“She’s the ever-stubborn Autumn Leaf Larqueza,” I start explaining defensively. I can even hear the desperation to be understood in my own voice.
“And?”
“The usual headliner for her troubles. Don’t you watch news or something? Ako nga, hindi nanunuod pero alam ko dahil lagi kong naririnig.” I shake my head. “I just don’t like her,” na lang ang paliwanag na sinabi ko. He doesn’t need to know about my loser days, I guess. At isa pa, masyado nang isip bata ‘yung trail ng reasons ko so I have to stop.
“You don’t have to like someone to care about them,” Cash answers smartly. “I don’t like my bothers, but I care about them.”
“That’s easy for you to say because they’re your siblings,” I retort.
“Well, then, it’s going to be a long project so... good luck, Issay.”
I laugh
