Crossroads and Skylines: Navigating Unexpected Paths.

CA – McDonald

Sar

– a perfect end to an exhausting day. I had been looking forward to an evening submerged in

t Edward a page informing him to expect my call immediately. It was an old routine between us, one that was suppo

nca, its metal surface radiating the day's heat. Dialing Edward's number, I leaned

voice, tinged with the usual indiffer

d's on Barranca and give me a lift?" My patience was

frown. "Sarah, how many times... Call me Edward

his days running with the notorious Pinoy Real gang in Walnut, was som

as a resigned sigh.

d's. The line was short and soon enough, I was sipping a co

nds-on work over delegating, approached me with a m

nd's coming," I said, hoping

y frustration with a polite smile, and retreating to a corner seat

e health had been on a steady decline since my mother passed away, clawed at

are yo

rah. When wil

the same since we lost Mom – the backbone of our little clan. Dad's accident on the Army

tered the manager's return. His

re you don't

present, finding mysel

en with a smile, he

lue eyes and a reassuring presence, ended up not just calling a tow truck, but offering me a ride hom

ictable as it was disappointing. Life resumed its pace, but the encount

her chair around with a familiar gleam in her eye. I almost confided in her about Jam

Jam

e vow fulfilled with my won earnings, had also become an anchor of sorts, grounding me in a reality far removed from the lofty world of investments and titles that my

ly sales reports. "All here, boss." His bright-eyed optimism was undiminished b

-coached team. Yet, despite the familiarity of the figures and the routine, a sense of displacement occasionally w

where I could enact change with a word, just as I might influence a game with a strategy. It was my respite from the high-

o my line of sight, and I saw her – Sarah. Little did I know, that this chanc

.

under the guise of cleaning tables

a flat tire. My boyfriend's coming," sh

fered to call a tow truck. "No, it's ok. I think I

now profoundly grateful for, as it gave me a discreet vantage point to obs

's request. "Excuse me sir, can you get me

esponded, returning with her request. When I gla

r of her. As I approached, she abr

her directness, but respon

seeping into her weary demeanor. Our brief exch

want that tow?" Hesitating, s

for towing "Hey Alfred, it's James," I started, the fami

and I introduced him to Sarah's plight. She thanked him, her brow creased with the worry of potential costs, but Alfred just waved her con

ly accepted, understanding that it was just a polite offer. As we followed Alfred's truck, I caught her smiling

dwar

t the edges of a lazy afternoon. Janet's voice, soft and laced with a hint of mischief, beckoned me to

bled, my voice betraying the taut thread of annoyance. The display on the pager had a familiar number, and my

as S

e pager's screen. Yet, I was already distancing myself, caught in the gravitational pull of respo

Donald's on Barranca and give me a lift?" Sarah'

any times... Call me Edward, not Eddie. You know I can't stand that name," I corrected out of habit. Her

ere soon,"

e strain beneath her playful tone, "When will you tell her about us?" It had bee

could untangle in a single confession. "She's like family," I tr

But I thought you were going to end it with her," she s

y not going take root. "Maybe I'll just let Trixie cover for me this time," I venture

respite. Later, as I drove towards Sarah's place, my mind raced with potential explanations, and e