For the past three months, every night I have been smelling a strange smell. It’s not a typical body odor. It was like the smell of mold mixed with a strong, pungent smell clinging to the blankets, to the bedsheet, and especially to the part of the bed where Miguel was sleeping.

The secret that almost destroyed our trust…

All of that led to something better.

It is a new beginning.

It’s not just for us.

But for the hundreds of Filipino children who now have the opportunity to dream.

And as Michael took my hand, I said slowly:

“Now I understand why you’re hiding everything.”

Ngumiti siya.

“Bakit?”

I looked at the school.

“And because once upon a time… “The biggest surprises in life are the dreams we make for other people.”

For the first time in a long time…

We lay down on the bed without fear.

There are no secrets.

And there is no strange smell.

There is only silence.