Kinabukasan, medyo tinanghali ako nang gising kaya dali-dali akong pumunta sa shop. The morning rush was always the most predictable part of running the shop. Exactly at seven, the heavy delivery truck from our wholesale supplier in Manila pulled up into the side alley, its brakes squeaking loudly against the damp pavement. This was the most crucial time of the week—if we didn't sort and condition the flowers immediately, the stems would rot, and we'd be left with nothing but ruined inventory by Wednesday.
"Heila! Nandiyan na 'yung white chrysanthemums! Saka 'yung mga binalik mong colors na may amag, pinalitan na nila!" Hijomi shouted from the back door, already lifting a plastic crate onto his shoulder.
"Mabuti naman!" sigaw ko pabalik habang mabilis na tinatalian ang buhok ko ng isang
