, of course. But being in Grade 12 and already eighteen, he felt it was time to be more independent.

Not that he wasn't. He had his own car, knew how to take care of himself, and didn't depend on anyone. It was just that Uno had this tendency to spoil him whenever he was around—as if making up for all the things he never got to do for him before.

They weren't like most siblings who fought over the remote or threw pillows at each other. They were affectionate and generous, molded by their mother to be loving and respectful, not just to others but especially to each other.

Despite growing up with silver spoons in their mouths, their mom raised them to be humble, compassionate, and patient. That kind of upbringing left a lasting imprint on both of them.

"It's not a big deal, Uno. But what if I'm trying to impress someone, huh? How am I supposed to look cool when my big brother is still chauffeuring me around?" Dos joked with a grin.

Uno laughed—a loud, genuine laugh that filled the car. He cleared his throat and said, "Fine. This will be the last time I drive you to school. You can start using your car tomorrow. But remember everything I told you, alright? Always drive safe. And when you find a girl, make sure she's not exactly like Mom—but has the good parts of her. Wife material. Date to marry, not to mess around. Never play with a woman's heart."

Dos chuckled, warmth rising in his chest at Uno's advice. He was used to it—not just from their mom, but from Uno too. His older brother always had a lesson to teach, a reminder to give, or a warning to share. Not in a scolding way, but in a way that made Dos feel seen, guided… protected.

He glanced at Uno, whose hands were steady on the wheel, eyes focused ahead. And in that quiet moment, Dos realized something.

He wasn't just being driven to school.

He was being driven toward becoming a better man.

As soon as Dos stepped out of the car, he thanked Uno with a quick nod and smile. Then, without wasting a second, he made his way toward the spot where his new friends usually hung out.

Drake and Shaun.

Out of the whole class, those two were the ones he really clicked with. They became close fast, and now, they were practically inseparable.

"Dos!!" Drake shouted the moment he saw him approaching.

Once Dos was within reach, Shaun immediately slung an arm around his shoulders. "You little punk! You found out our teacher for the first subject was absent, so you timed your entrance right before the second subject started, huh?" Shaun said, half-laughing.

Dos nudged him in the ribs with a smirk, earning another chuckle from him.

"Let's go to the canteen. I'm starving. We've been waiting for you, Mr. VIP. What's the deal, Dos? You think you're special?" Drake teased with a dramatic pout.

"Who told you to wait for me in the first place? Do I own the canteen? Am I paying for your food?" Dos shot back playfully. "And yes, I am special. My family loves me so much, thank you very much."

Shaun burst into laughter as the two bantered their way toward the canteen. Honestly, nothing was that funny—but Shaun laughed like he'd lost his mind anyway.

"I don't get you, Dos. You've changed. Friend ship over, bud!!," Drake said with exaggerated sulking as he walked ahead of them.

Dos just shook his head, knowing full well that Drake was just messing with him. That guy was slightly insane anyway.

He was just about to respond when something caught his eye.

Across the courtyard, in front of a classroom on the STEM building, a girl stood silently, seemingly lost in deep thought.

Dos's steps slowed. His eyes fixed on her.

And suddenly, a memory flashed in his mind—of a girl he once comforted in a park with a handkerchief, years ago. She was crying, no rain, no noise. Just quiet tears.

His chest tightened. She looked just like her.

Without saying a word, he turned on his heel and ran to the far side of the building, opposite where the girl was standing. Shaun and Drake called after him, confused—but he didn't respond. His focus narrowed. His pace quickened. Once he was sure he had enough distance and his breath had steadied, he took a deep breath.

Then, casually—too casually—he walked toward the hallway where she was.

She hadn't noticed him yet. Her head was bent, searching for something in her bag.

He could've avoided her. Could've pretended he didn't see anything.

But he didn't.

He walked straight toward her.

And just as he passed, bump—they collided.

She stumbled, nearly losing her balance.

Thankfully, Dos reacted fast and caught her arm just in time.

And for the first time in years, he looked into the face that haunted the back of his mind.

She was still beautiful. Still had that same softness in her features. Still looked like the girl from that day—just older now, more mature.

But definitely her.

Absolutely her.