Chapter 45: Treating Them

They headed to the dining table, where the scent of freshly delivered Jollibee filled the air. Timothy had ordered a six-piece Chickenjoy bucket, still steaming in its red box, and a large pan of sweet-style spaghetti. A two-liter bottle of Coca-Cola stood tall beside it, condensation dripping down its sides. Angela’s eyes lit up the moment she saw it.Before they could eat, Evelyn raised her hand gently.

"Let’s pray first before we eat," she said softly.

Timothy and Angela exchanged a quick glance. It had been a long time since they had shared a meal like this, at a proper table, in a place that felt like more than survival. Yet, neither of them hesitated. They nodded, reaching out to clasp their mother’s hands. Angela’s small fingers curled around Timothy’s, while Evelyn’s calloused hand squeezed his other.

Evelyn bowed her head, her voice low but steady. "Lord, thank You for this food, for this roof above us, and for this moment You have given us. Thank You for guiding my children, for giving Timothy strength, and for keeping Angela safe. We ask for Your continued blessing as we move forward into this new life. Amen."

"Amen," Timothy and Angela echoed together.

Angela grinned and quickly reached for a piece of chicken, the crispy skin crackling under her fingers. "Mama, Brother, let’s eat!"

Timothy nodded and began eating with them. He paused briefly and watched them eat the Jollibee. For a family like them, eating fast food was only reserved for special occasions, like birthdays or new years. But even on that day, there are times that they couldn’t afford to buy, instead their mother would simply cook spaghetti and buy a loaf of bread.

Realizing that they’d no longer experience because of the system made him want to cry, but he was trying his hardest not to show it in front of them. He was glad, so glad that this system appeared in his life. Because if it doesn’t, he’d still be working multiple jobs to help his mother and support Angela’s education.

So he was thankful to whoever it is who has given him the system.

"Brother?" Angela noticed Timothy staring at them instead of eating. A strand of spaghetti hung from her fork as she tilted her head curiously.

Timothy blinked, forcing a small smile as he shook his head. "Nothing. Just... eat, Angela. Enjoy it."

Angela grinned, satisfied with the answer, and dove back into her plate. Evelyn, however, lingered on him a little longer. She had seen that look before, her son holding back something heavy, something he wasn’t ready to say. But for now, she let it pass, quietly sipping her Coke as she savored the moment.

Timothy finally picked up his fork again and resumed eating.

When they finished, Evelyn began gathering the trash instinctively, folding the empty boxes neatly. Timothy stopped her with a gentle shake of his head. "Mom, no need. I’ll take care of it later. For now, let’s go out."

Evelyn blinked. "Out? Where?"

"SM Aura," Timothy replied, standing and grabbing his keys from the counter. "It’s just nearby. We’re going to buy new clothes for both of you. If we’re living here now, you’ll need them."


Angela practically jumped from her chair. "Really? We’re going shopping?!" Her voice echoed with excitement as she ran to grab her bag.

But Evelyn frowned faintly. "Timothy... we still have clothes in Tondo. Your uniforms, Angela’s dresses, my things, they’re still there. We can’t just leave them."

Timothy’s steps slowed, his hand tightening on the keys. A rush of memories came back—threadbare shirts his mother had mended countless times, Angela’s hand-me-down shoes, his own old jackets that had survived years of wear. They weren’t just clothes. They were proof of how hard his mother had worked to keep them afloat, proof of the life they had endured together.

He turned to her, his voice softer this time. "You’re right. Those clothes matter. They’re part of us. I’ll have someone pick them up and bring them here. We don’t need to go back for them."

"Thank you, Timothy."

Timothy smiled faintly and gestured to the door. "Come on. First stop—SM Aura. It’s time we buy what you both deserve."

Angela’s laughter filled the unit as she hurried out ahead of them, her small shoes squeaking against the polished floor. Evelyn followed slowly, her hand brushing once more against the strap of her old handbag, as if still reminding herself that this was real.

***

The Ford Raptor slid into the underground parking of SM Aura, its polished black paint standing out against the rows of ordinary sedans and family vans. Angela bounced in her seat, her nose pressed against the window as she caught sight of the mall’s wide glass entrance and glowing signs.

"Brother, it’s so big!" she exclaimed, already unbuckling her seatbelt before the car had even come to a full stop.

Timothy chuckled, turning off the engine. "Patience, Angela. We’ll see everything."

Evelyn stepped out slowly. She glanced around, her eyes taking in the sparkling white tiles and air-conditioned comfort of the entrance ahead. This was a far cry from the crowded, humid markets she was used to.

They entered the department store, greeted by rows upon rows of clothing racks, shoes on display, and bright sale signs. Angela gasped, immediately tugging at Timothy’s hand.

"Can I pick? Can I really?" she asked, her eyes already darting toward the colorful dresses lined up on a rack.

"Pick whatever you want," Timothy said firmly. "Shoes, clothes, even accessories. Don’t hold back."

Angela needed no more convincing. She darted off to the children’s section, her little arms filling with blouses, skirts, and a pair of sneakers she had been eyeing from afar. Within minutes, she returned with an armful of clothes, grinning from ear to ear.

Evelyn, on the other hand, stood rooted near the women’s section. Her hands brushed over a simple blouse, price tag dangling. She quickly let go, shaking her head. The price alone could buy groceries for a week in Tondo. She picked out only a handful of cheap shirts and one pair of pants, her brows knitted in guilt.

"Mom," Timothy said when he saw her small selection, his tone gently scolding. "That’s it? You need more than that."

"This is enough," Evelyn insisted softly, placing the few items into the basket. "Your money shouldn’t be wasted on me. Angela needs more than I do."

Timothy sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Mom, you’ve spent your whole life putting us first. Let me put you first this time. You’re not wasting my money, you’re finally getting what you deserve. So please, choose more. Dresses, shoes, anything. Don’t limit yourself."

Evelyn hesitated, guilt warring with the flicker of longing in her eyes. She glanced at a dress displayed on a mannequin, elegant, simple, and something she had once dreamed of owning. Her lips trembled, but she shook her head.

"I don’t know, Timothy..."

"Then let me pick for you," Timothy said, pulling a couple of dresses and shoes from the racks and dropping them into the growing pile. Angela clapped in approval, holding up a sunhat she wanted.

Soon, their shopping cart was overflowing—Angela’s giggles echoing as she tried on hairbands in front of a mirror, Evelyn reluctantly agreeing to keep the extra pairs Timothy insisted on, and Timothy himself pushing the heavy cart with a calm satisfaction.

By the time they reached the cashier, the pile looked like it belonged to an entire family of five. Evelyn’s face flushed with embarrassment, her hand twitching toward her handbag as if she wanted to contribute.

"Timothy... this is too much. The total will be—"

"Mom," Timothy interrupted gently, looking her straight in the eyes. "Don’t worry about the total. Just be happy that we don’t have to count coins anymore."

"The total is 23,956 sir, would that be a cash or card?" said the cashier, after scanning all the items.

"Card," Timothy simply replied and handed the cashier his BDO card to which she swiped on the terminal.

"Payment received sir! Thank you for shopping with us."