The morning sun peeked through the worn curtains of Liah's small bedroom. At 16, Liah's life was simple, predictable. Her room, though small, was her sanctuary. The walls were adorned with posters of her favorite bands and hand-drawn sketches. A well-loved guitar leaned against the corner, its strings whispering silent melodies.

Downstairs, the aroma of Tita Ising's cooking wafted up, a comforting scent of garlic and spices. Liah's stomach rumbled, reminding her it was time to start the day. She quickly dressed in her usual attire – a simple cotton dress and worn-out sneakers.

As she entered the kitchen, Tita Ising greeted her warmly. "Good morning, anak (child)," she said, placing a plate of steaming rice and adobo in front of Liah. "Your Tito Ben is already out, fixing the tricycle."

Liah ate quietly, listening to Tita Ising hum, a familiar tune. "Tita, any news from Mama and Papa?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tita Ising's smile faltered slightly. "They're busy with the business, Liah. But they send their love. They promise to visit soon."

Liah nodded, but a familiar pang of longing tugged at her heart. It had been years since she last remembered living with her parents. Her earliest memories were of Tita Ising's gentle care and Tito Ben's playful teasing. They were her family, her everything.

After breakfast, Liah helped with the chores before heading to the local school. As she walked, she couldn't help but wonder about her parents. What were they like? Did they ever think of her?

Past hours---

The school bell rang, signaling the end of another sweltering afternoon at San Rafael High. Liah hurried out of her classroom, eager to meet her friends under the old acacia tree in the courtyard.

"Liah, over here!" Ivy called out, waving her hand. Ivy, with her bright pink hair and bubbly personality, was always the most energetic of the group. Alma, ever the bookworm, sat quietly beside her, nose buried in a novel. Kaye, known for her artistic flair, sketched in her notebook as she waited.

"Hey, guys!" Liah said, catching her breath. "What's the plan for today?"

"I was thinking we could go to Aling Nena's for halo-halo," Ivy suggested, her eyes sparkling. Aling Nena's small eatery was a favorite hangout spot for the students, famous for its sweet and refreshing halo-halo.

"I can't," Alma said, shaking her head. "I promised to help my Lola (grandmother) with the laundry." Alma always put her family first, no matter what.

"And I need to finish this sketch for art class," Kaye added, holding up her notebook to show them a detailed drawing of the acacia tree. "But maybe we can all hang out tomorrow?"

Liah's face fell slightly. She had been looking forward to spending time with her friends. Lately, she had been feeling more and more isolated, especially with her parents still away.

"Hey, what's wrong, Liah?" Ivy asked, noticing her friend's expression.

Liah hesitated for a moment before confiding, "It's just... I miss my parents. Tita Ising says they're busy, but I wish they could visit, even just for a day."

Ivy put her arm around Liah's shoulder. "I know it's hard, Liah. But you have us, right? We're your family too."

Alma nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Liah. We're always here for you."

Kaye stopped sketching and gave Liah a reassuring smile. "And if you ever need a distraction, I can teach you how to draw. It always helps me clear my head."

Liah smiled, feeling a little better. "Thanks, guys. You're the best."

As they walked towards the school gate, Liah couldn't help but feel grateful for her friends. They might not be able to replace her parents, but they filled her life with laughter, support, and love.

Liah hummed softly as she swept the small yard in front of her Tita Ising's house. The morning air was fresh, carrying the scent of blooming jasmine. It was Saturday, and Liah enjoyed the quiet moments before the day's chores began.

"Liah, letter for you!" Tita Ising called out from the doorway, waving a small envelope.

Liah's heart skipped a beat. She rarely received letters. Her parents usually communicated through phone calls or remittances. Who could it be from?

She took the letter, her fingers trembling slightly. The envelope was simple, with her name and address neatly written. There was no return address.

"Who's it from, anak?" Tita Ising asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"I don't know, Tita," Liah replied, carefully opening the envelope.

Inside, she found a single sheet of paper. Her eyes scanned the words, and her breath caught in her throat.

"Dear Liah,

I know this may come as a surprise, but I need to see you. There are things you need to know about your parents. Meet me at the old church in San Vicente next Saturday at noon. Please come alone.

A Friend"

Liah's mind raced. What could this mean? What secrets were her parents hiding? She looked up at Tita Ising, her face pale.

"What is it, Liah? Are you alright?" Tita Ising asked, her voice filled with concern.

Liah hesitated for a moment before handing her the letter. Tita Ising read it, her expression turning grave.

"Who would send such a thing?" she wondered aloud. "It could be a prank, or worse, a trap."

"I don't know, Tita," Liah said, her voice barely a whisper. "But I have to find out. I have to know what this is about."

The Other Day----

The old church in San Vicente stood silent and imposing against the midday sun. Liah approached cautiously, her heart pounding. Tita Ising had practically begged her not to come alone, but Liah felt she needed to do this.

She pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped inside. The air was cool and musty.

Liah's eyes scanned the empty pews. "Hello?" she called out, her voice echoing in the vast space. "Is anyone here?"

"You came," a voice said softly from the shadows.

Liah turned, startled. An elderly woman emerged. She looked kind, but there was a sadness in her eyes.

"Who are you?" Liah asked, a little nervous. "And how do you know about my parents?"

The woman gave a small, sad smile. "My name is Elena. I knew your mother and father a long time ago. They asked me to tell you some things... when the time was right."

Liah frowned. "Tell me what? What things?"

Elena gestured to the pew beside her. "Come, sit. This is a long story."

Liah hesitated, then sat down. "Okay... I'm listening."

Elena took a deep breath. "Your parents... they weren't always business people, you know? Before you were born, they lived a very different life."

Liah's eyebrows rose. "Different how?"

"They were activists," Elena said, her voice low. "Fighting for the farmers and laborers around here. They believed in justice, in helping people. They were... passionate."

Liah was stunned. "My parents? Activists? Seriously?"

"Seriously," Elena confirmed. "But it was dangerous work. They made some powerful enemies. One night... there was an attack. They were almost killed."

Liah's eyes widened. "That's... that's why they left me with Tita Ising?"

Elena nodded. "They had to protect you, Liah. They knew if they stayed, you'd be in danger too. So they made a terrible choice... to leave and try to make a new life, somewhere far away."

Tears started to well up in Liah's eyes. "But... why didn't they ever tell me? Why keep it a secret all these years?"

Elena reached out and gently touched Liah's hand. "They wanted to protect you from all this. They wanted you to have a normal life, a safe life. But now... things are changing. Those old enemies... they're back. And they're looking for you."