As the days since Rayden's escape from Madam Floring's clutches unfolded, he found solace in the belief that a higher power had intervened, saving him from the toxic influence that had held him captive.Gratitude welled up within him, a testament to the liberation he had experienced."The Liberation," Rayden whispered to himself, his voice filled with a profound sense of appreciation. "Thank you, God, for guiding me away from the darkness of Madam Floring's control. I am forever grateful."In the depths of his thoughts, Rayden engaged in a self-conversation, reflecting on the impact that Madam Floring had held over his life.He recognized the detrimental influence she had exerted, leading him astray from his true path. Now free, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and a newfound sense of purpose.Rayden, still carrying the weight of betrayal from Armando's actions, couldn't help but feel a lingering annoyance.The fact that Armando had sold him out to Madam Floring was a bitter
As Rayden and Eloisa arrived at her house, she immediately introduced Rayden to her parents. Eloisa's parents were happy to meet him, assuming that he was their daughter's boyfriend.The girl blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement at her parents' assumption."Rayden, this is my mother and father," Eloisa said, gesturing towards her parents with a shy smile.Rayden, with a charming wink, greeted Eloisa's parents, "It's a pleasure to meet you both. Eloisa has been a wonderful friend, and I'm glad I could be there to help her when she needed it."Eloisa's parents exchanged glances, their appreciation for Rayden growing. Eloisa, feeling immense gratitude towards the young man who had come to her rescue, spoke up, "I can't thank Rayden enough for repelling those bullies who intended to harm me. He showed great bravery and kindness.""Rayden, we can't thank you enough for what you did for Eloisa," Eloisa's father said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "You showed g
Rayden, caught off guard by Eloisa's father's playful remark, paused for a moment before responding with a light chuckle."You're joking, Sir and Ma'am," he said, trying to maintain a polite and respectful tone.Eloisa's father raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of his lips."What Sir and Ma'am? Call us Mama and Papa," he joked, clearly enjoying the playful banter. Eloisa's mother couldn't help but giggle, her eyes twinkling with amusement.Eloisa's mother playfully swatted her husband's arm. "Don't be an apple, there!" she exclaimed, using a playful expression that meant "Don't be silly." Her laughter filled the room, creating an atmosphere of joy and ease.Eloisa's mother, affectionately known as Mama Maria, looked at Rayden with a warm smile. "Son, just call me Mother Maria and Father Jose this crazy husband of mine," she said, her voice filled with love and playfulness.Rayden couldn't help but be touched by Mama Maria's request. It felt like a genuine i
Rayden tossed and turned in his sleep, lost in a swirl of memories. He dreamed of his family, the ache of missing them cutting deep.In his dream, he wandered through the halls of his childhood home, reliving moments of laughter and love. His parents' smiles and the sound of their voices filled the air, while his siblings' playful antics danced around him.But even in this dream, there was a sense of emptiness. The warmth of his family's presence only served to highlight the loneliness of his waking life.When Rayden woke up in the morning, he dragged himself out of bed. By five fifteen, he had already tidied up, neatly making the bed and putting away the sheets.After cleaning up, he grabbed a broom and swept the living room, chasing away the dust that had settled overnight. He threw open the windows, letting in the fresh air of the early morning.Thinking of leaving a note, he rummaged through drawers and cabinets, searching for a pen and paper. But to his frustration, he came up em
As Rayden and Aling Maria hurried back into the house, their minds still reeling from the earlier commotion, they were met with a sight that sent shockwaves through their bodies.Mang José lay sprawled on the floor, his face contorted in pain as he clutched his chest, his labored breaths filling the room."Eloisa!" Aling Maria's voice rang out, her maternal instincts kicking into high gear as she rushed to her husband's side, gathering him into her arms.Rayden sprang into action, his training as a first responder kicking in as he knelt beside Mang José, his hands gentle yet firm as he assessed the situation."Mang José, can you hear me?" Rayden's voice was calm but urgent as he checked for signs of consciousness.Mang José groaned in response, his eyes fluttering open briefly before closing again in agony."We need to get him to the hospital," Aling Maria declared, her voice trembling with fear as she looked to Rayden for help.Rayden nodded, his mind racing as he calculated their ne
Upon arriving at the hospital, the bustling atmosphere and sense of urgency were palpable. The family wasted no time seeking assistance for Jose's patient. The hospital staff, recognizing the urgency, sprang into action without delay.Nurses swiftly guided them to the emergency room, ensuring the patient received immediate attention.Maria's eyes darted around the room as she anxiously watched the medical professionals attending to Jose's patient. Her hands tightly clasped together, a silent prayer escaping her lips."Please, let them be able to help him," she whispered, her voice filled with desperation.Eloisa stood by her mother's side, offering a comforting presence. "They're in good hands, Mama Maria. The doctors and nurses here are skilled and experienced," she reassured, her voice carrying a hint of optimism.Rayden, feeling a sense of helplessness, stayed close to Maria and Eloisa, offering his silent support. He could see the fear etched on their faces, and he knew that all t
As they immersed themselves in fervent prayer, Rayden's keen eyes caught a glimmer of movement out of the corner of his vision.Despite the solemnity of the moment, his instincts sharpened, sensing something amiss amidst the tranquility of their surroundings.His brow furrowed in concern as he noticed a steady flow of liquid on the side of the Nazarene head, displayed prominently on the altar.A sense of unease crept over him, his mind racing to comprehend the significance of this unexpected occurrence within the sacred space.Rayden's frown deepened as he observed the seeping liquid, his mind racing to find a logical explanation. However, the sight before him defied rationality, leaving him both perplexed and intrigued.It was as if the laws of nature had momentarily suspended, challenging his understanding of the world around him."Eloisa, I'm going to tell you something. You're sure to be surprised," Rayden said in a hushed whisper, his voice filled with intrigue and anticipation.
Rayden, his hands trembling slightly with emotion, turned to Eloisa after gently wiping the tears from the statue. "Eloisa," he said softly, his voice filled with wonder, "do you see this? It's as if the statue is responding to our prayers."Eloisa, her eyes still glistening with tears, nodded in silent agreement. "Yes, Rayden," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, "it's truly a miracle. I never imagined we would witness something like this."Cathy, who had been watching the scene unfold with a mixture of disbelief and awe, stepped closer, her curiosity piqued. "I can't believe it," she murmured, her voice tinged with wonder. "It's like something out of a storybook."Rayden nodded, a sense of reverence coloring his words. "Indeed," he said solemnly, "but sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction."Meanwhile, Aling Maria and Mang Berting, who had been deep in prayer, approached Eloisa with tears in their eyes. Their expressions mirrored the wonder and reverence of the others,