“NATHANIEL”

"It's good that you're here, hijo. Can you accompany Mia to her doctor's appointment?"

That was the immediate question his Aunt Ising asked him as he approached her to give his respect by kissing the old woman on the hand.

"Oh, yes, of course, her checkup is scheduled for today," he replied with a smile, nodding. "No problem, Aunty," he added.

"Thank you very much, hijo," she said, patting him on the shoulder. "Have you eaten? Mia cooked Chicken Adobo."

Upon hearing that, the young man immediately felt hungry. "I have already eaten. But because Mia is a great cook, I will eat again," he answered in an enthusiastic tone.

A wide and sweet smile once again formed on his aunt's lips. After a few moments, he left her. Just as someone arrived at the store, his aunt stood up to attend to the customer.

In the few months that Mia had been living in their house, he couldn't deny that he felt comfortable around her. She is naturally kind, despite her initial shyness, which he noticed. In ad