Overview:

Three years have passed since the cave incident, and the children’s selective amnesia regarding the board game remains unshaken. In the aftermath, their families rushed them to the ER, yet no answers emerged. Meanwhile, Selena shares with Topher the story of her ill-fated first love, Elvin.

Now bearing the surname Mallari, Roanne graduates from high school and enters the workforce, while her brother Roel gets married. As she navigates this new chapter of her life, a suitor arrives, stirring unexpected emotions in the small-town girl’s heart.

This year, the Pangilinan Clan returns to Laiya—not for a beach outing, but to celebrate Christmas together. However, the shadow of the past lingers, as whispers of the mysterious cave incident still haunt the local community.

3 YEARS AGO

It was an ordinary day in the emergency room, and fortunately, there were only a few patients. A doctor was making his rounds while a few nurses tended to routine tasks. The reception area was as mundane as it could be. But the calm was shattered by the sudden arrival of the Kennedys, Sevillas, Pangilinans, and Mallaris, rushing in with their children: Topher, Allison, James, Benjamin, Michael, and Roanne—all unconscious and covered in dust and debris on stretchers.

The scene quickly drew the attention of onlookers and bystanders. Following closely were grandparents Emily and Al, as well as Uncle Ansel, Aunt Ellie, and finally, Uncle Ronald.

In a single-person ward, Topher’s father, Bill, his mother, Selena, and the family butler, Carlisle, waited anxiously for him to wake. It was strange to see him so still and quiet, a stark contrast to his usual bright and energetic self.

Topher slowly opened his eyes. Where am I? A white ceiling, bright lights—a bit too bright. Where is this room? A hospital? He noticed Carlisle in the corner, looking at him with a hint of sadness, walking towards him. His parents stood nearby, their faces filled with worry. Why do they look so concerned? I’m confused.

“Anak (Son), you’re finally awake,” Selena said tearfully. “Are you hurt? You can tell Mommy.”

“I’m awake now, Mom. There’s no need to cry. I’m fine,” Topher reassured his mother with a bright smile.

“Son, do you remember anything? Anything at all? What happened inside the cave?” Bill asked urgently, trying to gather any information from his son.

“The cave? Did I go inside a cave?” Topher asked, clearly bewildered.

“Yes, you and your cousins were found inside a cave,” Bill pressed.

“But Dad, I don’t remember going into a cave,” Topher replied, puzzled.

He doesn’t remember anything. The realization struck Bill like a cold wave.

The neurologist carefully examined the sixty-four slices of Topher’s CT scan, each one illuminated and displayed on a whiteboard.

After a few moments, Dr. Strauss turned to face Bill and Selena, who sat anxiously in front of his desk, their son Topher beside them.

“The CT scan appears normal,” Dr. Strauss began. “I’ve reviewed all sixty-four slices, and there’s no sign of bleeding, clots, infarctions, or fractures. From an anatomical perspective, there’s nothing to explain the amnesia.”

“Then why can’t my son remember anything after six months?” Bill questioned, frustration creeping into his voice.

Dr. Strauss returned to his desk. “That’s what’s puzzling. I recommend seeing a psychologist. The human brain is complex, and sometimes, amnesia isn’t solely caused by physical injury. There could be psychological factors at play that are preventing your son from recalling his memories. I can refer you to a colleague of mine, if you’d like.”

BACK TO THE PRESENT

The nameplate on the polished wooden desk read: Dr. Christopher Alexander William ‘Bill’ Kennedy, Jr. – CEO of Archangel Medical, Inc./Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

“The psychologist found no signs of trauma in my son,” Bill reflected, staring out the window beside his desk. “‘Topher is in an optimal state of mind. He’s optimistic, visionary, and wise beyond his years.’ That’s what Dr. Marianne said.”

Seated across from him was Dr. Montano, a white Hispanic colleague and close friend. “And it’s not just your son. His cousins and Roanne don’t remember anything about what happened inside the cave either.”

“Yes,” Bill agreed, turning to face Dr. Montano. “And even more puzzling, there were no messages or texts on their phones. In this digital age, it’s hard to imagine kids going somewhere like that without any communication at all.”

“We doctors are supposed to be rational and stick to the facts,” Dr. Montano said thoughtfully. “But sometimes I wonder if something—an entity or force—is deliberately covering up everything related to that cave and the incident.”

Bill gazed thoughtfully at the crossroads of his thoughts. Could there really be something paranormal or supernatural behind all of this?

Autumn afternoon at the Kennedys’ mansion. Dried leaves—brown, orange, yellow, and red—covered the trees, scattered on the ground, and fluttered through the air. The windowpanes gleamed with clear, shiny glass. Inside, Carlisle, the family butler, dressed in his formal tuxedo, carried a box of old, used items as he walked down the long hall. Nearby, Selena was sorting through a large pile of boxes—rows upon rows of them. Topher, in his bedroom, was doing his part in the cleanup.

While sorting items into boxes, Topher noticed a photograph that had fallen out. Curious, he picked it up and flipped it over. The image was of a young man with short, wavy black hair and dark eyes. He sat on a wooden bench, casually dressed, playing a guitar on the patio with the warm glow of the sunset behind him.

Topher turned the photo over again. It wasn’t blank—something was written in the lower-right corner: “Elvin Silva. October 16, 1994. The love of my life. – Selena.”

Who is this, Elvin? Topher wondered, his brows furrowing. This isn’t Dad. His curiosity got the better of him, and he left the room, hurrying down the hall.

Topher found his mother in the living room, still busy checking the boxes. “Mom, can I talk to you?”

“Of course, son,” Selena replied, setting down the items she was handling. “Let’s sit on the couch—it’ll be more comfortable.”

They settled onto the sofa in front of a glass coffee table adorned with a vase of flowers. The soft, furry brown carpet underfoot added to the cozy atmosphere.

“Mom, who is Elvin?” Topher asked directly, holding up the photograph. “He isn’t Dad, so why did you call him ‘the love of my life’?”

Selena glanced at the photo in her son’s hand, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You found this—it must be fate.” She sighed softly, her gaze turning distant as she began to reminisce.

“It was a long time ago,” Selena said, her voice growing gentle. “Back when I was in college. I left town to study in Metro Manila. I had passed the entrance exams for the Big Four universities—UP, Ateneo, La Salle, and UST. Your Lolo Al was so proud, but your Lola Emily was reluctant to see me go. It was the first time I’d be away from home, living in a dorm full of strangers in a big city. It was a completely new world for me. I stayed in an old house with other dormmates, and our landlady was a strict, middle-aged woman named Linda.”

“My father came with me to the city,” she continued, smiling at the memory. “I remember bringing a bayong, a woven bag, with a live chicken from our household. The other passengers on the bus were so confused!” Selena chuckled. “There were four boys and four girls in the dorm, but our landlady made sure the boys and girls had separate rooms. One of my dormmates was Elvin—a tall, lanky guy who often got teased by another dormmate, Renner, for being so thin that they called him ‘Lizard Man.’”

“Elvin was always on the patio, playing his guitar whenever I passed by. One day, I started receiving anonymous love letters. I had no idea who my secret admirer was until June, another dormmate, caught Elvin writing one and revealed his secret. I confronted him, and while he didn’t admit it outright, he didn’t deny it either. Instead, he invited me to hang out—subtly asking me out on dates. He wasn’t very smooth when it came to romance.” Selena laughed softly.

1995

Selena and Elvin went on several “hangouts,” which were essentially dates. Over time, they fell in love. They watched horror and action movies, ate at Shakey’s while listening to live bands, had picnics in Luneta Park, and spent time together at Ever Gotesco Mall in Recto. One day, Elvin introduced Selena to his family as his girlfriend, even though they hadn’t officially labeled their relationship yet. From that moment on, they became a couple, and Selena didn’t mind—she was deeply in love with him too.

But their happiness was short-lived. Elvin had been born with a congenital heart condition, which eventually caught up to him. He underwent long treatments—checkups, tests, medications, and later, frequent hospitalizations. Selena spent her days by his side in the hospital, caring for him. But despite their efforts, Elvin eventually succumbed to his illness. Selena mourned deeply during his wake and funeral, heartbroken by the loss of her first love.

The day of his burial was clear and bright. The sky was blue, and the wind blew gently through the trees that lined the cemetery. It was peaceful, almost serene. Only Selena and Elvin’s mother, Selya, were present as Selena stood by his grave, tears streaming down her face.

“Elvin was the youngest in our family,” Selya said softly, standing beside her. “We loved him dearly. It was a miracle he survived his condition during childhood, but he made it through high school and even to college. He would have made a great judge if he’d lived longer.”

Selena listened quietly as Selya continued. “His life grew brighter when he met you, Selena. You gave him love, and for that, I’ll never stop thanking you. You made him so happy. But now, you must let him go. Don’t drown in sadness because he’s gone. Be grateful for the time you had together and the memories you shared.”

Selya placed a comforting hand on Selena’s shoulder. “I would have been glad to call you my daughter,” she said with a warm smile before pulling Selena into a hug. “Thank you for standing by him—and us—until the very end.”

Present

“Elvin was my first love,” Selena admitted to Topher. “And first love never dies. He’ll always have a special place in my heart. He taught me what love truly is, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that.”

She paused, then smiled softly at her son. “But your father, Bill, is my one true great love. He gave me you, and nothing in the world made me happier than when I gave birth to you. Your father is my lifelong companion, my partner through everything.”

Topher nodded, understanding. “Thank you for sharing this with me, Mom.”

Selena embraced her son warmly. They sat together, mother and son, surrounded by the autumn leaves falling outside, as the orange sunset cast a golden glow across the horizon.

It was a bright morning in San Juan, Batangas. A crowd had gathered on the open grounds of the public school, where the graduation ceremony was in full swing. Roanne stood in line with her classmates, all wearing white robes and square academic caps. From a distance, the announcer’s voice echoed as each graduating student marched toward the center of the stage. One by one, their names were called out.

After what felt like an eternity of waiting, Roanne’s turn finally came. She ascended the stage steps as the announcer called out, “Roanne Reyes Mallari.” Her white robe billowed gently in the breeze as she walked to the center of the stage, the triumphant sound of the graduation march filling the air. “With honor,” the announcer added.

“Look at the camera, Roanne!” her older brother Roel called from the crowd, holding a silver digicam at the ready.

Roanne spotted him among the sea of faces. “Smile,” Roel encouraged. Roanne flashed a wide grin, uncharacteristic of her usually reserved demeanor. Roel beamed and snapped the photo.

Backstage, Roanne was approached by her class adviser, Ms. Castro.

“So, what are your plans after graduation?” Ms. Castro inquired.

“You should consider college,” she added. “After all, you’re an honors student.”

Roanne met her gaze and responded honestly, “I’m going to work, Ma’am. I’ve already applied and been accepted as a seamstress.”

Ms. Castro frowned slightly. “That seems like a waste,” she said bluntly.

Roanne smiled softly. “Dreaming is a privilege, Ma’am. For those of us who don’t have much, graduating from senior high school means a chance at a steady job. A job that can help support the family.”

Ms. Castro sighed, seeing that Roanne’s mind was made up. She could only offer a sympathetic look as Roanne blinked back the emotion threatening to spill over.

After the ceremony, Roanne was greeted by her family.

“Congratulations, anak! Job well done!” her father, Carding, said proudly.

“We, your Tatay and I, are so proud of you,” added her mother, Carlota, her eyes gleaming with pride.

“See? The makeup I did looks great on you, sis!” teased Kate, Roanne’s younger sister.

Roel stood nearby, grinning, while their younger siblings, Jacob, Andrew, Christine, and Sarah, cheered and clapped alongside the rest of the family.

All around them, graduates were celebrating with their families. Diplomas soared into the air, and the blue sky thundered with cheers of joy and accomplishment.

Roanne let her hair fall loose, a change from her usual single braid. A shawl draped firmly over her shoulders as she carefully examined the dress design sketched on the paper in her hands. After a brief moment, she stepped away and quickly returned with a selection of fabrics to use with her traditional wooden sewing machine.

She began the process of creating the pattern pieces: the dress front, dress back, neck facings, and sleeves. Roanne laid each pattern piece flat against the fabric, her movements precise and practiced.

She folded the fabric in half and carefully pinned down the four sleeve pieces, which were made of translucent tissue paper. A number of metallic pins sat neatly in a flat, round transparent plastic container beside her. With large, sharp scissors in hand, Roanne carefully cut along the edges of the dress front pattern, slicing through apple green fabric adorned with red flowers. Faint markings and notes were visible on the translucent pattern as she worked.

A measuring tape hung loosely from the back of Roanne’s neck, resting on her shoulders as she continued cutting and preparing the fabric for assembly.

Roanne, her mother Carlota, and her sister Kate were at home when they heard singing from outside. The voice belonged to a young man, as far as they could tell. Curious, the three women made their way to the window to take a peek. Carlota lingered in the back, content to let her daughters approach the window themselves. Roanne and Kate leaned forward, looking down to see Kokoy and his friends standing outside.

Kokoy gazed up at Roanne with longing eyes, singing while strumming his guitar. His friends danced along, providing lively support for his serenade:

[Verse 2]

Sabik sa’yo, kahit maghapon

Na tayong magkasama parang telesine

Ang ating ending, hatid sa bahay niyo

Sabay goodnight, sabay may kiss

Sabay bye-bye

[Chorus]

Sa umaga’t sa gabi