Honey, I'm Home

The hum of the air conditioner was the only sound in the sterile, white-walled office. Engineer Albert Lomibao, a man whose name was synonymous with engineering brilliance, sat hunched over his drafting table, a blueprint spread before him like a map to an uncharted world. The faint scent of coffee, a constant companion in his nocturnal world, hung in the air, a testament to the countless hours he spent crafting his latest masterpiece.

Outside, the city of Manila pulsed with life. The cacophony of horns, the distant rumble of jeepneys, the chatter of vendors – it was a symphony of urban chaos that Albert had long since learned to tune out. His focus was entirely on the intricate lines and curves of the blueprint, the skeletal framework of Northview Mall's newest addition, a project that promised to be his magnum opus.

He was a man at the peak of his career, a master of his craft, celebrated for his innovative designs that pushed the boundaries of modern architecture. He had a sleek sports car, a luxurious condo in the heart of Makati, and a bank account that could rival the coffers of a small nation. Yet, as he stared at the blueprint, a familiar ache settled in his chest. He had everything, except the one thing that truly mattered – a loving wife.

The years had flown by in a blur of deadlines, presentations, and client meetings. He had dedicated his life to his passion, to building structures that would leave an indelible mark on the city's skyline. But in the process, he had neglected the most important aspect of his life – love.

His friends, his colleagues, they all had wives, families, children. They spoke of their lives with a warmth and joy that Albert could only envy. He had been too busy chasing success, too focused on his career, to even think about settling down. Now, as he approached his late forties, the realization hit him with the force of a tidal wave. Time was running out. He wasn't getting any younger. The biological clock, that relentless metronome of life, was ticking away, and he was running out of time.

He glanced at the framed photo on his desk – a picture of him, younger and more carefree, standing beside a woman with eyes that sparkled like the sun. It was his college sweetheart, Maria. They had been inseparable, two souls intertwined by a love that seemed destined to last forever. But life, as it often does, had intervened. He had chosen his career, and she had chosen a different path. Albert, so focused in becoming Asia's most sought after engineer, let her go. Maria, hurt by his decision decided to enter the convent and become a nun.

The memory of her laughter, her touch, her warmth, it all came flooding back. A pang of regret, sharp and sudden, pierced his heart. He had made his choice, but was it the right one? But even if he wanted to bring everything back, there is nothing he can do, she has long been gone, all that is left is the love he has for her.

He sighed, pushing the photo aside. It was too late to dwell on what could have been. He had to focus on the present, on the task at hand. He had a deadline to meet, a client to impress, a legacy to build. Mr. Lim, the owner of the structure, expects a no less than an impressive mall that will captivate the whole of Asia. This is the reason why his office was awarded the contract.

He picked up his pen, the familiar weight of it a comforting presence in his hand. He began to draw, his mind working feverishly, his hand moving with the precision of a seasoned maestro. He poured his heart and soul into the project, his frustration, his longing, his fear – all of it channeled into the intricate lines and curves of the blueprint.

He was creating more than just a building. He was creating a monument to his ambition, a testament to his talent, a legacy that would outlive him. But as he worked, a quiet voice whispered in the back of his mind. Was this enough? Was this all there was to life?

He looked up at the city lights twinkling outside his window, a glittering tapestry of dreams and aspirations. He had achieved everything he had ever wanted, yet a deep sense of emptiness gnawed at his soul. He had built an empire, but it was an empire built on sand, a foundation lacking the one thing that truly mattered – love.

He knew he had to make a change. He had to find a way to bridge the gap between his professional success and his personal void. He had to find a way to find love, to build a family, to create a life. Yet, no matter how much he tried in the past, everything succumbed to failure which made it even more unbearable, giving him sleepless nights.

Albert tried to drown his feelings each night by hanging out in a bar. Hoping to meet someone who can satisfy his yearning. He is ready to accept almost any type of relationship, including one night stands.

Days turned into weeks. Finally, his masterpiece is ready! Exhausted from all the planning, Albert chose to go home to his plush condo unit to have some much needed R and R before his meeting with Mr. Lim.

As he drove across EDSA, he glanced at the buildings of which he was the main engineer. He muttered to himself, "I'm really the best at what I do. No one can rival me."

In a few minutes he arrived at the parking area of the Bayani Hall, another one of his designs. The owner, so exhilarated by what he built for him, awarded Engineer Albert with one of the expensive units at the top floor. He was not supposed to accept it, but Mr. Buenavista insisted.

Using his keycard, Albert opened his unit and went straight to the showers. He felt so dirty and he thought needed a bath so badly.

He turned on the faucet by the jacuzzi and gradually undressed. Quickly, he immersed himself in the warm water that awaited him.