I smiled with a pang in my heart. That’s how Marco was back then—thoughtful, never hesitating to help.
While I heated tea for them, he just sat there quietly. But there were so many words wanting to escape between us.
“How are you?” he asked, softly, as if afraid of the answer.
I took a deep breath. “I’m okay. Fighting.”
He looked at my daughter. “You’re good at raising a child.”
“I had to be,” I answered. “But… thanks.”
He was silent for a moment. “Anna… I know we can’t go back to how things were. I’m not here to complicate your life either. I was just happy that out of all the children in the world, it was yours that I helped.”
I smiled sadly. “I’m not angry, Marco. I moved on a long time ago… and I’m actually thankful.”
“To me?” he asked, surprised.
“Because even for just a moment… I got to see you again,” I replied. “And because my daughter is safe, thank you.”
He scratched his head, his ears turning slightly red. It was obvious—he hadn’t changed.
“Stop it, I’m getting uncomfortable,” he said, laughing.
I laughed too, and for the first time in many years… I felt lighthearted.
After drinking the tea, he prepared to leave. My daughter clung to him.
“Kuya Marco, will we see each other again?”
He smiled. “When it’s not raining this hard, I promise.”
When I stepped out to walk him to the gate, he said softly, “You’re amazing, Anna. I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you,” I replied, feeling tears welling up in my eyes. “Take care, Marco.”
Before he walked away, he raised the umbrella again—and underneath it, I saw the man I once loved… but now, he was a beautiful, light, and quiet memory.
And as he walked farther away, I felt an extraordinary peace.
Not because he was coming back.
But because there are people who, even if they leave your life, will still return… not to disrupt you, but to remind you that kindness still moves in the world.
And sometimes, that kindness arrives carried by an old umbrella… in the middle of a heavy rain.