CHAP 8

Even though I fell asleep early, I still woke up early the next morning. As I always do; I cleaned the house and cooked breakfast. If it used to be Manang who prepared Seniorito's food, now, I voluntarily arranged it on a tray. Manang entered the kitchen just as I finished.

"Oh, Raya. You wake up early?" she commented and looked at the food I prepared.

I saw her expression soften before she focused her gaze on me again. "I'll take it upstairs."

I just nodded, even though I wanted to wince.

She's the only one who can go upstairs, right?

Manang approached me and carefully took the tray of food. She examined it for a moment before turning to me and smiling.

"Thank you, hija," she said.

I hesitated to smile back and scratched the back of my neck. "It's okay, this is my job."

"Thank you anyway," she insisted, then patted my shoulder.

She was about to walk away when I couldn't help but ask.

"Manang . . ." I called.

She immediately looked at me. "Hmmm?"

"I am only wondering how yo