Celestina's Revenge

1

The morning was crisp, with a soft breeze carrying the scent of the sea as it swept across the fields. Celestina stood by the wooden door of their humble home, her luggage packed and ready beside her. She looked around the small farm she had grown up on, the familiar sight of the fields stretching out before her. The smell of freshly baked bread from the kitchen, the sound of birds chirping in the trees—these small comforts would be gone soon.

She had spent the whole night packing, gathering all her belongings into a worn-out suitcase, as memories of the years spent here replayed in her mind. But now, with the first light of dawn, the time had come to leave.

Her mother, Nilda, stood beside her, holding back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. "Are you sure about this, Celestina?" her mother asked softly, her voice laced with concern. "The city... it's not easy. It’s big, and it’s fast."

Celestina nodded, her throat tight. "I’m sure, Mama. I have to go. I can’t stay here forever." She looked at her mother, seeing the love and worry in her eyes. "I’ll make it. I promise."

Her father, Rene, walked over from the fields, his weathered hands wiping the sweat from his brow. His eyes, though tired, shone with pride. "We’ve raised you to be strong, Celestina. Go and make us proud. Just remember, this is your future. Don’t forget where you came from."

Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them away. She had said her goodbyes the night before, had promised Marco that she would come back. But now that the moment had come to leave, the weight of it all seemed even heavier.

She picked up her suitcase and turned toward the waiting jeepney. A part of her wanted to stay, to cling to the familiar faces and the simple life she had known. But another part of her, the part that had dreamed of something bigger, something more, knew that she had to step into the unknown.

As she climbed into the jeepney, her heart pounded with excitement and fear. The vehicle rumbled to life, and as it slowly pulled away from the house, Celestina glanced back one last time. Her family waved from the doorstep, their figures growing smaller with every passing second.

“Goodbye, home,” she whispered to herself. “I’ll be back.”

The ride to the city was long and bumpy, with the rough road making the journey uncomfortable. The jeepney swerved around potholes, and every time it hit a bump, Celestina’s stomach lurched. She clutched her suitcase tightly, her palms sweaty. The countryside passed by in a blur of green and brown as they made their way toward Mandaluyong.

She had heard so many stories about the city. People spoke of its towering buildings, its busy streets, and the endless opportunities it offered. She was about to see all of that for herself. But despite the excitement, the nervousness gnawed at her insides. What if she wasn’t enough? What if she couldn’t make it?

By midday, the jeepney had entered the bustling streets of Mandaluyong. The traffic was heavy, the noise overwhelming. Horns blared, the smell of street food filled the air, and people rushed past her in every direction. Celestina felt a pang of fear as she stepped off the jeepney, taking in the overwhelming sight of the city. The buildings towered above her, the glass windows reflecting the sunlight in blinding flashes. The streets were crowded with people, each of them busy with their own lives, their own problems. It felt like a different world altogether.

She looked around, trying to make sense of everything, but there was so much happening at once that it was hard to focus. She clutched her bag tighter, her heart beating faster. She had dreamed of this day, but now that she was here, it felt like the world had shifted beneath her feet.

“Excuse me, Miss?” A voice broke through her thoughts, and she turned to find a middle-aged man standing beside her. He wore a uniform, a taxi driver’s cap perched on his head. “Are you lost? You look a bit… confused.”

Celestina’s cheeks flushed. “I’m just… trying to get to my apartment,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.

The man smiled kindly. “Where exactly are you staying? I can help you get there.”

“I… I don’t know the address exactly,” she admitted, feeling embarrassed. “I’m supposed to meet someone.”

The man nodded understandingly. “It’s okay, don’t worry. I’ll take you to the main road where you can catch a ride. The city can be confusing, especially when you’re new.”

Celestina thanked him and followed him to the corner, her nerves tightening with each step. She had never been to a city this big before. It was a far cry from the quiet village where she had spent her entire life.

After a few minutes of walking, the man flagged down a taxi. “This will take you where you need to go,” he said. Celestina gave him a grateful smile before stepping into the car.

The taxi ride was quick, but as they neared the address she had been given, Celestina’s stomach twisted in knots. This was it—the moment she had been waiting for. She was about to meet the person who would help her find her footing in this city, the person who had promised to guide her through this new chapter of her life.

As the taxi pulled up to the building, Celestina’s heart raced. She stepped out, and her eyes scanned the high-rise apartment complex in front of her. The building seemed tall, imposing, and so different from the humble home she had grown up in. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of the promise she had made to her family—to make it. To make them proud.

A woman appeared in the doorway, waving enthusiastically. She was tall, with long, dark hair and a friendly smile. “Celestina! You made it!” the woman called.

Celestina felt a wave of relief wash over her as she walked toward her. “Yes, I did. I’m here.”

The woman gave her a warm hug. “Welcome to the city, Celestina! I’m Valerie. I’ll be your guide while you settle in. Don’t worry, you’re in good hands.”

For the first time since she had stepped into Mandaluyong, Celestina felt a little less alone. The city, though overwhelming, felt a bit more familiar. Maybe, just maybe, she could do this.

As the two of them entered the building together, Celestina couldn’t help but feel that the journey ahead would be difficult, but it was also the beginning of something new. A new chapter in her life. And no matter how challenging it might be, she was ready to face it head-on.