After Adrian finished telling his story, the old man said: “Come here tomorrow. I have something to show you.”
He didn’t know why he obeyed, but the next day, he went to the address the old man had given him. When he arrived, he was surprised.
It was a small but well-kept workshop. There were pieces of wood, tools, and designs hanging on the walls.
“I used to make custom cabinets and furniture,” Lolo Herming said. “But I’m old now, son. I don’t have children. No one to continue this.” He smiled. “Would you like to work here?”
“Oh, Tay (Father/Elder)… I don’t know how to do any of this—”
“I’m not looking for someone who already knows everything. What I’m looking for… is someone who has patience and perseverance.”
And that is where the change in Adrian’s life began.
He accepted the offer. He learned to plane wood, assemble tables, varnish—all the basic skills. Furthermore, Lolo Herming let them live in a small room above the workshop, free of charge, while they got back on their feet.
Anxiety was replaced by quiet hope.
Customers increased. Their work went viral because of the excellent quality. And most importantly, Adrian regained his strength and confidence.
One afternoon, while they were fixing a newly built cabinet together, Lolo Herming suddenly spoke:
“Adrian… I’m getting older. I want to pass this workshop on to you.”
Adrian nearly dropped the tools in his hands. “Tay?! I can’t accept that—this isn’t ours—”
“You have the heart, son,” the old man said. “And you have the character I’ve been looking for all this time. Someone helped me once. It’s time for me to pass it on.”
Adrian hugged him, sobbing. “Thank you, Tay… thank you for this second life.”
From then on, the shop became “Herming & Adrian Woodcrafts.” Customers increased even more. Their lives got better. And the former motel room was replaced by a small but decent apartment with its own kitchen and living room.
One evening while they were eating pinakbet, Jiro asked:
“Papa, is our adventure over now?”
Adrian held Rina’s hand. “Yes, son… the difficult adventure is over. But the happier part is just about to begin.”
Finally, they slept with peace, with hope, and with a true home.
And they proved that sometimes, a miracle… doesn’t fall from the sky—but walks on earth, sitting in a park, with a cane, ready to help the right person at the right time.