Chapter 32

• Japen drove me to Badian, a town in southern Cebu known for its beautiful beaches. He parked the car at Casay Beach and turned off the engine. Neither of us moved. I stared ahead, noticing a small hut that seemed like a reception area.
• I was still holding Japen's hand, but the warmth I had felt earlier began to fade. In that moment, the realization of what I had done hit me. I blinked. Why had I held onto his hand? I closed my eyes tightly and took a deep breath.
• No, I shouldn't have done that. I quickly released Japen's hand, opened the passenger door, and jumped out of the car, closing the door behind me.