June 15 – 3:30 AM – Aira’s Dorm Room
Buzz.
Aira sat up slowly, muscles aching but mind sharp. Sanay na ang katawan niya sa routine. She opened her phone, eyes half-open, and typed:
📱 To: Calix
Good morning love 🥱 tulog ka pa siguro. Day 5 here we gooo. Fighting!
4:45 AM – McDo Branch
“Morning, Aira,” bati ng shift lead habang inaayos ang float.
“Good morning po,” she replied, placing her tissue and pen on the counter like a daily ritual. Wala pa masyadong customers, pero feel na agad ang energy na sisipa pagsapit ng alas-siyete.
Sa cashier area, si Daryl ulit ang ka-shift. Wala nang tension—just polite smiles and brief work-related exchanges.
“Receipt printer medyo sablay,” sabi nito.
“Sige, try ko i-reset,” tugon ni Aira.
Professional. Simple. Walang unnecessary talk.
Habang i
