pte

and fixed myself up. I found myself touching the bags under my eyes when I saw my reflection in the mirror-my eyes were still swollen from crying the night before. I skippe

though I kept bumping into people. I wanted to apologize to them, but I couldn't becaus

mile and went straight to my seat. I knew they were puzzled by my behavior, but I ignored it because I wasn'

rgotten that we had

most of the questions on the test were things I had studied before, so I quickly finished and handed in my pa

e of my classmates said loudly, making everyone, inclu

tely forgot we had a quiz today?" I muttered to no one in part

always the first to submit your paper after just fifteen min

agreeing with Cathia. These

shed, and the room immediately fell silent, as if nothing had

. I still need to work later to add

Sir Alonzo instructed, and my classmates

Ms. Deviente. As expected, you aced the exam. Keep it up!" I gave him a shy smile and thanked him

cause... because..." Nadia began, pretending to have a headache before continuing, "because it seems like yo

advance studying, you know? That's the

y the professors because it feels like you're carrying our names across the campus too,

still coming in?" I asked Cathia, who che

S." As soon as Cathia said that, I quickly packed my things and stood up, but I suddenly felt dizzy, so I held onto

as they gently guided me back to my se

fore coming here, did you?" I didn't answer. "See? I knew it!

rned to see Nathan offering me

a kept pushing me from behind. I smiled at Nathan

feeling a bit better, I stood up and left the classroom. I hear

ely flagged down a tricycle to tak

he café. I gave him a small smile in response and headed straight to

e in front of her. She looked me over from head to toe, and I was surprised when she sudde

wer me honestly, and don't you dare lie to my face; you know how

s soon as possible, so I have to work extra hard. And don't worry about me, I made sure

ather? And how much money

pare a million pesos, but we don't have that much money, so I don't know where or how to gather suc

est because you need your strength, or you might collapse," my manager instru

ince you're doing so well. You're so good, we even named this café after you. We just flipped it around,

y shook her head and waved her hands

ce; I have something to give you to help with your father's surgery," she said. My face immediately brighte

he customers who came in. I was in the kitchen, prepar

customer at table 6 first," Ma'am Mariz ordered whi

almost done here," I repl

what I was doing and followed her out of the kitchen. I immediately headed towards table

e as my vision went completely dark. Before I lost consciousness, I

llapsed. Luckily, I caught her before her body could hit the floor. I felt a surge of anx

loudly, calling for the manag

in the Café began to gather around us, curious about what was happening. I didn't

check on Eullah. Just like I did e

Contin