Third Person POV
Years passed, and life slowly moved forward.
Kerill was laid to rest in the Philippines. After a week of mourning, his remains were cremated. Life without him—the pillar of their family—was never easy. But with the support of his family, Charlene and the children managed to survive the years of longing he left behind.
Before he died, Kerill had already prepared everything. From his properties to the inheritance and even the arrangements for his own funeral—he made sure nothing would be left undone. He secured a future not only for his children, but for Charlene as well.
Then came something unexpected.
Just a few months before Kerill passed, Charlene discovered she was already two months pregnant. She hadn't noticed it at all—no morning sickness, no obvious signs. She only found out during a check-up when she wasn't feeling well.
At that moment, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
She was happy—because she was finally going to have a child of her own.
But at the same time, her heart ached… because Kerill would never get to see their baby. He would never hold him, kiss him, or be the father he was meant to be.
Years went by.
Little by little, Charlene learned to accept his absence. Their son, Jarron, grew up to look exactly like his father, inheriting Charlene's kindness along with it.
Eventually, they moved to the province, together with Ericka, Wyl, Wency, Lily, and Jarron. Charlene chose to settle there after reclaiming the land she had once worked so hard for. It became their home—a place where the children grew up, built their own lives, and eventually found families of their own.
Time continued its quiet march.
Decades later, Charlene was now 86 years old. She had grandchildren—three from Ericka and Wyl, two from Wency. Lily, however, remained single, growing old on her own terms. Jarron, on the other hand, took over the company and led it successfully.
One day, on the eve of Kerill's death anniversary, the whole family returned to the old mansion in Manila.
It was Charlene's first time going back in decades.
As she stepped out of the van, supported by Jarron, tears filled her eyes. The mansion stood just as she remembered—filled with memories that refused to fade.
Every step she took inside brought pieces of the past rushing back—her life with Kerill, the laughter of the children, the little moments only the two of them once shared.
She was left alone for a while in Kerill's old room.
The moment she entered, she broke down.
His scent still lingered. The bed, the pillows—everything felt like he had just been there yesterday. She sat down, gently touching the sheets, crying as the memories overwhelmed her.
That night, she fell asleep there.
The next morning, they held a simple memorial. The family prayed, shared memories, and cried together. Charlene remained quiet, her gaze fixed on Kerill's photo.
Later, the grandchildren ran around the mansion, asking innocent questions.
"Lola, did you and Lolo cook here?" "Was Lolo kind?" "Did you love each other that much?"
Charlene answered with soft smiles.
But one question stayed with her.
"Lola… do you still miss Lolo?"
She didn't answer.
Because "miss" was too small a word for what she felt.
That night, the family laughed and reminisced. The once mischievous children were now adults, teasing each other about the past. Charlene simply watched from the corner, smiling quietly.
Eventually, she excused herself and returned to Kerill's room.
There, she found an old photo of him beneath his desk.
She held it close, crying silently until she drifted to sleep.
Then…
She felt something warm brush against her cheek.
When she opened her eyes, she froze.
Kerill was sitting beside her.
She blinked, thinking it was a dream—but he was still there.
"K-Kerill… it's really you…"
She threw her arms around him, crying in his embrace. He gently comforted her, stroking her hair just like he used to.
"Is this a dream? If it is… please don't wake me up," she whispered.
He smiled softly.
"I missed you too, Adi… How have you been?"
She poured out everything—the pain, the loneliness, the years without him.
"Please… come back to me…"
But he gently stopped her.
"You have to accept the truth, Charlene. I'm no longer with you."
He held her hand, his voice calm and warm.
"I came because… I miss you. Do you want to come with me?"
She hesitated.
She thought of her children, her grandchildren… the life she built.
But deep inside, she already knew.
With tears falling from her eyes, she nodded.
"Yes… I'll go with you. I miss you so much. I love you…"
"I love you too," he whispered.
The next morning…
The family was preparing to leave.
But Charlene hadn't come down yet.
Jarron went upstairs to call her.
He found her lying peacefully on the bed, holding Kerill's photo tightly in her arms. There were tears on her face—but she looked calm.
Too calm.
"Ma… it's time to go…"
He gently shook her.
No response.
His heart dropped as he touched her hand—it was cold.
"Ma…?"
Panic filled his voice as he checked her breathing.
Nothing.
"Ate… Kuya…!"
The family rushed in.
Wyl checked her pulse.
Then slowly… he shook his head.
"She's gone…"
The room filled with cries.
Charlene had passed away—
holding the one she loved most,
until her very last breath.