Sebastian's Tide

The sun hung low over the tranquil shores of Palawan, casting a warm golden glow over the turquoise waters. The waves, gentle yet constant, hit against the rocks as if whispering secrets from the deep. Sebastian "Baste" Domingo stood on the edge of a cliff, his gaze lost in the horizon. His sun-kissed skin, tousled hair, and casual clothes reflected the carefree spirit he had always carried with him—a stark contrast to the crisp, tailored suits of his brothers in the bustling city of Manila. Baste had never been one for boardrooms or corporate dinners. He had always been drawn to the ocean, the rhythm of the tides, and the delicate balance of life beneath the waves. To him, there was nothing more precious than the coral reefs and the sea life they nurtured. He spent his days researching, advocating for marine conservation, and living in the quiet beauty of Palawan's shores, far removed from the family’s business empire. "Bro, you’re sure the ocean isn’t calling to you today?" Baste’s younger brother, Sandro, called out from the path behind him, his tone teasing. "Or are you too busy saving the world again?" Baste chuckled, turning to face Sandro, who had joined him on the cliff. Sandro was dressed in a casual button-up shirt, his usual refined look even in such a remote location. "Don't start, Sandro," Baste replied, his voice light but firm. "You know as well as I do that this is where I belong. Not in the middle of some corporate meeting." Sandro raised an eyebrow, the teasing smile on his face faltering. "I know, but sometimes I wonder if we’ll ever get you back. Mama's worried. Papa, too." Baste sighed, his eyes drifting back to the sea. "I know they want me to come back to the city, help with the family business. But they don't get it. This—" he gestured toward the vast ocean before them, "this is where I feel alive." Sandro stepped closer, his expression softening. "I get it, Baste. But the family needs you. Especially now that things are changing with the resort project." Baste stiffened at the mention of the resort. "Don't remind me. The last thing I want is to be involved in that monstrosity they’re planning." "I know," Sandro said with a quiet laugh. "But maybe you don’t have to. Maybe you can find a way to make it work. Help them see that the resort can be developed without destroying the environment. They could use your expertise." Baste shook his head, his expression darkening. "They’re not interested in that. It’s all about profit. You know that." Sandro finally sighed, shaking his head. "I wish you'd just listen to Papa. He’s only trying to help you. He doesn’t get why you can't just come back, Baste. Why do you choose to be so distant." Baste's gaze hardened. "He didn't understand because he didn't want to. He's got his empire, and I’m not a part of that. I’m not some business executive." The next morning, Baste found himself once again at the edge of the water, the sun barely rising above the horizon. He had barely slept the night before, his mind spinning with the weight of the phone call and his brother’s words. His sanctuary, the ocean, always seemed to quiet his thoughts, but today, even the gentle ebb and flow of the tides couldn’t calm the storm inside him. “Baste?” He turned at the familiar voice, and his expression softened when he saw his brother, Samuel, walking toward him. Samuel—Sammy, as they called him—was dressed in his usual sharp business attire. “What’s going on, Sammy?” Baste asked, leaning back against a rock as he regarded his brother with a mix of wariness and resignation. Samuel gave him a knowing look, his eyes sharp behind his glasses. “I heard you had a little chat with Andrea Ramos. Mind telling me what that was about?” Baste sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I told her everything she needed to know. I’m not involved with the resort project, Sammy. I don’t support it. I’m not going to help them ruin Palawan just for a few more luxury villas.” Samuel leaned against the rock beside him, clearly unfazed by Baste’s tone. “You know, this might be a little bigger than you think. The project is moving forward, with or without your input. And the press is starting to take notice. Andrea’s a hard one to ignore, especially when she gets a hold of something.” “I don’t care about the press,” Baste snapped, his voice rising. “I care about the environment. I care about the ocean. If the family really wants to turn this place into another tourist trap, then I’m out. I don’t need their money or their approval.” “I get it,” Samuel said, his voice softer. “I do. But sometimes, Baste, it’s not just about what we want. It’s about what the family needs. Mama and Papa are counting on you.” Baste shook his head, frustration bubbling up inside him. “I’m not a business executive, Sammy. You know that. I’m not built for their world. I’m built for this”—he swept his hand out toward the vast expanse of water before them—“for the ocean.” Samuel didn’t argue, instead letting the silence stretch between them. After a long pause, he spoke again, more cautiously, this time. “Baste, I didn’t come here to fight. I know you’re passionate about the environment. But you’re also a part of the Domingo legacy. And sometimes, that means stepping up—even when it’s not what you want to do.” “I’ve stepped up in my own way,” Baste replied firmly, his voice low but steady. “I’m not going to change who I am just to fit into their mold.” Samuel studied him for a moment, his eyes narrowing as if weighing his words carefully. Finally, he spoke again, this time with a slight edge to his voice. “Well, then, I guess it’s up to you to decide how far you’re willing to go to protect this place. Because if you don’t get involved, then you’re leaving it to people who don’t care about the consequences. And, Baste, that’s not something I think you can live with.” Baste didn’t respond. Instead, he turned back to the water, his thoughts swirling like the currents beneath the surface. He hated the idea of compromise, of bending his values for the sake of the family’s business. But at the same time, Samuel was right. If he walked away entirely, what would be left to protect? The sound of footsteps approached, and before Baste could respond, he heard another voice—this one unmistakably familiar. “Is this what you’re going to do all day? Stare at the ocean like it’s going to give you answers?” Baste glanced over his shoulder and saw his oldest brother, Santi, making his way down the path. Dressed in his usual polished attire, Santi’s presence was commanding, even in a place like Palawan. As the head of the family, Santi carried the weight of the Domingo name with ease, a burden Baste had never been able to fully accept. Santi stopped beside them, surveying the water with a critical eye. “The resort project moves forward, whether you like it or not, Baste. You can either stand on the sidelines, or you can help steer the ship.” Baste’s jaw clenched at his brother’s words. “I’m not the one who needs to steer it, Santi. You and Sammy have your business empire to worry about. I’m here to protect this. To protect what’s left of the natural world.” Santi looked at him with a mixture of frustration and understanding. “I know you care about the environment, Baste. We all know that. But there’s more at stake now. If you want to be the one to lead the change, you need to be a part of the conversation. Not standing in the background, throwing stones at the people who are trying to make things happen.” Baste was silent, his eyes fixed on the waves once more. The weight of his family’s expectations seemed to hang heavily on his shoulders, the pull of his responsibilities at odds with his desire to stay true to his own path. He didn’t know how much longer he could keep fighting this battle on his own. But one thing was clear: he couldn’t turn his back on Palawan, not now. “I’ll think about it,” Baste finally said, his voice quiet but firm. “But I’m not making any promises.” Santi studied him for a moment before nodding. “Just remember, you’re not alone in this. We all have a part to play. And if you ever change your mind about being a part of this family’s future, we’ll be here.” With that, Santi turned and started walking back toward the resort site, leaving Baste and Samuel alone once more. “Looks like you’ve got a lot of thinking to do, huh?” Samuel said, his tone light. Baste nodded but didn’t say anything. His thoughts were elsewhere, drifting as far as the horizon.