Chapter XXXIX: Growth
The Feast Day of Sto. Niño arrives with a bright morning sky, and Liz wakes up to the sound of church bells ringing from afar. The day feels significant, a sacred celebration she now sees in a different light. As she stretches, she remembers that today, she and Wyn have been called to serve during the 11 AM Mass by Brother Padilla.
Liz quickly gets ready, taking a refreshing bath while her grandmother carefully presses and irons her cassock and surplice. The fresh scent of fabric softener fills the small room as she dries herself and changes. She feels a strange sense of peace as she puts on her uniform, the same outfit she once wore without much thought but now held deeper meaning.
By the time she and her grandmother arrive at the Catedral Metropolitana de San Pablo, Wyn is already there, waiting near the sacristy entrance. The two greet each other before proceeding inside, where the solemn atmosphere of the grand cathedral surrounds them. The scent of burning candles and fresh flowers fills the air, and the flickering light from the altar glows warmly. The procession is about to begin.
The bell chimes twice, signaling the start of the Mass. As they fall into line with the other servers, they follow the cross-bearer towards the altar. The presider, Fr. Emilio Donato, the president of the Colegio, walks behind them with solemn dignity.
Once they reach the altar, Liz and Wyn take their seats on the wooden pews beside the grand Retablo Mayor. The choir begins to sing, their voices filling the entire cathedral with a reverent Kyrie. As the Gloria follows, Liz leans slightly toward Wyn, whispering softly.
"Wyn, I had another dream about Bennett."
Wyn, careful not to disrupt the service, gives her a curious glance but remains silent, encouraging Liz to continue.
"In my dream, he reminded me about charity and how much he valued it," Liz says. "I think... he's still guiding me even now."
Wyn nods thoughtfully but refrains from commenting further as the choir leads the congregation into the Alleluia.
Fr. Donato approaches the pulpit, his voice echoing through the high ceilings as he proclaims the Gospel.
"The Gospel of the Lord."
"Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ."
As the congregation settles into their seats, Fr. Donato begins his homily, his voice filled with warmth and wisdom.
"My dear friends, today, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Child, the Sto. Niño. The image of the Christ Child reminds us of innocence, trust, and a heart open to learning. But above all, it reminds us of growth."
Liz listens attentively, her hands resting on her lap as the priest continues.
"The Child Jesus, though young and small, was already the King of Kings. In His youth, He grew in wisdom, not just in divine knowledge but in human understanding. He did not remain a child forever, for He was meant to be our Savior. And as we honor Him today, we must ask ourselves—are we growing in virtue as He did? Are we shedding our past mistakes and becoming better, more faithful individuals?"
Liz feels her chest tighten. A memory flashes before her eyes—Bennett patiently teaching her math when she struggled, Bennett reminding her to be kind even when she didn't feel like it, Bennett encouraging her to see the world beyond herself. She remembers how often she ignored him, pushed him away, and refused to listen.
A lump forms in her throat.
"Bennett… I miss you," she thinks to herself. "I'm really sorry for how I treated you before. You were always trying to help me, but I was too selfish to see it."
Fr. Donato's voice breaks through her thoughts.
"To grow in faith, we must also let go of lies, of pride, and of selfishness. We must acknowledge those who have taught us wisdom, and be grateful for the lessons they imparted. If we do this, we will not only honor the Holy Child but walk the path He set before us."
Liz bows her head, tears welling in her eyes.
"Amen," Fr. Donato concludes, and the congregation echoes his prayer.
As the Mass continues with the Nicene Creed and the Prayers of the Faithful, Liz finds herself reflecting more deeply than ever before. By the time the offertory begins, she turns to Wyn once more, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Wyn… I think I finally understand," she murmurs. "Bennett wasn't just trying to be kind. He was showing me what it meant to truly care about others. I never appreciated it before, but now…"
Wyn offers a small, reassuring smile. "It's not too late, Liz."
Liz nods, determination settling in her heart.
As the Mass proceeds, she silently prays—not just for forgiveness, but for the strength to continue growing, just as the Sto. Niño did. And for the first time in a long while, she feels a sense of peace wash over her.
Liz stands at the side of the Retablo Mayor with Wyn, their voices blending with the choir as the hymn "Hosanna" resonates through the cathedral. The scent of burning incense lingers in the air as the congregation kneels in reverence. The Consecration unfolds before them, the sacred moment casting a solemn silence over the mass.
As "When We Eat This Bread" follows, Liz glances at Wyn, her heart heavy with reflections. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of realizations, and the weight of her past actions presses against her chest. When they reach the final "Amen," she exhales softly and leans closer to Wyn.
"Wyn," she whispers, her voice almost drowned by the lingering notes of the hymn. "I just want to say... I'm sorry for everything. For the times I was mean to you. For acting selfishly."
Wyn blinks in surprise but then smiles. "Liz, that means a lot. I'm glad you're saying this. Honestly, I've always known you had a good heart."
Liz nods, her fingers tightening around her hymnal. She has wronged many people in the past, but she is trying—changing. She realizes it now more than ever.
The congregation moves into the "Lord's Prayer," and Liz closes her eyes, mouthing each word with newfound sincerity. As "For the Kingdom" follows, she folds her hands, her thoughts shifting to Bennett.
Peace be with you.
She whispers the blessing in her heart—not only for her family and friends but also for Bennett's family, who has suffered just as much as she has.
When the time for communion arrives, she and Wyn accompany Fr. Donato, moving in quiet steps as they assist in the sacred ritual. The Eucharist is distributed, and Liz watches as each person steps forward, hands outstretched, their faces full of devotion. It is a sight she has seen countless times before, but today, it holds a deeper meaning.
After the final blessing, the choir sings the closing hymn, and the mass ends with a recession. Liz and Wyn walk down the aisle alongside the other altar servers, their robes flowing as they proceed toward the main doors.
As the last of the congregation departs, Liz ensures the cathedral is empty before glancing at Wyn. "Let's check the Retablo Mayor."
Wyn nods. They make their way back to the grand altar, the towering figure of Sto. Niño de Pasión de Ciudad Fernandina standing in its place. Clad in a crimson robe with gold lining, the small Holy Child Jesus bears a wooden cross on its back. Liz steps closer, her fingers tracing the intricate embroidery before noticing something—at the back of the statue, a small keyhole gleams under the candlelight.
She pulls out the key she retrieved from the other shrine days ago. With a deep breath, she inserts it into the keyhole and turns. A soft click echoes in the stillness. A hidden compartment at the statue's base shifts open, revealing its secret contents.
Inside, Liz finds a fragmented image covered in dust and a small bottle of palm oil. She picks them up carefully, feeling the weight of mystery settle over her. What does this all mean?
"Adrian," Wyn calls out toward the cathedral entrance, where their senior stands watch. "Everything okay?"
"No one's here," Adrian replies. "You guys done?"
Liz nods, still staring at the objects in her hands. "Yeah. Let's go."
That night, back at home, Liz sits on her bed, staring at a framed photo of Bennett. The dim light of her bedside lamp casts a warm glow on his frozen smile, and she runs a finger over the glass before pressing a kiss against it.
Grabbing her notebook, she writes him a message:
Bennett, today was Sto. Niño's feast day. I served again. I reflected a lot... about you, about everything. I remember how patient you always were, even when I was stubborn. I know I wasn't the best person back then, but I hope... I hope you're proud of me now.
Placing the notebook aside, she exhales and lays down. Sleep comes swiftly, and with it, a familiar dream.
She is in Bennett's room again, but this time, she isn't just standing by his bookshelf—she is in bed with him.
Liz jolts upright, her face heating. "What—?!"
Bennett laughs softly, his voice as warm as she remembers. "Relax. It's just a dream."
With a snap of his fingers, they are no longer under the covers. They sit on the bed, facing each other, the soft glow of lamplight illuminating his gentle smile.
"I obtained something today," Liz tells him, holding up her hands as if still carrying the fragmented image and palm oil. "But I don't know what they mean."
Bennett leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"Put the pieces together. Wash them. You'll see."
Liz frowns, her mind racing. "And what about me? Have I... really changed?" Her voice wavers slightly. "You always saw the worst in me. I was selfish, childish, and rude. I never listened. But now... I'm trying. I really am."
Bennett watches her, a fond smile playing on his lips.
"You were difficult," he admits. "But you were also kind in ways you didn't realize. Do you remember that time you refused to share your chocolate with me?"
Liz flushes. "That was years ago."
"And do you remember how you finally gave in?" Bennett tilts his head. "That was the first time you understood sharing isn't just giving up something—it's giving from the heart. Now, you've grown even more. You think about others. You care about people beyond yourself. That is what Sto. Niño represents—growth. The Holy Child grew into the King of Kings. And you... you are growing into someone wiser, someone stronger."
Liz's eyes well up. "I miss you."
"I know." He reaches out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "But I'm always here."
Tears slip down her cheeks, but before she can say anything else, a sudden burst of emotion overtakes her. She lunges forward, tackling Bennett onto the bed, wrapping her arms around him.
"Liz—!"
She presses her face against his shoulder. "I love you. I love you so much."
Bennett chuckles, but he holds her just as tightly. "I love you too."
They stay like that for a while before he gently pulls away.
"The items you found today—they will be important. Especially the palm oil."
Liz tilts her head. "Why?"
Bennett only smiles. "You'll see. Just trust yourself."
Liz nods, determination filling her heart. "I promise. I'll make you proud. And I will find you."
Bennett's expression softens. "I know you will."
As the dream fades, Liz's heart beats with newfound resolve. When she wakes, she clutches the palm oil tightly in her hand. Whatever comes next, she is ready.