THE RIOS’ BEACH HOUSE was bathed in the soft glow of late afternoon sunlight, and the gentle scent of brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the living room. Maririnig rin mula sa labas ang hampas ng mga alon sa dalampasigan. Umupo si Ashriel sa may mahabang sofa, kaharap ng kaniyang mga magulang — his father with his tablet open to the business news, and his mother, Isabelle, stirring her tea with a satisfied smile.
“So,” panimula ni Isabella, “kailan mo dadalhin si Nylah dito sa bahay?”
Ashriel, who had just taken a sip of coffee, froze. “Ha?”
Lumalim ang ngiti ng kaniyang ina. “Sabihin mo dalhin niya ang apo ko.”
Sebastian chuckled, barely looking up from his tablet. “Tama ang mommy mo. If she’s special to you, bring her home. And dalhin mo rin ‘yung bata — si Evron, right? Apo na
