Chapter XXVII: Rubbuat (Departure)
The morning sun shines gently over Caluipat, its warmth seeping through the bamboo blinds of Mercy's small home. Mercy, wearing her old faded red duster with sunflowers printed on it, steps out into her garden with a broom in one hand and determination in her eyes.
The garden is not grand, but it is hers. The soil is uneven, the grass grows a little too wildly at the edges, and weeds keep trying to take over—but Mercy treats it as her own little kingdom.
"Ah, weeds again," she mutters, crouching down and tugging the stubborn greens out with quick, strong pulls. "You think you can win against me? No, no, I am the queen here."
She piles the weeds neatly at one corner, then moves to the old Burnays, the giant earthen jars—that are sitting upside down. Th
