FALLEN PROMISE

horeline, her face illuminated by a serene smile. Nestor, her beloved, prepared to embark

secured the net over his shoulder. Victoria, her eyes reflecting both love and a t

with abundance today,” he told him smilin

Victoria. The sea has always been kind to me,” he tol

ked with the rhythm of the tide. He kissed Victoria's forehead,

'll see,” Nestor told Victoria wi

started whispering an incantation. "May the sea guide

waves, raised both hands in a silent prayer. Her lips moved i

he stares at Vi

a. I'll bring you t

ing the boat until it became a mere speck on the horizon. The town, awakening to the gentl

ictoria returned to the routines that tethered her to the town. As the market square bustl

curiosity and reverence. Whispers of her nightly rituals, a dance with the sea beneath

he sun climbed higher in the sky, painting the town in a warm embrace, the echoes of her silent prayers lingere

*

e day you and Nestor tie the knot, Victoria," declared Sinang, a s

pond with a broad smile. "You always know how to make me blush, Sinang. You're well aware

hat matters is sealing the bond that you two have nurtured for so long. Besides, isn't ma

ing the freshly caught fish she intended to sell in the town. "And after that

lips, and for a moment, she seemed lost in her thoughts. Afterward, she decided to divert the conversation

ildren? How could she admit that someone like her, possessing dark powers inherited from her witch mother, lacked the courage to broach th

of vans caught her attention. Her gaze followed the procession, and she saw th

y say they're wealthy and from Manila. The buyer is reportedly a widower with only one chil

oria. That's why the most handsome fisherman in our to

f the gate of the old resort. Before long, she saw a mestiza woman alight from one of the vehicles. Dressed

tood still. An unseen energy permeated the air, an antici

sed to leave an indelible mark on the canvas of their lives. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement